Helios is the kind of local convenience store that completely lures you in; if you walk in here, you are guaranteed to come out with full hands. Praline Easter eggs with coffee liqueur? Honey from the local beekeeper? A last-minute birthday gift for your sweet-tooth aunt? Check! At Helios, it is difficult to choose between all those goodies. This is my go-to store when I’m invited over for dinner and don’t want to arrive empty-handed. Sometimes I forget that you can also come by for a fine selection of freshly ground coffee beans.
Helios started out as a coffee roasting company in 1925 with a wide range of tea, cocoa, chocolate and confectionery. Gradually sweets, jams, christening sugar, cookies and Italian specialties were added. Owners Juliette and Feliciano are already the fourth generation of coffee makers. They love to make gift baskets with the star product of the house, namely the freshly roasted coffee, made the traditional way of course! Your cup of coffee can’t be more local than this!
There are a few exceptions to the rule, but almost all products are made in Belgium. Think chocolate from Starbrook, Weyn’s honey, old-school Joris sweets, Roodhooft caramels, etc… If you are looking for a sweet Belgian souvenir for the home-front: This is it, guys! Ask for the ‘Antwerpse Handjes’, it’s a local butter almond cookie. Having just one is not enough…