The World | Europe | Belgium

Belgian cuisine has had many influences over the centuries, but its main influences are German and French. Belgians say their cooking is done with French finesse, but served with German largesse. Ingredients such as honey and spices give Belgian cooking its unique character. Fish and seafood are widely consumed, and mussels, which are farmed along the coast, are enjoyed eaten with Belgian fries. Belgium is famous for its waffles, which are made using specially shaped waffle irons, and often made light and crisp by the addition of beer to the batter.