The North Brussels – All our local tips

Countdown has started to one of the most fun film festivals in the world, the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. More than 10 days of screaming, yelling, freezing and hiding for/from serial killers, monsters, zombies, axe murderers and extraterrestials.

This festival is the highlight of the year for every cine-lover with a soft spot for cult, horror, thriller or fantasy. Being one of the most famous in its kind it attracts visitors, producers and directors from the entire world. There are many occasions where the director is present in the movie theatre together with the audience, ready to answer your questions after the screening.

“LA PORTE ! “

The main reason why I like going to this event is the unique atmosphere. We brave spectators live along with what we see on the screen, and will not hesitate to try to save the life of the poor busty blonde by shouting she has to close the door or look behind her… while some others need to express their sympathy for their favorite zombie, applauding when he’s producing human minced meat.

Very amusing are side events. Say hello to Mr Dracula and Mss Frankenstein at the Bal Des Vampires, a party where everyone is dressed for the occasion. My personal pick is the fantastic film night, a movie night that starts at 00.00 and ends with a breakfast in the morning, 4 movies later. It’s a perfect summary of what bifff has to offer, unique atmosphere and fun, spooky movies.

WELCOME!

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Bifff | Cinemas, Festivals & events
Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86C | The North
April 8th – 20th 2010

Going to the hammam is not part of my culture, but I like to explore. So when a friend proposed me to check out the Brussels one, I immediately accepted. Saturday lunch time, lots of women, lots of kids, a smile to welcome you, uhm I like this place.

And here I am, with my ticket for a full hammam: entrance, steam bath, sauna, scrub, black soap, massage. During the minimum 2 hours you stay there, you relax, chat and feel that your skin is getting softer and softer, a nice feeling once you are out back in the chaotic city life.

You can also enjoy some beauty treatments like massage or waxing. As once a friend told me, if you wanna get a good wax, go where you are waxed by hairy women, they know how to do. And it’s true!

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Le Riad | Relaxing | Full hammam treatment € 28.00
Rue Gallait 29 | The North | +322480210
Women: Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun 10:00 – 17:00, Wed & Sat 10:00 – 23:00 Men: Mon 14:00 – 23:00, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun 18:00 – 23:00

When hungry one should go to the street known for its Turkish pizza restaurants for lunch or dinner. The Haachtsesteenweg, at Saint-Josse, near the Botanique, has a lot of Turkish run pizzeria’s.

Their pies give a new meaning to what you know as pizza. Just pick one of them, preferably the one at the end of the street near Rogier street (Koçak), which has been renovated into a stylish and trendy restaurant. The lights are bright, the staff is quick and the pizza’s are one of the best in the area.

Another good one is more in the middle with a retro Greek decoration. There is even a fountain surrounded by white tiles and a bench with cushions in the waiting room (Metin, Chaussée de Haecht 94). There is an open furnace and you can watch the cook prepare the orders in the open style kitchen. The excellent quality of their pizza’s is known to every Turkish person living in Belgium.

Eating and choosing a Turkish pizza is not comparable to the Italian ones. There are round pizza’s and oval ones. The oval ones are specifically Turkish and thus recommended, the specific Turkish pizza toppings go better with that shape. You can also opt for a lentils soup or salad as a starter.

Usually you don’t see a lot of non-Turkish clientele. You are usually surrounded by Turkish families and friends. There is a fast noisy vibe combined with a tranquil familiar setting and a welcome innovation from your regular restaurant outing.

Afterwards head to the most exquisite patisserie in the area. Their pastries are craved for by all. From everywhere people come here to get the freshest and largest variety of Turkish desserts, made from honey, pistachios, almonds, walnut, pastry or other exotic ingredients. A delight and treat for all your senses.

The area is growing fast with new buildings rising like mushrooms and the advent of various cultural events taking place in St. Josse, and the pizza’s remain exquisite!

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Turkish Pizza street | Restaurants (Turkish) | Turkish pizza € 5.00
Chaussée de Haecht 135 | The North | +323222184731
12:00 – 22:00 daily