BABA BAGEL BAKERY
Brussels loves bagels. Sure, in Belgium the local equivalent is the pistolet but over the last years bagels have started appearing on the menu of popular cafes and specialised shops, like APDM, Jat, Le Cafe de la Presse, BTB Eatery, Workshop Cafe and the list goes on…! One of the latest arrivals in the Brussels bagel scene is BaBa Bagel Bakery, where I was kindly invited to pop by for a tasting.
This spot is located in a lovely neighbourhood not too far from Tenbosch park and housed in a beautifully renovated building. The space itself is bright, modern and airy. I loved the fact that windows are big and let plenty of light in as well as the comfortable chairs where I could literally spend hours. Note to parents: BaBa Bagel Bakery is children friendly, so feel free to bring your kids – there are even some really cute wooden rocking moose for them to play with. Takeaway is possible but you can also enjoy your meal at the premises: place your order and pay at the counter, leave your name, take a seat and the food arrives when it’s ready.
Not surprisingly, the menu revolves around bagels which are available in various flavours, such as plain, sesame, dried tomatoes, onions, poppy seeds and chili cheddar. The bagels are homemade in the traditional way to achieve the right texture, which means that they’re first boiled in water and then baked in the oven. The preparation starts very early in the morning on a daily basis, so everything is fresh. There are various formulas, including one for lunch and brunch, soups, salads and different bagel fillings: pastrami, salmon and cream cheese, chicken and guacamole, tuna and a vegetarian one with hummus and grilled vegetables. Those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed either as BaBa Bagel Bakery also offer many sweet treats, like American cheesecake, carrot cake, muffins and donuts.
On our visit my partner in crime and I tried two bagels and a muffin. Despite the faulty service (we had to ask twice to receive what we actually ordered), our bagels were really tasty and filling. Truth is, I had read mixed reviews before going, but I genuinely liked the “homemade fast food” concept at BaBa Bagel Bakery. It ain’t cheap but it’s a nice alternative for bagels in Brussels, so go ahead and check it out!
| INFO |
| Address: Chaussée de Waterloo 559, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium |
| Telephone: +32 2 2015220 |
| Website / Facebook page |
