The culinary specialties of Mechelen: a delight for the taste buds

The culinary specialties of Mechelen: a delight for the taste buds

The town of Mechelen, located in Belgium, is renowned for its rich culinary tradition. The inhabitants of this charming town have preserved traditional recipes and ancestral cooking techniques, giving rise to unique and delicious gastronomic specialties. In this article, we invite you to discover the culinary treasures of Mechelen, which are a real delight for the taste buds.

One of Mechelen’s most famous specialties is “Gouden Carolus”, a locally brewed beer. This internationally renowned beer is produced in the Het Anker brewery, which has existed since the 15th century. Gouden Carolus is a high quality beer, brewed with carefully selected ingredients. It is known for its rich and complex taste, which is the result of a meticulous brewing process. Beer lovers should not miss tasting this local specialty during their visit to Mechelen.

When it comes to cuisine, Mechelen is famous for its meat dishes. One of the city’s most iconic dishes is stoofvlees, a beef stew simmered in a dark beer-based sauce. This specialty is prepared with love and patience, letting the meat simmer for hours until tender and flavorful. Stoofvlees are often accompanied by crispy fries, making it a comforting and delicious dish.

Another popular meat dish in Mechelen is “pensen”, a typical Belgian pork sausage. This sausage is prepared with pork blood, minced meat, onions and spices, which gives it a unique and intense flavor. Pansies are often served with mashed potatoes and a mustard-based sauce, creating a perfect marriage of flavors.

The town of Mechelen is also famous for its high-quality dairy products. Mechelse koekoek cheese is one of the region’s most popular culinary treasures. This cheese is made from local cow’s milk, and is known for its creamy texture and delicate taste. It can be enjoyed alone, with bread or used in different recipes, adding a touch of flavor to any dish.

The inhabitants of Mechelen also have a passion for sweets. “Mechelse koekjes” are small, traditional biscuits that are very popular in the city. These cookies are made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar and butter, but they are incredibly tasty. They are often served with a cup of coffee or tea, for a well-deserved gourmet break.

Finally, Mechelen is known for its numerous fresh produce markets, where locals can purchase high-quality local produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and baked goods are abundant in these markets, providing locals and visitors with a wide variety of choices for preparing delicious meals at home.

In conclusion, the culinary specialties of Mechelen are a real treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re a meat, beer, cheese or sweet lover, this charming town has something for everyone. Traditional recipes and ancestral cooking techniques are carefully preserved, giving rise to unique and delicious dishes. During your visit to Mechelen, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these culinary treasures and treat yourself.