In Wallonia, food is the second best thing to a hug. It warms our heart, our soul and sharing terroir treats brings us such joy. It will add a sparkle to your parties too. It’s all about exquisite flavours, authenticity and excellence… Grab a plate!
Make sure to join a guided visit of our of small producer’s : they usually have a sales counter on site.
If you live in Brussels or plan to visit the capital, do stop by the VISITWallonia info.shop, close to the Grand’Place: a fantastic opportunity to get your fill of food specialities from the south of Belgium.
And here are recipe ideas to add a twist to them!
A taste of Wallonia
Snails: an addictive Walloon delight
Did you know? This tiny (but fleshy) gastropod is particularly rich in oligo-elements… A welcome bonus! Try it cooked in a small casserole, with parsley butter, fried or in puff pastry. Get yours from:
- l’Escargotière de Warnant, between Namur and Dinant
- l’Escargotière Saint-Véron in Braine-le-Château
- la Ferme du Vieux-Tilleul, in Bierwart
Heavenly duck
Magret, confit, rillette, raviole, boudin, pâté and, of course, foie gras… Isn’t duck heavenly? Why not visit some of the producers and stock up? Here are a few addresses well worth a detour:
- La Ferme de la Sauvenière (rewarded many times for its quality) in Hemptinne (Florennes)
- le Foie gras de Floumont in Ortho (La Roche-en-Ardenne)
- Phil’ cuisine in Bastogne
Fantastic meat
Ostrich, game, tasty charcuterie to go with a raclette… So much to choose from!
- Charcuteries Montenauer (Montenauer Schinkenräucherei) in Montenau (East Cantons): their Ardenne ham is a thing of beauty
- Salaisons artisanales Muriel Courtois in Marvie (Bastogne): try their beech-smoked ham
- Ferme des Sanglochons in Verlaine: original products perfect for end of year festivities
Fish delicacies
Walloon rivers hide a wealth of fish, trout being the signature of the region. Here are some of our favourite addresses, should you wish to try it:
- La Truite d’Ondenval in Waimes : fresh and smoked trout, salmon trout
- La Pisciculture Mathonet in Malmedy : organic trout (fresh, smoked, mousse)
- Chez Escavir in Olloy-sur-Viroin: smoked fish, salmon terrines, smoked salmon.
Mustard, saffron and saffron mustard
Some of our producers specialise in sauces, condiments and spices, one of theme being saffron, also called “red gold”. Just what you need to add a wow effect to a dish…
- Safran de Cotchia (Wasseiges) : pistils, jelly, onion confit, saffron mayonnaise and mustard, liquors (one made with malt from The Owl Disttillery). Sales counter on site and e-shop
- Safran de Patr’ann (Profondeville) : pistils, by-products, hampers
- Conserverie et moutarderie d’Eynatten (in the East Cantons): cold and hot sauces to pair with your dishes
Say cheese
Our gazing pastures produce a rich, tasty milk, which we then turn into splendid cheeses. We have nothing to envy France!
- Fromagerie du Plateau (Herve) : for cheese boards or raclettes. Named Walloon cheese of the year in 2021
- Fromagerie du Vieux Moulin (Battice) : the last producer to make Herve cheese with raw milk (the only Belgian cheese with an AOP)
- Bergerie d’Acremont (near Bertrix) : sheep cheese
Divine chocolate
Belgium is renowned for its chocolatiers and their exquisite creations. Ideal Christmas presents, don’t you think?
Chocolatiers recently rewarded by Gault & Millau
- 2024 : Thibaut Legast in Braîne-le-Comte can boast award-winning chocolates – e-shop.
- 2022 : Pierre Plas and his chocolate truffles, candied chestnuts in Bastogne - sale on site
- 2021 : Benoît Nihant and its haute couture chocolates in Awans – e-shop
- 2020 : Ariqua Denis, a young but passionate chocolatier in Andenne – e-shop
- 2019 : Sigoji for the quality of its chocolates in Ciney and Rochefort - e-shop
Other cacao bean experts we recommend:
- Cyril Chocolat in Samrée (La Roche-en-Ardenne) : and its bespoke
- Jean-Philippe Darcis in Verviers : a real chocolate ambassador – e-shop
- Didier Smeets in Berneau : a young, innovating chocolatier – e-shop
- Charlemagne Chocolatiers in Herstal : chocolate truffles to die for – e-shop
More tips for foodies
A map of gourmet visits in Wallonia
Come and meet 40 producers and artisans:
taste beers, wines, chocolates, cold meats, cheeses, snails... and add them to your festive menus.
Visiting Brussels?
The VISITWallonia info.shop, a stone's throw from the Grand'Place, is the perfect place to stock up on gifts.
Here await gourmet baskets, decorative and beauty gifts inspired by the south of Belgium.
Find more inspiration...
© WBT - David Samyn
© WBT J.P.-RemyAlcohol can be dangerous for your health, please consume in moderation.
