Chaussée de Waterloo 552
What’s good? Traditional Chinese dishes like kung pao chicken, dandan noodles and Beijing duck will lure any Asian cuisine fans. But the Sichuan spice — a hot pepper that numbs the mouth — will keep you there and make you return. The cold spinach starter has less vinegar than its original, but the sesame seeds and vermicelli elevate the flavor. Don’t miss the deep-fried chicken cooked in Sichuan peppers. The green beans are less spicy than the ones found in China, but the slight sweetness counteracts the spicy kick from the chicken.
What’s not? It’s a popular spot, so make a reservation in advance. They also didn’t have the chuanr — Chinese barbeque sticks — advertised at the end of the menu.
Vibe: Tucked in one of Brussels’ wealthiest neighborhoods, the restaurant has upscale decor and plating. The cold spinach appetizer came in a gorgeous bowl that resembled a flower. When it’s warm, there’s outside seating, but bring layers for inside, as the door is often left open.
Who’s picking up the check? Main dishes will set you back €18 to €20, while smaller plates to start are around €10. It’s a good spot for a date or to impress visitors. A bonus is a Tsingtao — a mainstay Chinese lager — goes for just €5.
Spotted: It’s a well-known eatery among Brussels’ prominent China watchers, including, we hear, POLITICO’s own Regional Director Jamil Anderlini.
Insider tip: Forget your own main — order dishes for the table and share so you can try all the delicious offerings on the menu.
Fun fact: Your author spent five years living in Beijing and can attest that the dishes match those found on the Chinese mainland, albeit with a slightly different flavor profile. The restaurant also has a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide.
How to get there: Step off the tram or bus at Abbaye de la Cambre and walk ten minutes down Rue d’le Abbaye.
Review published on June, 19 2025. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO
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