Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Brussels' rustic mashed potatoes blended with vegetables (carrots, kale, celery, leeks) and butter or cream. Served with sausage, bacon or roast meats; deeply seasonal.
Stoemp emerged in 19th-century Brussels as a working-class kitchen-economy dish, mashing whatever vegetables were cheap and to hand into potatoes. The word is Brusseleir slang for 'mash'. The Marolles and Anderlecht canteens preserved the tradition through the post-war decades, and stoemp remains a cold-weather brasserie staple paired with sausage or roast pork.
4 editor picks for Stoemp in Brussels, ranked by editorial score. All Brussels signature dishes · Stoemp across every city.
Au Vieux Saint Martin in Brussels has held the corner of Place du Grand Sablon since 1968. The Niels family invented Belgian filet americain here.
OrderFilet americain prepared at the table, and shrimp croquettes to start.
TipOpen every day from noon to midnight. The terrace looks straight at the Sablon church; book ahead for Sunday lunch.
Brasserie Ploegmans in Brussels' Marolles is the wood-panelled local that runs Belgian standards: meatballs, shrimp croquettes, choucroute garnie.
OrderCarbonnade flamande with frites, and a Westvleteren 12 if it is on the board.
TipClosed Monday. Book ahead for Sunday lunch when the Jeu de Balle flea market is in full swing.
Au Stekerlapatte in Brussels' Marolles is the wood-panelled bistro on Rue des Pretres. Boudin noir with caramelised apples, shrimp croquettes.
OrderBoudin noir with caramelised apples, and shrimp croquettes to start.
TipClosed Sunday. Open evenings only; the dining room fills with the same Marolles regulars night after night.
Volle Gas in Brussels' Ixelles is a 1924 Art Deco brasserie on Place Fernand Cocq. Kitchen leans belgian brasserie. At Place Fernand Cocq 21.
OrderWhichever mussel preparation looks new on the chalkboard, with frites and a Tripel Karmeliet.
TipOpen seven days, kitchen runs late. The Art Deco interior is the seat; book the corner banquette.
Stoemp makes more sense with someone from Brussels explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Discover Brussels through its flavors on this foodie tour in the historic city center. Taste waffles, chocolate, beer, and classic Belgian dishes while exploring iconi...
Guided tour · 3h 30m
Explore Brussels on a guided food tour, tasting croquette, waffle, Belgian beer, cheese, boulette with fries and rich Belgian chocolate.
Guided tour · 4h 30m
Discover Brussels' famous beer and chocolate scene with a local guide. Sample up to 10 different chocolates from boutique makers and 5 beers from craft and traditional...
