The Rise of African Cuisine in Brussels
In recent years, African cuisine has been gaining popularity in Brussels. This can be attributed to the growing number of African immigrants in the city, with sub-Saharan Africans being the third largest ethnic group in Brussels. As a result, the city has become a hub for African cuisine, with a plethora of restaurants serving up delicious dishes from across the continent.
One of the most popular African cuisines in Brussels is Ethiopian. Toukoul, located in the heart of Brussels, is a highly rated Ethiopian restaurant that serves up traditional dishes such as injera, doro wat, and kitfo. Another Ethiopian restaurant worth checking out is Afro Bowl, which offers a unique twist on traditional Ethiopian cuisine with its fusion dishes.
Apart from Ethiopian cuisine, there are also many other African restaurants in Brussels serving up dishes from across the continent. L’horloge du Sud is a West African restaurant that offers a range of delicious dishes such as jollof rice, fried plantains, and grilled fish. Au Soleil d’Afrique is another popular African restaurant that serves up dishes from across the continent, including grilled goat, tilapia, and chicken mafe.
Toukoul
Rue de Laeken 34, 1000 Bruxelles
Toukoul is an Ethiopian restaurant located in the Ixelles neighbourhood of Brussels. The restaurant offers a range of authentic Ethiopian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The menu is mainly based around injera (traditional Ethiopian bread) and tibs (grilled meat). Order one of their big platters to share with family or friends – go hungry and leave very full! They also have a range of traditional drinks, including Ethiopian honey wines that you should try.
Habesha village
Rue de Laeken 70, 1000 Bruxelles
Habesha village is an Ethiopian restaurant located in the Saint-Josse-ten-Noode neighbourhood. The restaurant offers a range of authentic Ethiopian dishes, including kitfo (raw beef with spices) and doro wat (chicken in a spicy sauce). The restaurant has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and reasonable prices.
Chez Diallo
Chau. d’Anvers 84, 1000 Bruxelles
Chez Diallo is a family-run West African restaurant located in the Schaerbeek neighbourhood of Brussels. The restaurant offers a range of dishes from countries such as Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. The menu includes dishes such as mafé (meat or fish in a peanut sauce) and yassa (chicken or fish in a lemon and onion sauce). The restaurant has a cosy and friendly atmosphere, with reasonable prices.
Madagasikara
Rue de Flandre 10, 1000 Bruxelles
Madagasikara is the only Malagasy restaurant in the city. They serve a unique range of specialty dishes from Madagascar, including ravitoto (pork with cassava leaves) and romazava (beef stew with greens). The restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with reasonable prices and attentive staff.
KoKoB
Rue des Grands Carmes 10, 1000 Bruxelles
Kokob is in the heart of Brussels, close to the Grand Place. It was the city’s first Ethiopian restaurant, offering a ‘discovery menu’ with chef selections to share as well as a wider menu of lamb, beef, chicken, fish and salads. The restaurant offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, and the staff is always ready to help customers choose from the extensive menu. Don’t expect cutlery – you’ll eat with your hands, grabbing the food using the injeras, a typical pancake from Ethiopia. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options.
L’Horloge Du Sud
Rue du Trône 141, 1050 Ixelles
Horloge du Sud is a popular African restaurant, gallery and venue located in the Saint-Gilles neighbourhood. The restaurant offers a range of West African dishes, including thieboudienne (fish with rice and vegetables) and attiéké (cassava couscous). The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, with live music and entertainment every Friday. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the prices are reasonable.
Au Soleil d’Afrique
Rue Longue Vie 10, 1050 Ixelles
Soleil d’Afrique is a West African restaurant located in the Matonge neighbourhood (the city’s African quarter). They offer a range of dishes from countries such as Senegal, Mali, and Ivory Coast. The menu includes dishes such as yassa (chicken or fish in a lemon and onion sauce) and mafé (meat or fish in a peanut sauce). Expect generous portions served with plenty of rice. The restaurant has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, and you eat at communal tables.
Best African restaurants in Brussels FAQs
Where can I find the best West African cuisine in Brussels?
If you’re looking for the best West African cuisine in Brussels, you should definitely check out L’horloge du Sud. This restaurant is located in the heart of Brussels and offers a great selection of West African dishes, including delicious grilled fish and meat. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming.
What are some recommended African restaurants in Brussels?
Brussels has a great selection of African restaurants, but some of the most recommended ones include Toukoul, Afro Bowl, and Le Zino Lounge Bar. Toukoul is an Ethiopian restaurant that offers a great selection of vegetarian and meat dishes. Afro Bowl is a West African restaurant that offers a variety of dishes from across the continent. Le Zino Lounge Bar is a fusion restaurant that combines African and European cuisine.
Which restaurant in Brussels serves the most authentic Jollof rice?
If you’re looking for authentic Jollof rice, you should definitely check out Au Soleil d’Afrique. This restaurant is known for its delicious West African cuisine, and their Jollof rice is one of the best in the city. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming.
Are there any good Senegalese restaurants in Brussels?
Yes, there are several good Senegalese restaurants in Brussels. One of the most recommended ones is Chez Fatou. This restaurant offers a great selection of Senegalese dishes, including delicious grilled fish and meat. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. Another good option is Le Baobab, which is known for its delicious Senegalese cuisine and great atmosphere.
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