Belgium
Belgium has a rich coffee culture, and while you'll find all the internationally popular coffee drinks, there are also a few local nuances and specialties. Belgium was historically a significant player in the coffee trade due to its colonial ties, and coffee remains a staple in daily life.
Here's a breakdown of how to order coffee in Belgium and what's in them:
Common International Coffee Drinks (widely available):
These are available in most cafes, from traditional establishments to modern specialty coffee shops.
Espresso: A concentrated shot of coffee, made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. Often served with a small piece of chocolate or a biscuit.
Doppio: A double shot of espresso.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water. A popular choice for those who prefer a less intense coffee flavor than a straight espresso.
Cappuccino: Typically equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. In some more traditional Belgian cafes, you might find it topped with whipped cream rather than microfoam.
Latte (Café Latte): Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. It's creamier and milkier than a cappuccino.
Flat White: Similar to a latte but with less frothed milk and a velvety, microfoam texture. It often has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte due to the higher coffee-to-milk ratio.
Macchiato (Espresso Macchiato): Espresso "marked" or "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. It's still strong in coffee flavor with just a touch of creaminess.
Mocha (Caffè Mocha): Espresso, chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder), and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
Filter Coffee (or "Filterkoffie" (Dutch) / "Café Filtre" (French) ): Brewed coffee made by pouring hot water over ground coffee, allowing it to drip through a filter. Specialty coffee shops will often offer various pour-over methods (V60, Chemex, Aeropress).
Iced Coffee: Can vary, but typically black coffee or an espresso-based drink served over ice, sometimes with milk, syrup, or whipped cream.
Belgian & Regional Specialties:
While not as widely known internationally as Italian or French coffee styles, Belgium has a few traditional approaches and a specific dessert-coffee that's notable.
"Gewone koffie" or "Koffie" (Standard Coffee): In many traditional Belgian cafes, if you just ask for "coffee," you'll likely receive a medium-strength filter coffee, often served with a small creamer and sugar. This is still a very common way to enjoy coffee in Belgium, especially in older establishments.
Café Liégeois: This is a famous Belgian dessert-coffee from the city of Liège.
Ingredients: It's a cold dessert-drink made with chilled strong coffee, coffee-flavored ice cream, whipped cream, and sometimes a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or even a spirit like Dubonnet (a fortified wine) or curaçao (an orange-flavored liqueur), as mentioned in some historical descriptions.
Preparation: The components are layered in a tall glass, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
Brûlot: While not exclusively Belgian, this is a traditional coffee drink that you might encounter, especially in older or more upscale establishments.
Ingredients: It consists of coffee, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, finely shredded lemon peel, and a touch of warm cognac. The alcohol is often ignited briefly before serving.
Coffee with a Speculoos: While not a drink in itself, it's very common to be served a small speculoos biscuit (a spiced shortcrust biscuit) alongside your coffee in Belgium. This is a beloved local tradition.
Ordering Tips in Belgium:
"Café" vs. "Koffie": In French-speaking parts of Belgium (Wallonia and Brussels), "café" is the standard term for coffee. In Dutch-speaking Flanders, "koffie" is used.
Specialty Coffee Scene: Belgium, particularly Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, has a thriving specialty coffee scene with independent roasters and cafes that prioritize quality beans, precise brewing methods, and modern espresso machines. These places will often have extensive menus of single-origin coffees and various brewing methods.
Milk & Sweeteners: Sugar is always available. If you want milk, you can ask for "melk" (Dutch) or "lait" (French). Plant-based milks (oat, almond, soy) are increasingly common in modern cafes.
"Degustation" or "Koffie met zoetje": Sometimes you'll find a "coffee tasting" option or a "coffee with a sweet treat," which might include a variety of small pastries or chocolates alongside your coffee.
Café Culture: Belgian cafes often serve as social hubs, similar to pubs. While coffee is central, many also offer a wide range of beers and other beverages, especially in traditional "brown cafes."
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.