Beyond Waffles: The Ultimate Antwerp Food Experience Guide

Discover Antwerp's incredible food scene beyond waffles with Flemish dishes, local beer, and Michelin-starred dining.

Published: 11/7/2025
Last Published: 11/11/2025
Updated: 11/11/2025
Category: Food & Drink
Reading time: 7 minutes
Word count: 1333 words
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Content type: AI-assisted
Featured image for Beyond Waffles: The Ultimate Antwerp Food Experience Guide

Beyond Waffles: The Ultimate Antwerp Food Experience Guide

Discover Antwerp's incredible food scene beyond waffles with Flemish dishes, local beer, and Michelin-starred dining.

Nov 11, 2025
7 min read
Antwerp is a city that delights the senses, particularly when it comes to food. While Belgium is often synonymous with waffles, Antwerp offers a culinary landscape that is as diverse as it is delicious. From traditional Flemish stews to innovative fusion cuisine, this city caters to every palate. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore local delicacies or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of Antwerp, this guide is your ultimate companion. Discover hidden gems, local favorites, and money-saving tips as we take you beyond the typical tourist fare.
Beyond Waffles: The Ultimate Antwerp Food Experience Guide

Traditional Flemish Cuisine

Antwerp is a haven for those wanting to savor traditional Flemish dishes. Begin your culinary adventure with 'stoofvlees', a rich beef stew cooked in beer, typically served with crispy fries. For a true local experience, visit a cozy brasserie in Old Town Antwerp, where you can enjoy this hearty dish among locals. Don't miss 'waterzooi', a creamy stew made with chicken or fish, a perfect comfort food.

Seafood Specialties

Thanks to its proximity to the North Sea, Antwerp offers an impressive array of seafood. Be sure to try mussels, often prepared in a variety of sauces, from classic white wine to spicy tomato. For an unforgettable meal, head to the bustling streets of Eilandje, where waterfront restaurants serve freshly caught fish and shellfish.

Sweet Treats: Beyond Waffles

While waffles are a must-try, Antwerp's sweet offerings go beyond this iconic treat. Indulge in 'Antwerpse handjes', delicious hand-shaped biscuits made with almonds and chocolate. Chocolate lovers should not miss a visit to a chocolatier in the Antwerp City Center, where you can savor some of the world's finest chocolates.

International Flavors

Antwerp's culinary scene is a melting pot of global flavors. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Borgerhout to find a plethora of international eateries offering everything from Middle Eastern kebabs to Asian fusion dishes. This cultural diversity makes Antwerp a dynamic destination for food enthusiasts.

Local Markets and Street Food

For an authentic taste of Antwerp, visit the local markets. The 'Vogelenmarkt' in the Antwerpen Centrum is perfect for sampling a range of street foods, including 'smoutebollen' (Belgian doughnuts) and freshly made sandwiches. These markets are not only a place to eat but also to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Craft Beer and Brewery Tours

Belgium is famous for its beer, and Antwerp is no exception. Discover local brews by visiting one of the city's many breweries. The De Koninck Brewery offers tours that provide insight into the beer-making process, complete with tastings. Pair your beer with local cheese for a true Flemish experience.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Antwerp caters to all dietary preferences, including those seeking vegetarian and vegan options. Restaurants throughout the city offer plant-based dishes that are both innovative and satisfying. Zurenborg, known for its artistic vibe, is home to several eateries that specialize in vegan cuisine, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city's culinary delights.

Popular Tours in Antwerp

Private Tour in Antwerp, Belgium with a Local Guide tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Private Tour in Antwerp, Belgium with a Local Guide

3h

Book a tour with a real local! My name is Erwin, I was born and raised here, I've been a licensed city guide since 2014 and I spend all my time, both professional and private, in this city. So it's safe to say I know this city really well. This tour can (and will be) completely personalized. The listing itinerary is a suggestion, but I will adapt the tour to your interests. Since it's private, anything is possible. WHY SHOULD YOU BOOK WITH ME? 1. You'll get a real local who spends all his time in this city. 2. I am an experienced city guide. 3. Especially if you love good food and amazing drinks, we're going to get along very well :-) 4. I will personally be your guide, I will not send anyone else. Come join your new local best friend for a truly local experience! My calendar tends to fill up quite quickly, so book earlier to have a higher chance I'm still available.

