WABI – NEO CANTINE

When you hear that one of your favourite brunch spots in Brussels has opened a new eatery, you’re inevitably too excited to see what it’s like. And when you realize it’s just as delicious, you know you’ve spotted a little new foodie gem that you have to share!

Created by the team behind ICI, WABI neo-cantine has come to meet the growing demand for healthy lunch spots in Brussels. The concept is quite fitting for a quick bite: place your order at the counter, pay and then get seated to be served. On the menu there are different budwig cream bowls topped with fresh fruits and nuts for breakfast (8:30 – 11:00) and come lunch time, you can choose between a wabi or a dish with veggies, fish or meat. I was very curious to try the wabi which I happily washed down with a fresh juice with beets, mango, orange and lime (really good btw!). What is a wabi you may ask? Well, it’s a kind of savoury crepe filled with veggies where you can also add meat or fish. I really like it when food is colorful and looks appealing and I think that these wraps do the trick: I had a yellow one with turmeric but I am sure the green and pink one with spinach and beet, respectively, are also delicious. The wrap was a winner: fresh, full of flavour and filling. Their homemade almond milk is also worth a special mention – I am seriously considering of making it a regular supply in my household!

The space fits nicely the literal meaning of wabi – refined simplicity. Beautiful floor tiles, lots of wood and an open counter where the sweet and savoury treats are displayed. A bit too dark for my taste I have to admit but pretty indeed. Having said that, it is a bit pricey too as it is usually the case with this kind of eateries but I did love the food and would come back, so that makes up for it I guess.

If you find yourselves around Flagey, give WABI a try and let me know what you think. You can always combine your visit with a walk around the Ixelles ponds or a cup of coffee at the terrace of Cafe Belga!

INFO

Address: Rue Antoine Labarre 49, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium

Telephone: +32 2 6494490