How Antwerp is rapidly becoming a vegan hotspot
In May, Sapphire House opened its doors in Antwerp. The five-star hotel is the first Marriott hotel to be entirely plant-based, and where two-star chef Bart De Pooter offers culinary excellence in two restaurants. But Antwerp has much more to offer. Find out in this article how the city is rapidly becoming a hotspot for vegan and plant-based food.
PLANTn and WILDn
You'll find chef Bart De Pooter's two plant-based restaurants just off the Handelsbeurs, in Sapphire House Antwerp. At the gourmet restaurant WILDn, his work includes fermented vegetables, homemade flavour enhancers and cookies based on vegetable waste. At PLANTn, you'll enjoy healthy bowls, juicy burgers and fragrant homemade pancakes all day long.
Lento
At Lento, you'll discover that a plant-based menu can be classy, lavish and, above all, really delicious. Here, you will mindfully enjoy a slow-food, three or four-course menu, with chef Yolan following the seasons. Is your mouth watering already? How about slow-cooked aubergine, ice cream made of young turnips or artichoke with citrus purée and seaweed caviar? The menu changes every five weeks, so it's best to come back regularly.
Hart
On Minderbroedersrui you will find Hart, the hip breakfast, brunch and lunch store run by Melissa and Mario. In the dishes, you can taste the couple's Spanish, Chilean and Chinese roots. Spanish vegan tortillas, scrambled tofu and hearty sourdough sandwiches with healthy spreads take centre-stage.
Icelab NiceCream Creations
Icelab NiceCream Creations at the Oudevaartplaats is the first 100% vegetable gelateria in the Benelux. You'll feast on creamy vegan ice cream with classic flavours, but there are also more daring options such as white chocolate and ginger, salted caramel and walnut and fig. Do you have your faithful four-legged friend with you? Then treat him or her to a doggie ice cream.
Spritz
Spritz once started as an aperitif bar (hence the name); today it is a plant-based Italian Osteria where you can enjoy simple cuisine and fine wines. The pasta dishes are the stars of the menu and you'll also feast on tasty bruschetta, calamari fritti and, of course, tiramisu.
Camion
Camion is the business of Camille & Boqion, two best friends with a shared passion for plant-based food. Here you will enjoy sharing platters where vegetables take the leading role. How about a creamy cashew dip, roasted white asparagus or a salad of roasted root vegetables?
Circus
At Het Zuid, you can sample innovative vegan cuisine at the artistically decorated Circus. Inge and Lien are inspired every day by the ultra-fresh vegetables supplied by organic farmers. Have the Juggling Vegetables for breakfast, the Halloumi Pea Wrap for lunch or one of the exciting natural wines as an aperitif.
Humm
The success of Yotam Ottolenghi's cookbooks and television programs proves it: Middle Eastern cuisine is all the rage. At Humm on the atmospheric Dageraadplaats, you can enjoy healthy, sustainable and super-tasty dishes. Eat and combine dips, mezze, salad and street food to your heart's content. And, of course, hummus plays the starring role.
Have a roll & Peas
Fancy a quick, tasty bite while you're shopping? Feast on handmade vegan cinnamon rolls at both Have a roll and Peas. Choose the classic version or toppings like lemon lavender, speculoos-apple and chocolate praline. A delight for the eye and in your mouth. Get your camera ready!
Simone’s Kitchen
Op wandelafstand van het Stadspark toveren Simone en haar team plant-based gerechten op tafel. Simone gelooft in het heilzame effect van plantaardig eten op lichaam en geest en dat resulteert in lekker en gezond ontbijten, lunchen en dineren, in een knusse setting.