Aksum Brussels
Coffee from Ethiopia
Ethiopia is where it all began for coffee, where humans first cultivated the beans and learned to roast and ground them to create the beverage drunk throughout the world today. For a few years now, Aksum has drawn on Ethiopia's coffee culture and heritage to offer some of the finest coffee in Brussels. Be prepared, though, it's strong, but delicious! The café has moved around quite a bit since it first opened, mostly to ever bigger premises. It's latest incarnation is in the middle of the city centre's most prestigious address: the Royal Arcade (Galeries Royales).Â
In its large space you can order an espresso, café latte, or cappuccino - I prefer the cappuccino as the espresso really takes some getting used to - but all are made with Ethiopian coffee beans freshly roasted and ground on the premises daily, which they also sell to take away.Â
If coffee's not your thing, they also have interesting herbal teas from across Africa, unusual juices and excellent cakes to accompany your drink.
There is now another branch in the new shopping complex 'The Mint' by De Brouckère metro station.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Brussels guide.
Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels
To Meli – Greek Delicatessen in Schuman
My favorite is Spanakopita, a buttery & flaky phyllo pastry with a filling of cooked spinach and feta cheese. For dessert I recommend a slice of Bougatsa!
By
Emilia
D'Ettorres
La Boule d'Oro – Brasserie as good as gold
"La Boule d'Oro" is my personal no. 1 brasserie in Brussels. This corner cafe resembles my primary school cafeteria & has excellent Belgian food & beer.
By
Davy
Verbeke
Cemetery of Brussels – In the city of the dead
The "Cemetery of Brussels" (opened in 1877) was designed as an English landscape garden - get lost among avenues and cobbestone streets here...
By
Davy
Verbeke
Le Monts des Arts – Magical sunset view
"Le Monts des Arts" is my favorite place in Brussels, as all my friends know already - especially the esplanade at the end of it. Just go at sunset...
By
Renata
Riva
España Calidade – Authentic Spanish meat
At España Calidade they hang around twenty types of dried ham on big hooks around the store, in between the huge paella pans and spicy peppers.
By
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
Théâtre l'Improviste – Creative evening ensured
They look at each other and then it starts right away, no time to think, they just do. What I love most is the conversations you have afterward...
By
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
Café Aa – Living room café
The Café Aa is a small place with amazing couches and a very charismatic owner who plays relaxing music and cooks one 'meal of the day'...
By
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
Viva Lasagna – Mouthwatering lasagna
I especially love their chicken lasagna because it takes away a little bit from the heavy pasta dish but still fulfills all of your carb cravings...
By
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
Kuumba – African culture in the city
When they aren't busy presenting one of the many African countries, Kuumba organizes poetry nights, language classes, awareness sessions, and game nights.
By
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
Buddy Buddy – Vegan café and best nut butters
"Buddy Buddy" in Brussels is a cozy, minimalist café with great coffee - but what makes them special is their delicious home-made nut butters!
By
