04 April 2025
In Europe’s most cosmopolitan city, you'll come across street food from all corners of the globe. A Mexican taco, a Syrian tannour or a Taiwanese bao... in Brussels we have it all; and often in the same neighbourhood. Our capital will introduce you to culinary specialities from all over the world. At a table or on the go. We’ve put together a selection for you, but the choice is yours!
* Fancy even more street food? Scroll down for a themed overview of all our street food articles!
Two Brussels residents with excellent references (St Kilda, Manneken Pis Café) refurbished an old fish shop in the Marolles neighbourhood and turned it into a seafood bar. A very successful transformation too, as you can now go there for street food made with ultra-fresh Belgian fish. This comes from sustainable farms or directly from the North Sea. Fish Tank's shrimp croquettes are a must, and you can believe us, we at visit.brussels are experts on the subject. The fish burger with homemade chips fried in ox fat are unbeatable too. A must on your next visit to place du Jeu de Balle’s flea market.
At Chou Sando in downtown Brussels, you’ll find the most delicious sandwiches. Lightly toasted milk bread from La Boule packed with super-fresh vegetables, Bulldog sauce, a bit of omelette and breaded or tempura chicken. Deliciously soft. Just like Japanese sandos, only even better. These sandos are a lot bigger than those from the land of the rising sun. You can eat them on the spot in the cosy sando-ya on Plattesteen or takeaway.
If you're finding it hard to see the forest for the trees when it comes to Brussels' shawarma scene, we’re here to help. Just head to the area around rue des Bouchers in the city centre and pop in to Lafeh. They offer an excellent selection of Lebanese street food. The shawarmas, made with chicken or beef, are served with irresistible halloumi or falafel. Even the drink selection (with a special mention for the pineapple juice) is top-notch. Lafeh is open every day from noon to midnight.
A proper chip shop where they’ve mastered the art of frying chips right down to the tiniest detail. At Friterie du Bourdon the chips are golden yellow, deliciously crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. It truly is a top-class chip shop, and the service is also first-rate. Inside, there are a few chairs where you can eat your chips on the spot. Weather permitting, they also have an outdoor seating area.
For top-quality tacos, Gringo is the new place to be. Deliciously fresh tortillas, smashed papitas and guacamole. The real thing, straight from Mexico, with halal and vegan options to boot. So delicious! And don't forget the salsa. Their homemade sauces will make your taco as creamy or as spicy as you like. At Gringo they also serve excellent cocktails. Everything happens there in a bright red setting. It perfectly encapsulates the pure passion of a genuine tacqueria.
Lil Bao also draws inspiration from traditional Taiwanese street food, mainly gua bao. This steamed bun is usually eaten with pork but at Lil Bao, its vegan versions that steal the show. You won’t find any animal products in this kitchen! The menu features some funky bao that stun even the most stubborn meat eaters. Come and taste them for yourself!
If you want to enjoy a super sandwich sitting at a counter, then the Saint Boniface neighbourhood is the place to be. An American sandwich, that is. There’s not much that’s more American than this fantastic lunch spot. Elbow lunch counter is an authentically American pastrami bar where they prepare the pastrami in front of you, on a flat griddle. Deliciously tender, on rye bread or on hero. With a simple pickle on the side. At Elbow, they love simplicity and everything here is simply delicious.
Tacos are everywhere in Brussels, but if you want the real thing, of the homemade variety, then Schaerbeek is the place to go. In this Mexican shop, you can order super-fresh, homemade tacos. The arepas are stunning too. The name gives away the ambition. But we wouldn't be surprised if this is one of the best tortillerias in this part of Europe.
Brussels' kebab offering is nothing short of spectacular. Among the youngest generation of döner establishments, Panam, in particular, stands out. They serve traditional kebabs, every day and get their bread from the excellent Renard bakery, just down the road. The chips are hand-cut and delicious. Here you'll eat Berlin-style Turkish street food of the highest quality. Healthy, local, fresh, affordable and super tasty!
