by Maya Patel

I just returned from an incredible two-week trip through France, Belgium, and The Netherlands, and one thing is always true when I travel. I experience a destination through its food. Of course, I visited all the iconic highlights: the Louvre, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, and more. But my favorite part is discovering the best places to eat and foods each country is known for.

I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life and while it can sometimes be limiting especially when traveling overseas, I was overwhelmed by the variety of options on this trip. In fact, one of the destinations I visited is very well known for being vegan & vegetarian friendly. I was so excited to learn this that I decided to make this city my home base while I was in Belgium.

Paris: Croissants, Baguettes… and the Best Thai Meal

Paris was the first stop on my two-week adventure. As soon as I stepped out of the train station into the Latin Quarter, I was immersed in a bustling farmers market. I stopped to grab a flaky croissant and a baguette with cheese and veggies.  It was simple, fresh, and exactly what you’d hope for in Paris. I also had to try a kouign-amann, a buttery caramelized pastry that I’d been dreaming about. If you haven’t had one, put it on your list.

But the most memorable meal wasn’t French at all. It was Thai. At Chokdee Cafe, every detail was thoughtful: each guest received a little wonton basket to start, and the Thai tea arrived topped with a fresh flower. The flavors were just as beautiful as the presentation.

Belgium: Chocolate, Waffles, and a Vegetarian-Friendly Gem

We made Ghent our home base in Belgium, and if you’re vegetarian or vegan, this city is something of a dream. It’s widely known as one of the most plant-based friendly cities in the world, with dedicated vegan restaurants around every corner. We explored a few, and while the experience was unique, the real food highlights ended up being decidedly more indulgent.

I thought I knew what good chocolate tasted like. We stumbled upon Notenboetiek Salon Magelein, a large chocolate shop in Ghent with an overwhelming selection, and even something as simple as a piece of chocolate bark was rich and smooth in a way I hadn’t experienced before. We loved it so much we went back a second time and came home with more chocolate than our suitcases were prepared for.

Of course, we also had to try the fries at Fritbar in Ghent, cooked in vegetable oil and served with a variety of dipping sauces. I’d done my research beforehand, since not all fries are fried in vegetable oil, so I wanted to find a vegetarian-friendly spot ahead of time.

In Bruges, The Old Chocolate House is known for having the best hot chocolate.  The menu is overwhelming with a sprawling selection of chocolates to choose from. You can choose between dairy or non-dairy milk and they bring your choice warm with a mini whisk.  Then set beside it a chocolate cup filled with chocolate chips and a dollop of whipped cream, so you can build your own cup from scratch.

Waffles, of course, were non-negotiable. We visited the House of Waffles in Bruges, where you choose between a Liège or Belgian waffle with endless topping combinations. I kept it simple: Belgian waffle, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream on the side. It absolutely lived up to the hype.

I would go back to Belgium for the food alone.

Amsterdam: Cookies, Cheese, and Stroopwafels

Amsterdam was full of amazing food surprises.

A neighbor had told me about Van Stapele, a cookie shop that serves only one type of cookie. Naturally, I had to see what the hype was about. There was a long line but the wait was definitely worth it. I’ll admit, I didn’t have high expectations for a cookie… but I was wrong. I ended up loving them so much that I brought two tins home with me.

Amsterdam is also filled with cheese shops on nearly every corner, and Henri Willig is a must. The best part is the sampling. I didn’t expect to bring any cheese home, but after tasting so many varieties, I couldn’t resist. I ended up purchasing a few different kinds, including one with a delicious chili flavor. They even had some unique options like asparagus, which tasted similar to pepper jack.

And finally, my trip wouldn’t have been complete without stroopwafels. Watching them made fresh to order was an experience in itself, especially with all the topping options available. I kept it classic and went with plain, and it was absolutely perfect. Of course, several made their way back home in my suitcase.

Final Thoughts: A Trip Worth Every Bite!

From buttery Parisian pastries, to Belgian chocolate and waffles, to Amsterdam’s cookies, cheese, and stroopwafels… every stop added something unforgettable to the journey. If you’re planning a trip, do yourself a favor and pack an extra suitcase. You’re going to need it.