The 10 Tastings of Brussels With Locals: PRIVATE Food Tour (B-Corp certified)

Exploring Brussels through its food offers a rich tapestry of flavors and local culture. The 10 Tastings of Brussels With Locals is a private, food-focused tour led by a dedicated local guide, allowing a personalized journey through the city’s culinary scene. Priced at $178.22 per person, this approximately 3-hour experience is ideal for those who prefer an intimate setting over group tours, with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The tour includes 10 carefully selected tastings, from iconic Belgian fries and chocolates to other savory and sweet delights, all designed to showcase the best of Brussels’ cuisine.

This experience suits travelers seeking a personalized introduction to Brussels’ food culture, especially those interested in learning about Belgium’s culinary history and enjoying cultural highlights. While the tour guarantees an engaging guide and delicious tastings, it’s worth noting that some stops are not included in the ticket price, and the overall quality of food can vary depending on individual expectations. Nevertheless, the private format and customization options make this a good choice for visitors craving a flexible, food-centered exploration of the city.

Key Points

• Private, customizable food tour with a dedicated local guide
• 10 tastings of both sweet and savory Belgian specialties
• Duration of around 3 hours, with flexible pacing
• Includes cultural stops like La Bourse de Bruxelles and Maison du Sac
• Vegetarian options available and tour’s CO2 emissions are offset
• Meets at Rue du Marché aux Herbes 116, with no hotel pickup included

Start at Rue du Marché aux Herbes 116, the Tour’s Meeting Point

The tour begins at Rue du Marché aux Herbes 116 in Brussels, a central location near public transportation. The start is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the same spot, making logistics simple for participants. The private nature of the experience means only your group and your local guide are involved, providing an intimate setting.

Since no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, guests should plan to arrive at the meeting point on time. The location is convenient and near several public transport options, making it easy to reach from most accommodations in Brussels.

The Flexibility of a Private, Customizable Itinerary

One of the strongest features of this tour is its customizability. The local guide has a flexible itinerary that can adapt to food preferences or specific dietary requirements, which should be communicated at booking. This flexibility makes the experience suitable for those with special diets or particular tastes, although specific dietary needs may influence the number of tastings.

This private format also means the pace is controlled by your group, with plenty of time to ask questions and explore cultural highlights in between tastings. The tour is designed to be a relaxed, personal experience, avoiding the crowds typical of larger group tours.

Exploring Brussels’ Culinary Classics: Fries and Chocolate

The tour features 10 tastings carefully curated by a local host who knows the city well. The first stop offers a taste of Belgian fries and Belgian chocolate, two staples of Brussels’ food scene. These tastings are presented in their authentic local flavor, giving an immediate taste of the city’s culinary pride.

Participants can expect to sample other dishes curated by the guide, who selects each tasting based on their love for food and knowledge of Brussels. This approach ensures each stop offers a genuine and delicious experience, though some reviews suggest the quantity and variety can vary.

Cultural Highlights and Hidden Passages like Maison du Sac and La Bourse

Between tastings, the guide leads guests through notable city sights, including Maison du Sac and the Brussels Stock Exchange (La Bourse de Bruxelles).

Maison du Sac is a tricky-to-find street known for its dead-end routes—a unique feature of Brussels’ historic core—offering a glimpse into the city’s charming alleyways. La Bourse de Bruxelles is an architectural gem, providing an impressive backdrop and a chance to appreciate Brussels’ historic and commercial architecture.

Plus, a stop at Café des Halles allows visitors to experience a former covered marketplace that now hosts exhibitions, events, and a bar, blending cultural activities with a lively ambiance. These stops enrich the tour with local history and architecture, making it more than just a food tasting.

The Tasting Experience at Café des Halles and Additional Stops

Café des Halles is a versatile venue where the tour pauses for a 30-minute visit. It used to be a marketplace and now functions as a cultural hub with a bar, providing a perfect spot to relax and discuss the previous tastings.

While most tastings are included in the tour, some stops like Maison du Sac are not included in the ticket price, which visitors should keep in mind. The guide can customize tastings to vegetarian preferences, ensuring inclusivity for different diets, although specific food options may influence the overall number of tastings.

The Role of the Local Guide and Personal Interaction

A key feature praised in reviews is the knowledgeable and friendly guide who leads the tour. Guides like Elodie and Paulina are highlighted for their warmth, flexibility, and ability to blend food with cultural insights.

The private format allows for engaging conversations and tons of questions, giving guests a deeper understanding of Brussels’ history, architecture, and culinary traditions. The guide’s local expertise ensures that each stop is meaningful and well-chosen, often with recommendations for other local spots.

The Business and Environmental Aspects of the Tour

Organized by B-Corp certified Withlocals, this tour has a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism. The CO2 neutral aspect means the tour’s carbon emissions are offset, appealing to eco-conscious travelers.

The price of $178.22 per person reflects the private, personalized nature, as well as the high-quality tastings and flexible itinerary. Since the tour is booked about 101 days in advance on average, it indicates good demand and reliability.

Review Summary: Strengths and Limitations

The tour garners an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 47 reviews, with many visitors praising the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the delicious tastings. Several mention that the guide Elodie or Paulina made the experience engaging and worthwhile.

However, some reviews point to inconsistencies in the food quantity and quality, with a few guests feeling the experience was not markedly different from exploring on their own. Notably, a few guests with dietary restrictions experienced issues when allergies were not communicated early.

This tour offers a personalized introduction to Brussels’ food and culture, best suited for those who value flexibility, expert guidance, and a curated tasting list.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private tour is ideal for food lovers who appreciate a relaxed, customizable experience, and groups seeking intimacy with a local guide. It suits those interested in cultural highlights alongside tastings but may not satisfy food purists or those expecting large quantities.

The experience is especially beneficial for travelers with specific dietary requirements or those who want to explore Brussels in a more personal, less crowded setting.

The Sum Up: A Personal, Tasty Brussels Adventure

The 10 Tastings of Brussels With Locals offers a balanced, flexible way to discover the city’s culinary scene. Its private format, expert guides, and cultural stops make it a compelling choice for visitors eager to enjoy Belgium’s famous fries, chocolates, and more in a personalized setting.

While some may find the food portions variable and the cost somewhat high, the overall experience delivers authentic flavors, local insights, and a relaxed pace. This tour suits those who want a deliberate, intimate exploration of Brussels’ food and culture, with the chance to ask questions and enjoy at their own speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What is the price per person?
The cost is $178.22 per person.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Rue du Marché aux Herbes 116, in central Brussels.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian alternatives are available, but specific dietary needs should be communicated at booking.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, only your group and your guide participate.

What attractions are included besides food tastings?
The tour includes stops at Maison du Sac, La Bourse de Bruxelles, and Café des Halles.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the tour can be 100% customized to your food wishes on location.

Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the price but are customary if you are satisfied.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically catered to children, guides often ensure a pleasant experience for all ages, including a five-year-old in some reviews.

Can I book this tour well in advance?
Yes, average bookings are made about 101 days ahead.