Justine Vandendorpe

Cologne

Spotter since 2023

About me

About me
​I am a Belgian woman living in Cologne since 2018. I studied ecology in Belgium and Norway and, after graduating, I moved to Germany. I first lived in Gießen, then in Wiesbaden, and eventually moved to Cologne. I am currently working as a Data Steward in an infrastructure and research center in the context of a project in microbiota research. Besides my job, I enjoy cooking traditional Belgian dishes, reading classics, hiking in the forest, and, of course, exploring Cologne.

Why ​Cologne?
​What I love about Cologne is that, in my Belgian opinion, it is a large city where every neighborhood feels like a different town. In fact, I like this diversity so much that I regularly go on day trips to explore a specific neighborhood. My favorite one being, of course, the Belgian Quarter.​ ​I also find people living in Cologne easygoing and friendly, and I very much enjoy the Kölsch culture (to be experienced in one of the many brewery restaurants such as Brauhaus Pütz).​ ​Finally, I also love nature in and outside of Cologne. Within the city, there are beautiful parks and gardens such as the Forstbotanische Garten.​ ​Outside of the city, there are two low mountain range regions to explore: the Bergisches Land and the Eifel.

My spots (22)

Ährensache Biobäckerei

Holweide organic bakery

My favorite breads from Ährensache Biobäckerei are the Überraschungsbrot (literally the “surprise bread”) and the vegan Dinkel-Kamut Hefebrot Mohn.

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Shopping
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Snacks

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Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 30, 2025

Alte Metzgerei

Best burgers in Dellbrück

At Alte Metzgerei the burgers and burritos are made from regional products and contain a 150g homemade patty made from 100% responsibly raised beef.

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Restaurants

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Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 30, 2025

o.k.-international

From abroad to Neustadt-Nord

o.k.-international was founded in 1997 and there you will find objects from everyday life that Lukas Plum found abroad (e.g. in Cambodia or Turkmenistan).

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Shopping

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 30, 2025

Bai Lu Noodles

Chongqing cuisine in Altstadt-Nord

Bai Lu Noodles dishes can be quite spicy, but you can ask for milder versions, and they offer hot pots with homemade noodles or dumplings.

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Restaurants

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Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 30, 2025

Holm Kaffeerösterei Café

Warmth in Lindenthal

The atmosphere is both minimalist and warm, and there is a good selection of drinks and pastries such as tartelettes, carrot cake and cinnamon buns.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 24, 2025

Impact Café

Fairtrade coffee in Sülz

The Impact Café is a cosy café where you can enjoy pastries such as cinnamon rolls, not-too-sweet hot chocolate, homemade iced teas and, of course, coffee.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 20, 2025

Käseglück

Raw milk cheeses in Dellbrück

My favorite here is “Le Saveur du Maquis”, a Corsican sheep’s milk cheese covered with aromatic herbs and topped with a couple of bird hot chile peppers.

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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 7, 2025

Buchhandlung Walther König

Coffee table books

A book-lined staircase will take you to a floor with even more books! Books about painters, architecture, books about cars, and even books about libraries.

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Shopping

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Apr 3, 2025

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