With “Eight,” a new bagel concept in the works, and two locations of Seven—the leading eatery and specialty coffee spots in Brussels—founders Kenya and Sasha seem to have found the sweet spot between healthy and delicious.
"We focus on healthy yet nourishing food and drinks, all made with high-quality ingredients. Our aim is to offer food that feels good for both the body and the mind, without compromising on taste."
10 Edith Cavell Street, 1180 Uccle
68–70 Auderghem Avenue, 1040 Etterbeek
SEVEN has quickly grown into a strong brand, despite a crowded market.
Why do you think that is?
“I think we arrived at the right place at the right time. When we opened three years ago, there were very few café and brunch spots in the area, and there was clearly a demand for this kind of concept.Location has also played a big role. We have a very loyal neighbourhood clientele, with many regulars returning almost every day. On weekends, the crowd is different and more touristy — people are willing to travel specifically to try new and trendy spots.Another key factor is the quality of our food and drinks. We put a lot of effort into maintaining consistency and high standards, and we think people really notice that.”
'THE AVOCADO TOAST IS ACLASSIC ON THE MENU ALL YEAR'
There’s a clear focus on healthy food, and I also notice regular preparations with supplements. Wellbeing as a culture is clearly trending. How do you see the “food as medicine” movement evolving?
We’re both drawn to wellness from a holistic perspective. We stay active, eat healthily, and really take care of our bodies. Since food plays such an important role in overall wellbeing, it felt natural to create dishes that are balanced and nourishing, while still indulgent and enjoyable.We’ve also developed a small grocery corner featuring wellness products we personally love, such as essential oils and adaptogens. Some of these are incorporated into our shakes and select dishes as well."
The concept now operates two locations.How different are the two neighbourhoods?
"Cavell is very residential. We have a neighbourhood clientele that comes in very regularly and tends to stay longer — people take their time and come for moments of connection and exchange. Cinquantenaire, on the other hand, is more of a business district, with lots of offices. People mainly come for lunch and are generally more in a hurry. We also opened there more recently, so we still have less perspective compared to Cavell."
@seven.brussels
@eight.brussels
05
reasons to love brussels
by Seven founders Kenya and Sasha.
01. Boa Boa for drinks
Favourites for dinner:
02. batch
03. nightshop
04. Le Variétés
05. MOK for coffee and brunch