Insider tips from the neighbourhood’s creatives and game changers in Antwerp.
"FUNK is my go-to for plant based cinnamon roles and matcha," says content creator and Interior Architect Mariam Tsilosani.
→ @bakkerijfunk
“My absolute favourite dish? The Sichuan Boiled Fish ‘水煮魚’ at NISHIFU — as good as the real thing in Chongqing,the spicy capital.”
"GANTERIE BOON is the kind of shop you'd expect to find in Paris or Tokyo. A treasure trove of gloves in every imaginable style, housed in a building that is at once a living heritage site and a museum-quality gem."
→ 5 FAVOURITE HANGOUTS in Antwerp OF BENT VAN LOOY, PROFESSIONAL FLÂNEUR AND FRONTMAN OF DAS POP
INSIDER TIP BY RENé FRANCKEN, FOUNDER OF ANTIQUARIAN BOOKSHOP DEMIAN
““Tong Mein serves traditional Cantonesecuisine. It is a real hidden gem, far away from any hype or buzz."
→ TONG MEIN - Hendrik Conscienceplein 13
“There’s something grounding about reading on paper, it slows you down in the best way," notes creative consultant Matteo La Rosa. "Apartamento, Self Service, and The Gentlewoman remain favourites.”
→ @lamatteolarosa
"Taste the bouillabaisse in Five Minutes in Paris," says stylist and manager of ENSŌ Antwerp Shirley.
→ Take 5 Minutes in Paris - Kloosterstraat 50
"Cafee Cabron or De Multa have that right amount of underground smudge.”
Maurice is part of a new generation of archive collectors and sellers presenting collections in their proper historical context. And he loves his café's raw and honest.
What at first glance might appear to be a classic denim store turns out to be part heritage, part thoroughly modern retail space—equally appealing to dedicated collectors and the likes of Josh Homme.
→ A conversation with Kings & Queens founder Hans Bollen
INSIDER TIP FROM ANTIQUARIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE FRANK VAN LAER
“The Normo coffee bar takes the eclectic, romantic nonchalant vintage vibe to a new level. AND amazing coffee.”
"“Anything pure, simple and made with love makes me smile."
"MAKE A DETOUR FOR THE SWEET HOMEMADE BAKLAVA AT CAVUSZADE BAKLAVE."
'Try the noodle soup with char siu en scampi dumplings at Da Jia Le.'
“The durum adana at Has Kebab is comfort food at it’s best.”
INSIDER TIP BY SOPHIE ENGELEN, FOUNDER OF HOLISTIC SKINCARE BRAND ALOÏSE
“There’s this tiny herb and spice shop—‘Cajun’—on Hoogstraat that definitely deserves more attention. It’s one of those places you might walk past without noticing, but once you step inside, you feel it. The owner is incredibly charismatic. Just seeing his face brings a kind of calm joy.You’ll feel it the moment you walk in.”
→ CAJUN - Hoogstraat 25