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€320
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Antwerp Pub Crawl tour image
10/10
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Antwerp Pub Crawl

2h

We stroll through the old town and visit historic pubs. It is also possible to start in a taproom of a brewery (Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie). Belgian beer is of obvious interest, but there are other local drinks to discover. Are you ready to explore? What is the secret to the brewing of such a good beer? And various styles: hoppy, sour and fruity, and mildly sweet. It's an unexpected conclusion. Listen, walk and taste. To stimulate your curiosity, the following are a few peculiar but facts. Thanks to the French Revolution, we can enjoy Trappist beer from Westmalle! Thanks to the losers of the local elections, Belgium has a wide range of high-quality beers! In each pub, we try something different. Advice will be given by the guide and pub owner in each case. But the choice is yours! Please note that at each pub visit, the customer (group or individual) treats the guide to a drink.

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€60
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Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp tour image
10/10
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Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

2h

This private tour is a great way to get the most out of your visit in Antwerp. Within 2 hours you will explore the main sights of the city while taking in history, legends and lots of interesting facts about Antwerp. Are you wondering why the city is called ‘The Diamond Capital’ or what made our baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens world-famous? Maybe you would like to know how the Port of Antwerp became one of the biggest around the globe? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion to make your stay simply unforgettable.

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€87.5
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Bruges and Ghent Trips from Amsterdam via Brussels tour image
10/10
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Bruges and Ghent Trips from Amsterdam via Brussels

8h

Bruges - vibrant UNESCO heritage city with typical Flemish stunning architecture, colorful houses picturesque streets, tasty food and unique Christmas market. Belfry o Bruges, thousand kinds of local beers, traditional handmade laces, well known giant draft horses, relic and iconic piece of canvas with residues of Christs blood. Explore "kingdom of chocolate" city from it's romantic canal-side strolls. Ghent - forever young medieval Brabant "students" city at confluence Scheldt and Leie rivers, traditional festivals site, "jelly noses" local sweets delicacy. Restaurants and cafe's heaven (more than 1200 ! ). Marvel Ghent Altarpiece the most stolen masterpiece in European art history, discover terrify historical fact about Ghent residents nickname 'noose carriers'.

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€550
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Antwerp Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour) tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Antwerp Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour)

2h

Get to know the city through the eyes of a local guide. You can customize the tour or leave it to the local for an enlightening introduction to the city. With our private walking tours, you'll skip the mundane historical tours and experience the city through the eyes of a real local. Our local guides are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and insights. The will offer an authentic and personal experience. By the end of the tour, you will feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay. - Private walking tour for just you and your group - Your guide customizes your tour to your interests and personality - Get a deeper insight into Antwerp life than possible alone - See Antwerp through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems

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€54
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Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp tour image
10/10
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Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

1h 30m

Get off the beaten track and discover the dark side of Antwerp with your local guide. This walking tour is a great way to skip the touristy trail and get to know the more obscure side of Antwerp. During the 1.5h tour you will discover the city from a different perspective with its hidden gems and unique sights. Are you looking for adventure and breathtaking panoramic views? Would you like to hear some medieval legends or “spicy” stories from the Red Light District? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion for the city to make your time truly special! IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips, so please bring cash money. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

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€2.99
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Dining with a View

For a dining experience that combines great food with stunning views, head to the Scheldt riverfront. Many restaurants in this area offer terraces where you can enjoy your meal while watching the sunset over the water. The neighborhood of Linkeroever provides some of the best vistas of the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

Money-Saving Tips

Eating out in Antwerp doesn't have to break the bank. Look for 'lunch menus' offered by many restaurants, where you can enjoy a full meal at a reduced price. Additionally, local bakeries offer affordable pastries and sandwiches, perfect for a quick and tasty meal on the go.

Grote Markt, Antwerp

The historic center of Antwerp

"In Antwerp, every bite tells a story—from the crunch of freshly baked speculoos to the aromatic allure of a traditional stoofvlees. 'Beyond Waffles' unveils the heart of our culinary tapestry, inviting you to savor the city's rich flavors and vibrant history."

Liesbeth De Vos - Local Food Historian

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