Luxembourg Local Cuisine: An Expat’s Guide

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Luxembourg, a small country at the heart of Europe, offers a unique culinary experience that reflects its rich history and cultural diversity. For newly arrived expatriates, exploring Luxembourgish cuisine is an exciting adventure that allows immersion into the local culture. This guide will help you discover the authentic flavors of the Grand Duchy, from traditional dishes to contemporary culinary trends.

Luxembourgish Culinary Specialties: A Flavorful Heritage

Luxembourgish cuisine draws its roots from rural and peasant traditions while incorporating French, German, and Belgian influences. This unique fusion gives rise to savory and comforting dishes that are a source of pride for Luxembourgers.

Iconic dishes to discover:

• Judd mat Gaardebounen: A national dish consisting of smoked pork collar served with broad beans and potatoes.
• Bouneschlupp: A hearty soup made with green beans, potatoes, and bacon, perfect for chilly days.
• Kniddelen: Flour dumplings served with a creamy bacon sauce, a true culinary comfort.
• Gromperekichelcher: Crispy potato pancakes, a must-have at festivals and markets.
• Rieslingspaschtéit: A Riesling-infused pâté in crust, combining finesse with local flavors.

These traditional dishes are much more than simple recipes; they embody the Luxembourgish cultural identity and are often at the heart of family gatherings and local celebrations.

Discovering Local Markets

To truly immerse yourself in Luxembourgish gastronomic culture, nothing beats a visit to the local markets. These vibrant places are the beating heart of the culinary scene, where local producers and artisans offer their best products.

Must-visit markets:

• Weekly Market at Place Guillaume II: Located in the heart of Luxembourg City, this market offers an impressive variety of local and regional products.
• Christmas Market at Place d’Armes: A magical winter spot to enjoy seasonal specialties like Gromperekichelcher and mulled wine.
• Organic Market in Ettelbruck: For lovers of organic and local products, this market is a true goldmine.

These markets are not only places to shop but also spaces for meeting and exchange, perfect for integrating and discovering Luxembourgish conviviality.

Iconic Restaurants: From Tradition to Innovation

Luxembourg boasts a dynamic culinary scene, ranging from traditional bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants. For expatriates eager to taste authentic Luxembourgish cuisine, here are some must-visit addresses:

Traditional restaurants:

• Um Dierfgen: Located in the Grund district of Luxembourg City, this restaurant offers authentic Luxembourgish cuisine in a warm setting.
• Mousel’s Cantine: An institution for enjoying the local specialty, Judd mat Gaardebounen, in a typical atmosphere.
• Brasserie Guillaume: Ideal for savoring fresh seafood and reinvented Luxembourgish dishes.

Michelin-starred restaurants for a gourmet experience:

• Ma Langue Sourit: A two-Michelin-star restaurant offering creative cuisine based on local products.
• Mosconi: One Michelin star for refined Italo-Luxembourgish cuisine.
• La Distillerie: A starred restaurant at Bourglinster Castle, blending tradition and modernity.

These establishments not only allow you to discover the richness of Luxembourgish gastronomy but also to appreciate the evolution of local cuisine toward more contemporary and innovative horizons.

Table Etiquette: Navigating Cultural Codes

Understanding table etiquette in Luxembourg is essential for integrating harmoniously into local society. Here are some tips for different contexts:

• Wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal.
• It is common to wish “Bon appétit” before starting the meal.
• Keep your hands visible on the table, but not your elbows.

• Business lunches are common and can last up to two hours.
• Avoid discussing business before the meal is served, unless your host brings up the subject.
• It is polite to taste all the dishes served.

• Punctuality is highly appreciated. Arrive at the indicated time.
• Wait to be seated by the host.
• Use utensils from the outside in as the courses progress.

Respecting these cultural codes will help you build stronger bonds with your Luxembourgish hosts and avoid any unintentional faux pas.

Finding International Ingredients: Satisfying Cravings from “Back Home”

While immersing yourself in local cuisine is enriching, it’s natural to sometimes crave familiar flavors. Fortunately, Luxembourg, with its cultural diversity, offers many options for finding international ingredients.

• Asian Market in Luxembourg City: For Asian ingredients.
• Auchan Kirchberg: A hypermarket with a wide selection of international products.
• Little Britain Shop: Specializing in British products.
• Portuguese grocery stores in Bonnevoie: For Mediterranean and South American products.

Feel free to explore these addresses to rediscover flavors from your home country or discover new culinary horizons.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Adventure at the Heart of Europe

Discovering Luxembourgish cuisine is an exciting adventure that will help you better understand and appreciate the culture of your host country. From local markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, through traditional dishes and table etiquette, every aspect of this culinary exploration will bring you closer to the Luxembourgish soul.

Remember that food is an excellent way to build connections. Share your culinary discoveries with colleagues and neighbors, and don’t hesitate to organize meals where you can exchange your respective traditions. This is how you’ll transform your expatriate experience into a true cultural immersion, rich in flavors and encounters.