Filet americain, an absolute must in Brussels

You could say that filet américain is Belgium's take on steak tartare. It has been around for over a hundred years and originated in Brussels. There's nowhere better than our capital to sample this delicious Belgian speciality.

Do you like to eat raw meat? Then filet americain is definitely for you. This Belgian speciality consists of raw beef (prime minced, tâche noire or flank steak), an egg yolk, parsley, chopped onions, capers, pickle, salt and pepper, a touch of mustard, Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise (of course!). Chips are, of course, essential. These are served separately. Many Belgians love it and even eat a variant of americain as a spread (préparé) or in a sandwich (martino). But for a filet americain, it's best to go to a restaurant. There it is prepared in front of you (and not in the kitchen!). Here are a few addresses.

Filet americain was invented by Joseph Niels when he was an apprentice at London's Savoy Hotel. There, he developed the dish he later served to customers at the Brussels restaurant La Taverne Royale. When Niels opened his own restaurant Canterbury, people came from far and wide for his fantastic filet americain, named after the land of dreams. The recipe remained a perfectly kept family secret. Niels' descendants now have several branches in Brussels. In addition to Au Vieux Saint Martin (Sablon), you can head to Canterbury (Flagey), Au Savoy (Brugmann) and Au Grand Forestier (Boitsfort). Take your pick. The americain is a hit everywhere.

Grand Sablon 38, 1000 Brussels

Don't be fooled by the restaurant's name. The Vismet may be a seafood restaurant, but they also serve excellent meat. Here, they know their classics, and, in the kitchen, Tom Decroos has mastered the techniques of a champion chef. It's great to see him, in the open kitchen, busily surveying the sleek and tasteful setting of the spacious dining room. The beautiful interior has a casual, Brussels ambiance. Of course, the americain here is prepared à la minute and the chips are simply divine.

Place Sainte-Catherine 23, 1000 Brussels

In the Ilot Sacré, in the historic heart of the city, there is plenty to choose from. But if you can't resist robust Belgian cuisine, Bouillon Bruxelles is always a great choice. This is a fantastic, no-nonsense brasserie where you eat at a reasonable price. You'll do so in a typical, traditional brasserie setting where there's plenty of room for large groups. Your americain with golden crispy chips is served there by a waiter in uniform.

Rue des Dominicains 7-9, 1000 Brussels

The beautifully renovated Stock Exchange building also houses a restaurant. And naturally it’s a thoroughly Belgian restaurant. The name probably didn’t require a long brainstorming session and neither did the menu. Why complicate things when the answer is right there? The Brasserie serves classic Belgian brasserie cuisine, with the influence of its housemate Belgian Beer World never too far away. Delicious Belgium at its very best.

Brussels Stock Exchange, 1000 Brussels

Having an Americain at Maison Vincent is quite an experience. Just like in the old days, the dish is prepared right at your table and it's done with real flair. At Maison Vincent you'll feel right at home straight away as you enter through the kitchen. Once in the dining room, you can't help but notice a beautiful, tiled mural depicting a fishing scene, created over a hundred years ago. The price list on the wall dates from the same period; it has since been updated but remains entirely accurate. 

Rue des Dominicains 8, 1000 Brussels

Vegans can also celebrate the filet americain’s anniversary, because at verdō, they serve a vegetable americain. Here, they also consider what is good for our planet. Sustainability is the code word. Not exactly a word you associate with a brasserie. But at the capital's first plant-based brasserie, they are proving that it can be done. The menu often includes other Belgian classics such as waterzooi and vol-au-vent. All plant-based, local, seasonal and delicious.

Chaussée de Vleurgat 146, 1000 Brussels