Do they really eat horses? My cultural shock after moving to Belgium 

Belgians have eaten horse meat for centuries and it remains a part of traditional Belgian cuisine, however foreigners still find it strange when they discover it.   

I was one of those people who were very surprised about the fact that Belgians sell and eat horse meat. After I found out it, I started reading every label in the grocery shops, because in my country (I came from Lithuania), it is unusual.  I do not do it for cultural reasons, but because to me it’s heartless. Personally, I would not feel well knowing what the meal I am eating comes from an animal like a horse. 

Statistics 

According to Statbel, Belgians consumed 0.7 kg per capita of horse meat in 2022. There is no exact data for Lithuania, but it clearly reveals that horse meat is not a part of Lithuania’s traditional cuisine. 

Why is it unusual in Lithuania? 

The reason is quite simple. In some cultures, such as Islam or Judaism horse meat is considered as a “impure” food, while in Lithuania this is rooted in its history. Human and horse have always shared an emotional connection in Lithuania. From ancient times, horses were our companions. They used to help us in battles, in campaigns, in agriculture, and daily work, while other animals were primarily raised for meat or other products such as milk, cheese, or wool. Let’s not forget also that horses are considered intelligent and emotionally aware animals, which contributes to the cultural attitude towards them. Because of this, horses have played an important cultural and historical role in my country.   

Would I try horse meat? Probably not, but I respect Belgian culture and their traditions. And this experience is a great example of how easily you can learn new things about the place you’ve moved to. 

Author: Olivija Pagiryte
Sources: Statbel, Delfi
Featured image: Olivija Pagiryte