A Taste of Culture

A Taste of Culture

Food is more than just something you eat, it reflects culture, history, and identity. Across Europe, cities and countries have iconic dishes that are not only tasty but also tell a story about their people and traditions. While in Europe, I have had the privilege to experience this, specifically Belgian waffles in Brussels, the crepes of France, and the sweet stroopwafels in Amsterdam. Food serves as a way to understand a place’s unique character. Let me take you on a journey through my travels to Brussels, France, and Amsterdam, where I discovered how these iconic foods define their regions.

I traveled to France, where I had always heard about crepes while in French class growing up. This gave me high expectations for the crepes there and I had imagined it being completely different from a crepe that I would get in the US. After skiing, I visited a small crepe cart down the mountain and watched the chef professionally make the crepe. I decided to get Nutella and a banana on the crepe, and it blew away my expectations. It was surreal having crepes that were once a gift from Pope Gelasio I to French pilgrims decades ago, to now it being a French staple (Vachon). 

When I arrived in Brussels, I saw a couple of places to get Belgian Waffles, but after my experience in France, I did not trust all of the hype. Although, these waffles are a cultural icon, known for their light, airy texture and deep pockets. It took me until I was about to leave Brussels to get a waffle because a friend of mine told me how great his was. I tried one from a small cafe and added walnuts and Nutella to it. The flavor of it blew my mind; the crisp exterior and fluffy interior were unforgettable. Belgian waffles are more than just a treat; they’re a way of life here, enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Every bite felt like a taste of Belgian pride and tradition, and gave me hope for other snacks in Europe. 

My most recent stop was Amsterdam, where I was excited to get my hands on some stroopwafels. As soon as I arrived at the train station, I was on the lookout and I found a small bag at a local convenience store. I broke open the bag on the way to the Airbnb, and I could not stop eating them. The thin waffles sandwiched with gooey caramel syrup gave me more to remember about Amsterdam. I kept going back to the same store to get more and more throughout my trip because the chewy texture and sweet syrup were irresistible. Stroopwafels are a symbol of Dutch comfort, and enjoying one felt like being welcomed into the heart of Amsterdam.

From the crispy Belgian waffle to the delicate French crêpe and the sweet stroopwafel, these iconic foods are more than just dishes, they are symbols of identity. They tell the story of a place, its people, and its history. Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Brussels, Paris, or Amsterdam, these culinary treasures offer a taste of the culture and a deeper connection to the world around us. So, the next time you bite into a waffle, crêpe, or stroopwafel, remember that you’re not just enjoying a meal, you’re experiencing some place’s culture.

Donovan

The History of Crêpes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ice.edu/blog/french-crepes