Join us on a world tour in Leuven
Asia
We start our journey in Asia. Under the tower of the University Library, try the delicious Indian food at Nirvana Kitchen. Walk on to Tiensestraat and stop at Umamido, where the speciality is Japanese ramen. On the same street, get the best Vietnamese dishes at Ah! Quy on Alfons Smetsplein (better known to the locals as “Thai square”). A little further along Naamsestraat, visit the popular Raffat for traditional Pakistani cuisine. For Syrian and Lebanese food, go to Palmyra and you’ll find the best falafel at Falafel Habibi. And this guide wouldn’t be complete without sushi. You can find the Japanese delicacy at lots of eateries around the city, including Kintsugi Sushi Bar & Grill near the railway station. And for lovers of spicy food, we conclude our tour of Asia in Nepal at Annapurna.
From Africa to America
Bar Afrique introduces you to recipes from across the African continent. From traditional chicken dishes and South African wines to desserts like Afro-misu and Mbegu Mbegu. There is something for everyone. House of Lalibela is located a stone’s throw from the Grote Markt and focuses on Ethiopian cuisine.
We fly on to the Americas. In La Cantina del Coronel you will discover authentic South American dishes, and for a great, convivial atmosphere, head to Belgaleiro. At this Brazilian-Belgian bar, you are immersed in Brazilian culture (with a Belgian touch) with tapas, beer and Forró, a typical Brazilian dance. If it’s Central American flavours you’re after, you’ll find them at the coveted Mexican El Sombrero on the Dijleterrassen. Reserve your table at El Sombrero in good time and enjoy the best fajitas and enchiladas. Put together your own tacos and burritos at cosy Donki on the Oude Markt.
Simply can’t choose between all these goodies? Restaurants Via Via Heverlee, Wereldcafé Coop and Kalypta have the best of all continents on the menu!
Europe
Europe is also well represented in Leuven. Enjoy delicious Italian slow food at ristorante Rossi with chef Felice Miluzzi, who was named best Italian chef by the renowned Gault&Millau. Tip: pick up some mouth-watering sourdough pizzas from Rossi’s younger sister Guzzi and have a relaxing picnic in the nearby Sint-Donatuspark. The highly-regarded Italian restobar Zoff opened the Italian food store Gigi opposite their restaurant on Mechelsestraat.
Treat yourself to the tastiest Spanish tapas at SUD SUD Bistro or Bar Del Sol. And lastly, for authentic Belgian food, head to Domus. They use traditional methods to brew their own beer here in the small house brewery, which you can taste straight from the tap. Definitely worth a visit!
Weekend away
Leuven is the ideal city break destination for foodies. From world cuisine and starred restaurants to cosy coffee bars, Leuven has it all. Discover the best choice of accommodation for you here and book your weekend in Leuven!
