The Best Ethnic Restaurants In Brussels

L’Everest is widely considered a small gem of restaurant, tucked away some 100 meters away from Avenue Louise in the city’s Ixelles neighborhood. The restaurant serves affordable Nepali food, arguably the best of its kind anywhere in Brussels, taking pride in striking a balance between the best of Indian and Tibetan culinary traditions. Among the mouth-watering meat dishes, the owners often recommend sekuwa, or barbecued meat, infused with a selection of fine spices and herbs. Fresh naan bread is baked daily to order. Due to its popularity, it is highly recommended to book in advance.

A particularly good option for vegetarians, Mo Mo offers healthy portions of nothing less than the best of Tibetan specialities. All of the organic food served here is prepared within customers’ view, in a well lit open kitchen adorned with colorful and modern, minimalist decor. Soups, vegetarian and meat stuffed dumplings, and lots of steamed vegetables cover most of the menu, taking out of the equation the oils and heavy spices one often associates with Asian food. Grand Place, Brussels © Steve Walker/Flickr

Due to its proximity to Brussels’ Grand Place and the numerous tourist traps in the area, Caspian can be easily overlooked by the casual onlooker. Do not make this mistake. Housed in a small building, this small and boisterous traditionally restaurant is the city’s primary establishment for Iranian cuisine. Clientèle is evenly divided between Iranians and foreigners – always a safe way to vouch for the food’s authenticity – making their way through variously spiced kebabs, rice dishes and a number of vegetarian options. More often than not it is completely full, booking ahead is a must.

Kokob is an Ethiopian restaurant in the very center of Brussels, close to the Grand Place. Guests are welcomed with an exotic cocktail before delving into the main dishes of choice. Ethiopian food being what it is, here you are expected to eat with your hands out of the same plate which you’ll probably be sharing with whoever is joining you for the meal. Dishes are accompanied with either rice, or traditional crêpes called injeras. Should you be new to the whole thing, don’t be surprised when the attendant serves you the first bite hand to mouth.

Behind a less than remarkable facade in the center of Brussels, Lotus Vert serves no-frills Vietnamese and Thai food at a more than reasonable price. This may not be the most ideal place for a romantic dinner or formal evening, but there is surely something for most tastes among its wide range of vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes, soups, and noodles. Popular with regulars is the all-you-can-eat option, offering very good value for money.