Where to stop for a sweet treat in Brussels?

In the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert overlooking rue d'Arenberg, Arcadi serves up its signature tarts and quiches, all made following traditional recipes, with flavours including raspberry, lemon meringue and apple. You may also want to try their homemade waffles or speculoos cheesecake, perhaps accompanied by a Brussels-roasted ‘Corica’ coffee. The brasserie also serves traditional Belgian delicacies, including mussels and carbonnade flamande in an original atmosphere: banknotes, coins and postcards from across the globe adorn the walls, representing all those to have passed through its doors over the years. Make yourself comfortable either inside or out on the café's terrace inside the Galerie du Roi.

Since 1890, Café Métropole has been opening its doors for lunch and coffee breaks at place De Brouckère. Situated at the foot of the newly-listed former Métropole hotel building, this luxurious brasserie boasts a lavish Art Nouveau: its columns, sculptures, gilding and chandeliers. It’s a cosy spot to get out of the cold. The terrace is heated so you can even sit out there in the winter. The hotel and its café have been part of the Wielemans-Ceuppens Brewery family for seven generations. Over the years, they have both played host to many famous celebrities and big names from the world of cinema. For the people of Brussels, the landmark is a symbol of the capital and simply the place to be. When it comes to food and drink, enjoy a selection of artisanal Belgian beers alongside typical Brussels brasserie dishes.

Kaki. Cake Bar is Brussels' first Asian cake shop. Located in Saint-Gilles, it is run by Gwen, who opened the patisserie following the experience of a lifetime in Thailand. Kaki comes from 'Kakinang', meaning 'one of our own' in the Teo-Chew dialect, whether denoting a family member or someone close to you. Gwen's speciality is the Ka Bao, a pastry combining the Chinese roll cake and the Taiwanese bao buns. Made using Genoise sponge cake and cream, it comes in a variety of flavours, including fresh mango, passion fruit, grated coconut, matcha and azuki, and raspberries and speculoos. All this can be enjoyed with signature drinks, such as a Ca Phe Phin (a Vietnamese-style coffee) or a Hojicha Latte. Come and treat yourself to a slice of roll cake, chiffon cake or Japanese cheesecake.

La Petite Parisienne tearoom is Brussels' first certified organic patisserie. It is run by Katia, the petite Parisienne herself. With her team, her approach is to swap out sugar for more intense flavours. Their gourmet treats are prepared using local ingredients, changing both with the seasons and according to their inspiration at the time. No dyes are used either, only natural colours. The patisserie’s open kitchen allows customers to witness Katia and the team preparing their desserts. Their specialities include lemon curd tart, Black Forest gateau, Paris-Brest, mille-feuilles, fruit-topped amandines, etc. These tasty treats are guaranteed to provide that perfect moment of indulgence!

Chambelland bakery and patisserie was founded by biologist Thomas Teffri-Chambelland and entrepreneur and globetrotter Nathaniel Doboin. The two men who wanted to launch a food business that made sense and changed people’s lives: to make organic sourdough bread without gluten or additives. And just like that, rice flour bread was born! The bakery first opened in Paris and has its own flour mill. In Ixelles, sit back and enjoy the flat rectangle-shaped breads and artisanal pastries, all made with rice or buckwheat flour. They make dried fruit, sugar or cocoa breads, tarts, matcha cake, vegan banana bread, chouquettes, eclairs and cookies. You’ll find all the great classics and discover their own original creations. Their use of rice flour means you will feel full for longer and get more energy and nutrients!