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Some breweries pride themselves on the sheer power of their product. Duvel (“Devil”), at 8.5%, is a famous example. Several lay claim to being the strongest beer in Belgium; at 12%, Bush beer is up there, and to be treated with respect.

Tapestry was one of the great medieval industries of Brussels and Bruges. It is still made on a craft basis, but of course large pieces come at luxury prices.

Tintin fans can pick up not only the books, but also T-shirts, figurines, games, postcards, mobile phone covers, key rings, stationery, mugs – you name it. The characters are copyright, so high-quality, legally produced goods come at a fairly steep price. There are Tintin Shops in central Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges.

In the past, some of Belgium’s finest beers were made by the Trappists, a silent order of Cistercian monks. Now it’s produced commercially by five breweries with close ties to the monasteries (Chimay, Westmalle, Orval, Rochefort and Westvleteren). Yeast is added at bottling to induce a second fermentation, so pour off carefully in one go to avoid disturbing the sediment.

Waffles (gaufres/wafels ) are a great Belgian tradition. Freshly made and sprinkled with icing sugar, they are eaten as a snack at fun fairs, at the seaside, in shopping streets. They are associated with celebrations, and families will get out their own waffle-irons on festive occasions.

A creamy, comforting dish of chicken (or fish) in broth; a traditional dish of Ghent.

Most beer is made from barley, but it can also be made from wheat to produce a distinctive “white beer” to which flavourings such as coriander and orange peel may be added. The result is a light, sparkling and refreshing beer, often served cloudy with sediment. Examples: Hoegaarden, Brugs Tarwebier.

Chocolates, cakes and biscuits to die for (see Wittamer).

A classic beer pub, offering some 300 kinds of beer, including a range of “guest beers” on tap (see ’t Brugs Beertje).