Food-loving Belgium

Belgians are described as exuberant, reserved and cautious. Some use the word ‘Burgundian lifestyle’, which refers to history. 
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Belgians are and remain food-lovers and, crisis or not, rest ensured they are willing to spend money to this way of life!

The small country of Belgium counts 129 Michelin starred restaurants for 2016: 3 restaurants with 3 stars, 20 restaurants with two stars and 106 restaurants with one star. Of these starred restaurants, 77 are situated in Flanders, 18 in Brussels and 34 in Wallonia.

Belgians visit a restaurant often. 40% of them do it every week or even more than once per week. Most of them think they go more often to the restaurant than 5 years ago and they also think they spend more to restaurants than 5 year ago. Flemish people are spending clearly more than French speaking Belgians.

Flemish people are spending most in restaurants: 63% of Flemish people spend between € 30 and € 75 per person, while 73% of French speaking Belgians only spend between €15 and €50 per person.

On the average, a 3 course meal costs 24,95 euro in Belgium, the 2nd most expensive country of Western Europe for restaurants, after Holland. Belgian consumers are willing to spend money for a restaurant meal, although the high cost.

Belgian people select a restaurant first upon the menu, then upon the service and then the decoration. Other important selection criteria for Belgians are the chef, the presence of a terrace and the use of regional/seasonal products. Belgians appreciate ‘originality’, the ‘special touch’ makes them come back.

Did you know that 80% of Belgians are drinking wine with their meal at the restaurant?

Sure you’ll be liking your Belgian customers! Take good care of them, because they’re exuberant, but reserved and cautious.