Waffles, Fries & Chocolate in Belgium

I've been busier than expected throughout this week (and will be until I submit my final research proposal) so, this post will short BUT filled with yummy pictures! And oh! It's been snowing and cycling to class with a blanket of white snow everywhere is a surreal experience! The chilly and frosty wind never fails to freeze my face by the time I reach my class but there's nothing a cup of hot coffee can't fix ;P

Anyway, I'll cut to the chase and let the pictures roll!

Over the weekend, I had a little side trip to Brussels and Bruges in Belgium. It's a 2 hour-ish bus ride from Maastricht but I slept throughout the ride and before I knew it, I was in the land of chocolate, waffles and fries!!!

Delacre Store, Brussles

It's a biscuit shop where all their biscuits are handmade (you can find Delacre biscuits in the supermarket as well but they aren't handmade!) and packed in old-school tin boxes.

They even let you get one biscuit each if you want!

Can I tempt you with more biscuits?? There were biscuit stores on almost every street but I can vouch that Delacre ones are the best!

Now, on with the fries! According to my tour guide, French fries were originally from Belgium! Traditionally, people would deep-fry small fishes but when times got tough, people started deep-frying potatoes that were cut into a similar-looking size to prevent their neighbours from knowing that they didn't have any fish!!

And how did the name "French Fries" come about?? Apparently, American soldiers were introduced to the fries by French-speaking Belgian soldiers and thus, the name "French Fries"!

Belgian Fries with Curry Ketchup and Mayonnaise

I was extremely intrigued by the curry ketchup sauce and decided to go for it! It tasted like a blend of ketchup with a hint of Japanese curry sauce and I actually liked it! 

Had a quick stop at McDonald's and spotted this!! They're selling MACARONS!

To all the chocolate lovers out there, you can't visit Brussels without visiting Neuhaus. And why's that? Jean Neuhaus II, the founder's grandson, invented pralines!!! You know, the chocolate pieces with soft fondant or liquid-y centers!!

So, on behalf of all praline lovers, thank you Jean Neuhaus II.

I'm seriously in love with the bread culture here!!

Chocolate? Check! Fries? Check! Waffles??? WAFFLES!

Don't worry about not finding any because they're everywhere!!!!

Brussels waffle with whipped cream and chocolate

Unlike Liege waffles, these are light, delicate and crispy! Not a fan of whipped cream but it was so decadent with the bitter-sweet dark chocolate!!

That's all for now as I have to cycle to class soon! 

I'll heading over to Amsterdam this weekend and I'll keep you all posted about it!! But till then, dream of waffles! :)