The Welsh: the star dish of Lille
Surely the most awesome dish in the region. Of course! A dish with cheese AND beer AND fries can only be good. Welsh is a rich dish made with melted cheddar cheese mixed with beer, covering a huge slice of country bread with ham. Of course, you dip the cooked fries in beef fat for extra pleasure. In Lille, many local eateries compete to cook THE best Welsh in the capital of Flanders. Check out our top Welsh dishes here!
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The fricadelle and its fries coming straight from a good fry shop
Yes, fries are indeed a specialty of the North (not Belgium...). We love them soft, crispy, and accompanied by a sausage made in the North... the famous fricadelle. A top secret recipe. So secret that even the Lille restaurateurs ask us to stop asking for the recipe! Certainly, we are far from haute cuisine but it is one of our specialties and only God knows how much tourists love it. More than a specialty, we can even say that the fry-fricadelle is a Sunday night tradition to share with family or friends. And to find it, just stop by Meunier, the fry shop on the Grand Place!
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The Maroilles cheese tart: because Maroilles is the basis of food in Lille
It's been said before: dishes with cheese are always good dishes. So, dishes made almost entirely of cheese are a killer. The Maroilles cheese tart is exactly that. A tart and some Maroilles (and a bit of cream, milk, and eggs as well). It's delicious served with a walnut salad. But make sure to air out your living space. Yes, it smells (strong). Available in all the traditional taverns of Old Lille!
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© Les délices d'Amal
Waffles with brown sugar: the perfect treat for a Lille snack
Traditionally, a waffle is thick, fluffy, and plain. But for the people of Lille and the wider Nord region, it's flat and filled. That's how our Northern waffles are. 100% melting thanks to the filling of brown sugar or brown sugar... Look no further: the best in the world, the real deal, are at Méert in the heart of Lille. It's no wonder they were General De Gaulle's favorite.
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Chicory gratin: the ultimate family dish
Chicory, or chicon as we say here, is not the most sexy or flavorful vegetable on earth. It has a slight bitter taste that not everyone likes. But chicory gratin has everyone's approval. Simply because the endives are covered with bechamel and cheese and accompanied by a nice slice of ham. It's delicious, a tad healthier than fries with meatballs, and gets the kids to eat their veggies. Our favorite spot: Estaminet T'Rijsel in Old Lille (because they add Maroilles cheese to the recipe, might as well!)
© Femmes d'Aujourd'hui
Mussels and fries (with Maroilles cheese): to enjoy at Place Rihour on the terrace with a good beer!
Mussels and fries are the specialty of the North and are especially nostalgic during the traditional Braderie de Lille. It is clearly THE most representative dish of this annual event. We love them with white wine, Roquefort cheese, and especially with Maroilles cheese. In short, we eat them in every way possible and wash it all down with a good beer. So, you see, the Braderie is just an excuse to feast on mussels. By the way, good tip: at Rihour in Lille, there is a restaurant specializing in them simply called Aux Moules! You're welcome.
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The sugar tart: the Proust's madeleine of any self-respecting Lillois
You could eat it on the head of a poor man. Same concept as the Maroilles tart: take a pie, some sugar and it's ready. This pastry is ideal in the late afternoon or even for breakfast with a cup of chicory. In short, it seems simple but in taste it's a little bit crazy especially for its surprising caramelized flavor. Nothing more effective! Our favorite? At Alex Croquet, rue Esquermoise in Lille.
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Phalempin strawberries: yes, strawberries.
In the North, there is enough sun and warmth to grow strawberries that are just amazing. Yes, really! The ones from Phalempin are sweet, slightly tart, very juicy, and super delicious. A delight, as long as you wait for the right season to enjoy them! Our top pick: at the Wazemmes market in the summer, it's paradise!
