Chinese food was and is still one of my favorite cuisines. Or at least the food that local restaurants would call and may I say disguise as Chinese food. Especially noodles would be my always-go-to. My definition of Chinese food changed however, when I tried the food of my housemate during college. She was from Shanghai. She would cook everyday, making several little dishes that I’d never seen before, using ingredients I’ve never heard of, that created smells I’d never smelled before. I lived on the third floor, but the different type of smells would always give it away: Chinese food was in the making (usually in her miraculous-all-can-do rice cooker). 

While in Antwerp, the Chinese/Asian district, aka our very own Chinatown, was one of the first parts of town I saw. It’s close to my neighborhood, but also right in front of the central station. It’s not really surprising that Chinatown has some of the best Chinese food in the city. Bai Wei’s Noodle Bar serves some of the best Chinese food I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a lot). It reminded me of the authentic dishes of my former housemate and also of my favorite noodles. The restaurant is a family owned business with traditionally hand pulled noodles served in what’s probably the best ramen in town.