The Ultimate Hygge Guide for Dedicated Foodies
Let’s face it. Hygge is all about sating the senses and relishing in that deep, profound satisfaction of having everything you need right now, in this very moment. Whether enjoyed with friends, loved ones or simply in the company of oneself, delicious food always has that very special means of making its way straight to your heart.
With her daring though refined spirit, Brussels may be the best place to indulge in an array of creative bites hailing from all corners of the world. Here in the Capital of Europe, there is definitely something for every taste and we, frankly quite painstakingly, put together this list of 5 favourite places to eat in Brussels in order to help you navigate all the goodness. Their little extra plus? Each one of these little gems will either offer pick-up or delivery so you can cosy up and treat yourself to dinner in bed (don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone 😉).
First things first, let’s have coffee. Or tea.
If you’re anything like us, enjoying that warm beverage with a good book in hand, a great conversation or just the silent musing of your thoughts has the gift, it seems, of making the world go round. Brussels is home to plenty of great roaster and baristas, along with a ton of cute tearooms where you can indulge in the simple but oh-so-rewarding ritual of life with a hot drink.
Photo credits: hanapiness
Photo credits: mokcoffee
We love MOK who serve clients their carefully selected and small-batch roasted beans together with a huge amount of passion for their craft. Located in the hip and trendy Dansaert neighbourhood, we highly recommend a stop here for the caffeine, of course, but also for the veg’ kitchen and the bakery. If you fall in love with the coffee (as you surely will do), you can buy some beans and even specialist brewing equipment to bring a piece of Brussels back home with you. How’s that for a souvenir?
If you’re more of the tea kind of person, you will love Comptoir Florian, a gorgeous tea shop set in an Art deco townhouse that will allow you to fill up on tea, cakes and all manners of sweet.
Stop by Buddy Buddy for the design, stay for the food.
Perhaps one of the most exciting foodie openings in Brussels recently, Buddy Buddy welcomes you in a strikingly designed little café just minutes away from the Hotel. As the “Home of Premium Organic Nut Butters”, this hidden gem is definitely a dream for both foodie and design afficionados.
Photo credits: buddybuddy
Photo credits: buddybuddy
Food at Buddy Buddy is, as you must have guessed, centred around “nutty” dishes that will have you re-discover a whole world of deliciousness. Again, if you’re looking for cool, meaningful souvenirs to take home (other than that super amazing insta shot), Buddy Buddy will offer you not only nut butters and all sorts of other “nut-tastic” products, but also some pretty notable memorabilia.
Have a Smørrebrød. And then another.
The Scandinavian open-faced sandwich has taken on the world by rage and we can understand why. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it has in fact very little to do with the often dry, poorly garnished sandwiches we too often find ourselves gobbling up at the corner of our desk (definitely not Hygge).
Photo credits: eatatcantine
Photo credits: eatatcantine
The smørebrød, on the contrary, is this rich, generous tartine on which are spread and expertly arranged layers of delicious, fresh topping which beg nothing else than to be eaten slowly in order to best savour every single bite. For the best versions in town, head to Cantine, a super minimalist, ultra-bright space of definite scandi inspiration at the very heart of Brussels’ old town. Cantine’s cuisine is mostly vegetarian and their dishes plentiful. You’ll want to take your time here, and truly revel in the Hygge spirit.
Get to know local producers at a Farm-to-table restaurant
There is something particularly hyggelig in dishes prepared locally and with utmost care all the way from the seed to the plate. What Tero brings to the table is quite exactly that; a feeling of abundance and generosity, one of love for the product and another for their guest, the customer.
Photo credits: terorestaurant
Photo credits: terorestaurant
With produce sourced directly from their own organic farm as well as from other local partner farmers, you can be guaranteed that what you get in your plate is nothing other than the very sould and essence of the Belgian Terroir. The restaurant’s “sharing plates” concept further contributes to the atmosphere of conviviality already created by the warm, elegant though rustic décor and the amiability of the staff.
Sip inspired cocktails at a Mediterranean fusion restaurant
When Roi and Ronni created Le Conteur, they decided they wanted the restaurant to be an opportunity for people to gather and stories to be shared. Hailing back from the Middle-East, their cuisine tells the wondrous tales of sandy roads dotted with brigands and of long summer nights where sings the nightingale and where poetry is made.
Photo credits: Tribeagency
Photo credits: Le Conteur
Opting for shared plates here also (a growing trend in Brussels), Le Conteur pulls you in with a drink and has you stay for the food. While away the evening here, do not press yourself, you have all the time in the world…
Enjoyed this list? We want to know about your favourite place to eat and drink in Brussels!
Share with us on Instagram your absolute most memorable Hygge highlights on your foodie adventures in Brussels by tagging us @hyggehotel or using #myhyggemoment. Discovered a place just that amazing you think the world should hear about? Let us know, we promise we won’t tell anyone we would love to share. 😉
Bon Appétit!
