Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Exploring Brussels on the Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers a delightful blend of culinary treats and cultural insights. Priced at $132.65 per person and lasting approximately 3 hours, this tour takes you through the city’s most iconic spots, from the Grand Place to lively old restaurants and bars. The tour operates with a small group of up to 12 travelers, ensuring plenty of personal attention from the knowledgeable guides. While the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, its convenient meeting point at the Auguste Orts statue is easily accessible via public transportation.

This experience is especially suited for those interested in Belgian cuisine, history, and architecture. The mix of tastings, such as chocolates, waffles, beef stew, and Belgian beers, makes it a rich sensory journey. Keep in mind, the tour is designed for guests with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through historic neighborhoods and bustling streets. This tour combines delicious food with storytelling about Brussels’ landmarks, making it a compelling choice for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $132.65, the 3-hour tour offers a well-rounded taste of Brussels’ culinary and cultural highlights.
• Starting Point: Begins at the Auguste Orts statue, an easily accessible location in the city.
• Historic Focus: Combines snacks and meals with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Site Grand Place and Royal Galeries.
• Food Tastings: Includes Belgian chocolates, waffles, beef stew, and French fries, along with Belgian beers or soft drinks.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers for personalized attention and interaction.
• Guide Expertise: Guides are enthusiastic and eager to recommend local spots for the rest of your trip.
• No Hotel Transport: Does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so guests should plan their transportation.
• Booking in Advance: Usually booked about 58 days ahead, indicating high demand and popularity.

Welcoming Start at Auguste Orts Statue and Introductory Walk

The tour begins at the Auguste Orts statue, where the guide introduces themselves and provides a brief overview of what’s ahead. This meeting spot serves as a convenient hub near public transportation, making it simple to join the group. The initial moments set a friendly tone, with the guide sharing insights about Brussels’ multicultural heritage and the diverse influences that shape its cuisine.

From here, the group sets off to explore the city’s vibrant streets, with the guide offering context about Brussels’ history and legends surrounding its landmarks. The walk itself is leisurely, designed for easy engagement and comfort during the approximately 30-minute stroll to the first tasting stop.

Chocolate and Sweet Delights in the Grand Place Area

The first tasting takes place near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Grand Place. Here, the tour introduces guests to Belgian chocolates from a top pastry chef, renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. The Royal Galeries is another highlight, where guests are treated to sweet Belgian biscuits while marveling at the 1820 architectural beauty of this historic shopping arcade.

This stop offers a mix of culinary excellence and cultural appreciation, with the guide explaining the significance of these landmarks and their role in Brussels’ social life. Guests often comment on how the chocolates and pastry selections complement the historic surroundings, creating a memorable sensory contrast.

Sampling Belgian Beers and Waffles in the Old Town

As the tour progresses, guests visit Waffles ‘n Beer, located in an area dotted with old restaurants and lively bars. Here, the group enjoys a warm waffle and samples Belgian beers, with options like blond, dark, or red fruit beers. For those not drinking alcohol, soft drinks are available.

The guide offers recommendations for local bars and eateries to explore later, enhancing the value of the experience beyond the tour. The strollthrough vibrant streets provides a relaxed atmosphere to savor sweet bites and refreshing drinks, while listening to stories about Brussels’ beer culture.

Tasting Belgian Cuisine at Brasserie Ommegang

A key part of the tour is the visit to Brasserie Ommegang, where guests sample a hearty beef stew simmered in dark Belgian beer. This stop is as much about cultural tradition as it is about flavor, with the guide sharing insights into the Ommegang festival, a major event in Brussels that the brasserie actively participates in.

Over approximately 50 minutes, guests enjoy the rich, marinated beef dish along with crispy Belgian fries, pairing classic french fries with the local beer. This meal illustrates the hearty nature of Belgian cuisine and helps visitors understand its culinary identity.

The Delicious Secret Dish and Hot Cocoa Experience

One of the highlights of the tour is the “Secret Food” experience, where guests taste a special dish prepared exclusively for the tour. This hidden gem adds an element of surprise and exclusivity, making the experience more memorable.

Complementing this, the tour offers homemade hot cocoa, perfect for warming up and indulging in a comforting treat after walking through the city. The combination of sweet and savory flavors exemplifies the diversity and quality of Belgian cooking.

Final Stop at Waffles ‘n Beer and Local Recommendations

The tour concludes in the bustling district of Rue de la Fourche, renowned for its old restaurants and bars. Guests enjoy more waffles and additional drinks, soaking up the lively ambiance before the tour ends. This final stop provides plenty of local recommendations for the rest of the stay, whether for dining, drinking, or sightseeing.

The 30-minute walk from the previous stops allows guests to relax and take in the atmosphere, making this finale both a culinary and culture.

Logistics, Accessibility, and Booking Insights

The tour starts at the Auguste Orts statue and ends at Rue de la Fourche. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through historic neighborhoods. The maximum group size is 12, enhancing the chance for personalized interaction with the guides.

Booking is recommended about 58 days in advance, reflecting the tour’s popularity. The experience includes a variety of food and drink tastings, from fresh baked brioche to Belgian biscuits and hot cocoa. However, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so guests should plan their transportation accordingly.

Value and Overall Experience

The consistent 5-star ratings emphasize the quality of the experience, guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable hosts. The small-group format ensures a relaxed pace, allowing for plenty of personal attention and engaging storytelling. Guests appreciate the mix of culinary delights and historic insights, making the tour both fun and educational.

While no secret dishes were served in some reviews, the inclusion of local favorites and the variety of tastings makes it clear that the tour offers a comprehensive taste of Brussels. The delicious food, friendly guides, and well-paced itinerary make this a highly recommended experience for foodies, culture lovers, and first-time visitors to Brussels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for guests with moderate physical fitness, so children over a certain age may enjoy it, especially if they like food and walking.

Are alcoholic drinks available during the tour?
Yes, Belgian beers are included, with options like blond, dark, or red fruit beers. Non-drinkers can opt for soft drinks.

Does the tour include hotel transportation?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. Guests should plan to meet at the Auguste Orts statue or arrange their own transportation.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 58 days ahead, indicating a high demand for this popular tour.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with stops at several key locations in Brussels.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Guests should have moderate physical fitness, as the tour involves walking through busy streets and historic areas.

What language is the tour conducted in?
While not specified, the reviews and details suggest the tour is conducted in English.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are group discounts available?
Yes, the tour features group discounts for larger parties.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a variety of food tastings, including chocolates, waffles, beef stew, french fries, and beverages, along with hot cocoa and the secret dish.