One thing I enjoy about Brussels is its many markets. It would almost be possible to go visit one every day. They all have different vibes and crowds, but my current favorite one is the Marché des Chasseurs Ardennais, for 2 reasons: first because it is held on Fridays, which is a great day to celebrate the beginning of the weekend, and second because it’s not too crowded, not to hip, and it hosts local Schaerbeekois (like myself) and quality food stands.
You can go there to shop for your weekend roasted chicken, flowers, fruits and vegetables, excellent cheeses, and Italian products (theres even at a Canadian treats stand!) but there are also numerous foods stand recommendable for a snack.
I usually go there to hang out at “Les Alsaciens”, a welcoming bar stall in of the market’s corner, where I forget about the past week with a glass of crémant d’Alsace and a small cheese/meat plate when the weather is nice, or with a comforting hot wine during the colder months. They even made delicious Fammekueches (Alsatian kind-of pizza) during the winter, which you can cozily eat under the heated awning. If you are a big fan of hot wine like me, it’s nice to be able to drink hot wine before and after the Christmas markets, and in a less commercial atmosphere. Because that's why I hang out at the Marché des Chasseurs Ardennais – for its atmosphere. Just a typical end of the week with my friendly neighbors.
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With an extravagant vintage decore, the bar takes its name from Queen Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman who was a very beloved Queen consort of the Belgians.
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With a cozy interior and a pleasant scent of toasted coffee beans, Caleo offers different options for brunch, from viennoiseries to delicious pancakes.
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The name Nenu comes from the Vietnamese concept of “an nhau”, a style of drinking and eating culture, sharing small and large plates with friends & family.
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If you come with a group, I suggest taking the “Moriawase” (Japanese for “assortment”), a larger plate that is easier to share and to try different things.
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As a meat lover, I absolutely enjoyed the dishes based on Iberic pork, including the spare ribs and the Jiang Rou Bao, which literally melted in my mouth.
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Peaking at my neighbors' plates, I decided to try the bass with garlic oil, ginger, and furikake, and the tartare de boeuf with pepper mousse and pickles on the side.
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The stars of the menu are the homemade fluffy pancakes - an explosion of flavors, which come in different flavors, including a tiramisu and matcha version.
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Mexican dishes with popular central American influences. But be ready to share: the options are way too many (and delicious) to just get one dish.
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One bite and you will forget all about your next day’s meetings or other adult-life tasks. Crispy fries and fried chicken come as an extra...
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At Piola the specialty of the house is the “Siciliana o’ Cornicione” pizza, but it is only for the bravest: it comes with a ricotta cheese stuffed crust.
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Kaiju are giant monsters featured in Japanese fantasy and science fiction films and television programs. Once I stepped into this place, it all made sense.
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Jackie is a minimalist café with the smell of toasted coffee and freshly baked pastry (including a carrot cake you will want to steal the recipe for).
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292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters