Knapkoek has been a Maaseik speciality since 1648.
At the end of the 16th and in the 17th century, Maaseik was a flourishing port. A nutritious biscuit rusk was baked specially for the bargees on the Maas river. The old harbour went into terminal decline, but Maaseik’s characteristic ship’s biscuit became the town’s best-known culinary product. The recipe has been refined and the ship’s biscuit was transformed into the crunchy knapkoek. That distinctive snapping sound when you break one in half is enough to get your mouth watering.
Tasting tip: Explore historical Maaseik with good food and plenty of fresh air. Our town guide accompanies you on this walk. Each sunday we set off from the Tourist Information Centre at 11:00 and end with - you’ve guessed it – a tasty regional tipple as aperitif and a regional product as bite. Please book in advance. (Only in Dutch)
