A flavourful journey: from cheese shop to Michelin-star restaurant

By Malin Norman

Belgium is a treasure for food lovers, with fantastic local produce and award-winning restaurateurs. From a praised cheese shop in Brussels, to unexpected food and beer pairings, and finally a Michelin-star restaurant – Discover Benelux highlights some of the best culinary experiences.

A cheese lover’s haven in Brussels

In the centre of Brussels lies a multifaceted space dedicated to cheese. La Fruitière is a fusion of cheese shop, aging cellar and tasting bar – a true cheese lover’s haven – where the owners share their passion for Belgian and French cheeses.

Photo: Eva Beeusaert

Here, locals and tourists alike can indulge in a wide range of high-quality cheeses, delicious charcuterie platters, as well as tasty natural wines and craft beers, for instance from Cantillon, which is also based in Brussels. The intimate cheese bar can accommodate around 20 people, with a large communal table at the centre.

Run by mother-son duo, Véronique and Léo, the innovative concept of La Fruitière has won numerous awards and the owners have been named Belgium’s best cheesemakers.

Véronique and Léo, founders of La Fruitière. Photo: Maurine Toussaint

Zythologists, foodies and brewers

In Hasselt, the Limburg capital, you will find a thriving brewery with a taproom. What started as an ambitious home brewery has grown into Brouwerij De HopHemel, run by zythologists, foodies and brewers Geert Vandormael and Steven Broekx.

Photo: Maurine Toussaint

Photo: Brouwerij HopHeme

The founders are on a mission to share the wonderful world of craft beer, and cleverly showcase the art of food and beer pairings. With passion and instinct, they offer surprising flavour combinations. When the right beer is paired with the right dish, flavours elevate to a new dimension, they say.

The warm and welcoming taproom serves De HopHemel’s own beers, but also a selection of craft beers from other breweries, non-alcoholic beverages, and of course divine food pairings. Geert and Steven also organise tastings and events focused on beer and food, in a relaxed setting.

Photo: Visit Flanders

Photo: Brouwerij HopHemel

World’s best beer restaurant

Under the guidance of beer chef Raf Sainte, De Gebrande Winning in Saint Truiden seeks out the optimal combinations of beer and food. Set up in 2014, the restaurant is based in a charming farmhouse from the early 17^th century.

Photo: De Gebrande Winning

Championing Flemish traditions, De Gebrande Winning also incorporates contemporary notes in the dishes. In 2020, the restaurant was named Best Beer Restaurant in the World by RateBeer, and it has been included in the Michelin Guide since 2019.

Photo: De Gebrande Winning

The beer chef’s culinary passion and creativity combined with the impressive beer cellar will make for an extraordinary experience. Expect the unexpected, at De Gebrande Winning – it is a beer destination well worth a visit.

Photo: De Gebrande Winning

Michelin-star dining on the top floor

Restaurant Hert in Turnhout is praised for its refined and creative modern cuisine. Talented chef Alex Verhoeven is known for his innovative flair – he was awarded a Michelin star in 2022 and named Gault&Millau’s Young Chef of the Year for Flanders last year.

Photo: Hert

Situated on the top floor of Turnova Tower, Hert has far-reaching views of Turnhout and its surroundings. The restaurant’s focus is transparency in gastronomy and prepares its dishes respect for nature. The open-plan kitchen further emphasises interaction between the chefs and the guests.

For an unforgettable Michelin-star dining experience, head to Hert in Turnhout.

For more information on beer & food in Flanders, also check out www.visitflanders.com