The food and drinks scene in the Belgian capital is becoming increasingly vegan-friendly. But four Brussels establishments in particular made a significant impact on the Belgian vegan offering, picking up prizes at the Belgian Vegan Awards.
BE Vegan, the Belgian vegan association, hosted its annual awards ceremony this week . First launched in 2017, it highlights the best vegan initiatives and the entrepreneurs who are doing their bit for consumerism free from animal products.
For the 2023 edition, thousands of Belgian residents voted in 12 categories for their favourite plant-based initiatives, restaurants, cafes and cookbooks. Unsurprisingly, many key players on the scene are located in Brussels.
This was reflected in the winner's list, which included four establishments based here. Discover the vegan crème de la crème of Belgium below!
Best Coffee Bar: Lucifer Lives Coffee
While oat-milk cappuccinos and plant-based pumpkin-spiced lattes aren't too difficult to find nowadays, few coffee bars serve up the full experience with delicious, unusual vegan baked goods (from a warm pain au chocolat to a peach shortbread bar), full breakfasts and a variety of delectable sandwiches (such as the spicy "tuna").
The front counter of Lucifer Lives. Credit: Marta Mieze/ The Brussels Times
Lucifer Lives Coffee is a gem nestled among antique shops in the Marolles district. Owners Lucas and Morgane make it their mission to inspire with food and drinks that make people and the planet happy. They also regularly organise vegan events such as a movie night, which includes an exclusive dinner, followed by 100% plant-based desserts.
Best Lunch: Le Botaniste
Le Botaniste has locations in Brussels (Bailli and near Schuman) as well as in Gent and even New York. It is widely celebrated for its innovative approach to vegan food, with a focus on health.
- Credit: Le Botaniste
The restaurant won the prize for best lunch but is also open for dinner. It serves dishes from Italian pasta to Tibetan curries. Le Botaniste also invests in planting trees and is CO2-neutral certified.
Best Dinner: Liu Lin
Another eatery featured in The Brussels Times' list for 'best affordable veggie and vegan food' is Liu Lin, which opened in the Sablon neighbourhood almost five years ago. It is known for its noodle soups with dumplings and salad bowls with 100% vegan "crispy chicky" strips.
- Liu Lin customers eat lunch in the indoor seating area. Credit: Marta Mieze/ The Brussels Times
The minimalist yet cosy restaurant is run by the Taiwanese sisters I-Wen Liu and Hsuan Lin, who recently opened a second establishment just down the road from their first in Brussels, called Lil Bao – a Taiwan-inspired street food bar with fluffy funky bao buns – and a third in Leuven.
Best Fast Food: Kitsune
Vegan food doesn't have to be fancy, fussy and healthy, a point proven by Kitsune, which serves up comforting homemade fusion burgers at their takeaway location in Forest.
- Credit: Kitsune
In February, the popular eatery will open a sit-down restaurant in the city centre of Brussels, winning new fans with their delicious "hamless" burgers.
