Lille's specialities: gastronomy from the Nord Pas de Calais region

A high place of local gastronomy, Lille has more than a hundred restaurants serving tasty typical dishes. The former capital of Flanders has a very varied gastronomy, heritage of the different kingdoms to which it belonged over the centuries. Here are the best specialties of Lille to discover during your holidays or business trips!

Savory specialties

Maroilles

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One of the most famous French cheeses is certainly a culinary emblem of the region. Very strong in taste and smell, its flavor softens when cooked in pie or gratin. Its cousin, the vieux-lille, has an even stronger smell. Known to be the favorite cheese of underground miners, this paving stone with a grayish crust is also nicknamed stinking of Lille. Reserved for thrill seekers!

Welsh

This dish of Welsh origin is a must of Ch'nord. Tasty and energetic, it provides the necessary calories to face the cold of Lille winters. This improved croque monsieur consists of a slice of bread soaked in beer and covered with ham and cheddar. The preparation is baked and served piping hot in its ramekin. The complete version is accompanied by a fried egg.

Flemish carbonade

This recipe based on simmered beef has false airs of beef bourguignon. In this version of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, the meat simmers for a long time in beer, accompanied by gingerbread, brown sugar and old-fashioned mustard. 

Waterzooi

Originally from Belgium, this dish means "boiling water" in Dutch. Ghent waterzooi is a preparation of chicken simmered with small vegetables (potatoes, carrots, leeks and green celery). Served in a sauce mixing broth, lemon and cream, this soup-meal is also cooked with fish. 

Potjevleesch

Can't pronounce this word? Say rather "the Potch" to order this wonderful dish. All restaurateurs will understand. "Potjevleesch" means "small pot of meat" in Flemish. Its preparation includes four kinds of meat: rabbit, pork, veal, poultry. Marinated in beer or white wine, they then simmer for a long time in a terrine and are seasoned with spices and herbs. Served in jelly, this cold dish may seem surprising at first. However, its flavors are inimitable!

Fries

In Lille, the fry is an art in its own right! In one of the many fry shacks in the metropolis, you can enjoy a cone of melting and authentic fries. Cooked in oil or beef fat, it's up to you to choose your favorite recipe.

Mussels

Traditionally served with fries during the Lille flea market, mussels are among the Lille classics. Attention, the flavor and quality vary according to the season: ask for advice before ordering. 

Sweet specialties

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The merveilleux

With a name like that, this little cake can only be delicious! Originally from Belgium, it consists of two meringues joined by a beautiful layer of whipped cream. And that's not all! The merveilleux is served topped with a cherry on a bed of chocolate shavings. Some pastries replace the whipped cream with a homemade ganache.

The cramique

Nothing like a little brioche at snack time. Sprinkled with pearl sugar, cramiques are delicious little brioche breads topped with chocolate chips or raisins. You can taste excellent ones in the city center, near the Grand-Place of Lille, where the most renowned pastries of the city are located. 

The filled waffle

Among the Lille recipes, the filled waffle was General de Gaulle's favorite. Particularly thin and tasty, it is garnished with vanilla, rum or brown sugar. Want an original dessert? Taste the chicory waffle, it's a real monument in Lille!

The vergeoise

Used at will to sprinkle waffles, pancakes and French toast, vergeoise is present in all Lille desserts. It is sometimes called brown sugar, but it is actually beet sugar. 

What do we drink in Lille?

Lille's culinary art is enjoyed accompanied by beer*, the region's favorite drink. Favor the products of local artisan brewers who concoct inimitable and perfectly measured beverages.
At the end of the meal, you will certainly be offered a gin or a chuchemourette. The first is a cereal alcohol (barley, wheat, rye or oats) distilled with juniper berries. The second is a mixture of blackcurrant and gin. Very popular at the beginning of the century, it is experiencing a resurgence in popularity today. 

Your hotel in the center of Lille

Are you planning a weekend in Lille? Go to the B&B HOTEL Lille Centre Grand Palais!

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Our establishment is close to the city center, main roads, and main SNCF train stations. It is the ideal base for your family vacations or your business trips.

Are you traveling by car? We provide you with free and secure parking. Park your vehicle in front of the hotel and take advantage of the Lille public transport network to get around with ease!

For your stay with children, prefer our family rooms. A baby bed is available if you request it at the reception.

A coworking space is available to our customers: ideal for attending your online meetings or finalizing a file during your business trip.

Consult now the list of available rooms and book your accommodation in one of our cheap hotels in Lille!

*Drinking alcohol is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.