Rock 'n' Roll. 🎸
Dominique Persoone is the "Shock-o-latier" of Bruges. He invented the chocolate shooter for the Rolling Stones. His shop is a laboratory of weirdness.
The Flavors
Forget hazelnut. Try the "Miss Piggy" (bacon and quinoa), the "Tokyo" (wasabi and marzipan), or the "Fried Onion." They sound wrong, but they taste right.
Praline History
The praline (a hard chocolate shell with a soft filling) was invented in Belgium in 1912. It is the national art form.
Liège vs. Brussels. 🧇
If you order a "Belgian Waffle," locals will look at you confused. There are two types, and you need to know which one you are eating.
The Liège Waffle
The superior street snack. Oval shaped, doughy, and filled with chunks of pearl sugar that caramelize when cooked. No toppings needed.
The Brussels Waffle
Rectangular, light, airy, and crispy. You eat this one sitting down with a knife and fork, dusted with powdered sugar.
Tourist Trap Alert
Avoid the places stacking strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce five inches high. Good waffles stand alone.
Underground
3KM Pipe
The Beer Pipeline. 🏭
The "Half Moon" brewery has been here since 1564. In 2016, they built a pipeline under the medieval streets to pump beer to their bottling plant.
Brugse Zot:
"Bruges Fool." The city's official beer. It is a blonde ale, fruity and dry. Take the brewery tour—it ends on the roof with a panoramic view and a fresh glass.
Staminee De Garre. 🧱
It is the smallest alley in Bruges, located right off the main square. If you blink, you'll miss the entrance. Inside is a medieval time capsule.
The House Beer
"Tripel De Garre." It is 11% alcohol. It is thick, creamy, and dangerous. They serve it with a side of cheese cubes to keep you alive.
The Limit
Legend says they will not serve you more than three. After three 11% beers, you won't be able to find the alley exit anyway.