Ten delicious things we love about Belgium #BelgianNationalDay
- Published
Holy Jean-Claude Van Damme, it’s Belgian National Day!
Over in Belgium, there’ll be a parade around the Royal Palace, a flypast by the airforce and inspection of the troops by the Belgian king, Philippe.
We haven’t quite gone that far, but we did want to send some love to our Belgian friends. So here are ten of our fave things about Belgium:
Belgian chocolate
So smooth, so creamy… Belgium’s history with chocolate goes back to the 1600s and it’s taken very seriously. They’ve even written chocolate standards into Belgian law to prevent crappy chocolate being made. Definitely a good use of the justice system.
Belgian waffles
Belgium’s basically owned the international waffle scene for a while now and the most popular type is the Liege waffle. Apparently in 1800s America, they used to have Belgium waffle parties. We’re up for reviving those any time.
Belgian chocolate on Belgian waffles
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Best pairing since Britney and Justin (RIP).
So beautiful... *sheds tear*
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Your favourite badass Belgian used to be on the Belgium national karate team and was once declared Mr. Belgium in a bodybuilding contest. His muscles are now literally hard as rock after a life-size statue of him went up in Brussels.
Jean-Claude Van Damme on a waffle
Just a picture of Jean-Claude on a waffle.
Tintin
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Blistering barnacles! Everyone’s fave floppy-haired journalist was created by Georges Remi, aka Herge, a Belgian cartoonist. Just lie back and listen to that stirring theme music.
Moules-freaking-frites
The UK was rocked recently by reports that moules-frites was under threat due to a mussel virus. But fear not, mollusc-loving Brits, the unofficial national dish of Belgium ain’t going nowhere. Our supply is all good to go for a Belgian National Day blow out.
Hercule Poirot
With a moustache capable of withstanding gravity and a passion for a fine pair of patent leather shoes, Poirot’s an icon to be proud of.
The saxophone
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In case Fleur East didn’t mention, the sexy sax was invented by a Belgian called Adolphe Sax. It's notable for helping shape jazz music and for being Lisa Simpson’s instrument of choice.
Beer
Apparently, Belgians used to drink 200 litres of beer a year way back in 1900. Though they’ve cut back a bit since then, they still make over 1000 different kinds of beer. We’d be up for sampling them all!
We hope you’re all now ready to pour a pint, iron a waffle and flex your mussels. Santé!
