These are Belgian mussels, commonly served as moules-frites (mussels with fries), are a cornerstone of Belgian cuisine and a defining culinary tradition of Brussels. Despite their close association with the capital, the mussels traditionally used are largely sourced from the nearby Zeeland region in the Netherlands.
When I was young, there were chip stalls on almost every corner, and I often bought a paper cone of chips. Unfortunately, they gradually disappeared, and now you really have to search for one. In Brussels dialect, they are called "Frittekot." In Waterloo we had one at the station, one in the center, one at the Lion. I think most of them disappeared during the Corona lock in !
Those mussels look amazing, dear Ingrid.
ReplyDeleteI have never eaten mussels, nor oysters either, they just don't look appealing to me. Probably if I had grown up eating such things the look wouldn't bother me. In my home, as a child, I never saw shellfish of any kind and the only fried fish I ever ate came wrapped in paper with hot chips form the local chip shop which also did a roaring trade in burgers every payday night.
ReplyDeleteI love oysters and mussels, especially good quality mussels. I remember buying a cone of chips in Amsterdam but I would not have thought combining them with mussels.
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves mussels and has them as a special treat occasionally. I don't like them.
ReplyDeleteThat cone of chips/fies looks absolutely delicious; the mussels not at all for me.
ReplyDeleteSo many good food outlets were lost during covid period. Maybe one day they will come back as part of the national heritage?
Erin