TAKUMI
Rue Lesbroussart may just be the yummiest street in Brussels right now as it brings together great foodie spots like AMI, Umamido, Le Petit Canon, Les Super Filles du Tram and from now on Takumi, a Japanese-inspired restaurant that has already become a favourite of mine!
The menu is short but delicious. I actually prefer restaurants that do only a few things but really well and this is true for Takumi. Their gyoza (Japanese homemade dumplings) are homemade, accompanied by their special condiment with soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar and are easily the best I’ve had in Brussels so far. The dough has the right texture and is generously filled with chicken, pork with ginger or kimchi, i.e. spicy marinated cabbage, a typical Korean dish. Depending on how hungry your are, you can order six, eight or ten of the same kind. The main dishes comprise different donburi, rice bowl dishes topped with meat and vegetables, plus a vegetarian option. My partner in crime and I tried the tsukune (caramelised minced chicken balls) and the niku miso (Minced pork with miso and ginger) – both really good and highly recommended. I was also tempted by the karaage (marinated fried chicken) but this will have to wait until my next visit!
The portions in Takumi are quite filling but do leave time for dessert, especially if you fancy eating ice cream with chopsticks. Yep, you’ve read right: here you can find mochi ice cream, a Japanese sweet treat made from pounded sticky rice with ice cream filling. Try the passion fruit and green tea ones and you won’t be disappointed! The lunch menu is also great value: for 13€ you get three gyoza and a donburi – a healthy option if you resist the chicken fried burger that’s also available during lunch time.
The space is small and narrow so there are just a few tables crammed in and it can get a bit noisy at peak hours. I wouldn’t necessarily pick this spot for a romantic dinner but rather a casual meal with friends. Make sure you arrive early as they don’t take reservations and while you wait, have some jasmine and lemongrass ice tea, it’s super light and refreshing!
| INFO |
| Address: Rue Lesbroussart 8, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium |
| Telephone: +32 488 430442 |
| Facebook page |
