Nowhere else in Belgium has such a large Asiatic community like Antwerp, and that is all down to the Port of Antwerp, of course. Many people from Asiatic countries remained here after travelling and invited their families to come and start amazing restaurants. The choice of Asiatic restaurants is therefore huge, with something for everyone.
Vietnamese delicacies at BÚN Bar & Restaurant
At a small counter, you can polish off a delicious bowl of Vietnamese noodles in the BÚN bar in the heart of Antwerp or enjoy a refreshing beer with a spicy sausage. At Little BÚN, you don't need to book and you are always welcome to come by for a quick Vietnamese snack, packed with flavour. If you prefer somewhat more refined cooking, hurry on over to the restaurant in Het Zuid, where chef Huibrecht Berends and his Vietnamese wife Hoa Truong will spoil you with Vietnamese delicacies to share.
Sint-Jorispoort 22 en Volkstraat 43
Slurp Japanese ramen at Apo’s
In this ramen-Valhalla, right next to Groen Kwartier, you can slurp Japanese noodles of every possible variety. From chicken with yuzu (Japanese citrus fruit) to pork with oat milk and vegetarian miso. For those who prefer less slurping, it is worth trying the delicious gyozas (Japanese dumplings) or salmon with home-made wasabi mayonnaise.
Boomgaardstraat 99
Vietnamese street food at Bánh Mì
Bánh-Mì means 'bread' in Vietnamese and refers to the French baguette that was increasingly used in Vietnam during the colonisation era. Since then, the roll with all kinds of delicious local fillings has become especially popular in Vietnam. In Antwerp, you can get once of these toasted rolls at two different locations. Our favourite is undoubtedly the one with pork belly. Chef Christophe also runs Satay alongside Bánh Mì. There, you can feast on Asian-influenced dishes inspired by the famous street food scene.
Korte Koepoortstraat 8 en Nationalestraat 146
State-of-the-art Japanese sushi at Kato
Sushi-making is a veritable art, which the Japanese grandmasters spend 20 years perfecting. We are fortunate that Kato is one of them. Chef Takeaki Kato spent decades working at Izumi, the Japanese restaurant at Antwerp's Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which has since become an institution. His own restaurant, which he opened together with his wife, is a Valhalla for any sushi fan.
De Vrièrestraat 4
Van Wesenbekestraat
Flanked by two lion statues on either side of the street and an original Chinese pagoda gate, Van Wesenbekestraat represents the epicentre of Chinatown. While you browse all manner of bizarre ingredients and Eastern objects, be sure to take a look in the intriguing restaurant windows, where you'll sometimes even see a suckling pig.