The Brussels Coffee Show, an international "specialty coffee" festival, is taking place at La Gare Maritime this weekend.
Visitors are invited to explore the world of coffee in all its forms with the help of around 50 exhibitors over the course of two days.
Belgium is home to about 100 roasters and 300 coffee shops in Belgium and this number is increasing all the time, especially in the capital city.
The Coffee Show hopes to alert Belgian coffee consumers to the beverage's complexities.
"Everyone drinks coffee, but the moment we delve a bit deeper, we realise that nobody really knows what it is," said Thomas Wyngaard, founder of the OK Coffee platform.
'There are a lot of myths'
"Specialty coffee" refers to a high-quality product with very detailed traceability. Enthusiasts believe that fermentation, roasting date and washing method are crucial to knowing the best way to prepare the beverage.
The event will also aim to debunk various coffee myths, like the notion that an espresso must have a very strong taste, or that using a percolator and a thermos signifies poor-quality coffee.
"There are a lot of myths," says Wyngaard.
For €12, visitors can sample different products from the exhibitors, including chocolates. Competitions will also be part of the event.
The festival will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
