5 local tips for cheap eats in Antwerp
Antwerp is one of Western Europe’s true hidden gems.
Internationally overshadowed by its more bureaucratic sibling Brussels, Belgium’s second city used to be an important mercantile center in the Low Countries and has left behind a rich city to lose yourself in.
Today it takes a more discerning traveler to explore this picturesque medieval city. If that’s you, we are sure you will appreciate these tips by Spotted by Locals.
5 cheap eats in Antwerp
Here are five spots to enjoy great food without breaking the bank or limiting yourself to the obligatory Belgian (don’t call them French here!) fries and chocolate.
Filling up on the buffet at Aahaar Indian Cuisine. Photo: Regina Jansen of Spotted By Locals
Aahaar Indian Cuisine
Lange Herentalsestraat 23
Let’s start off with the best deal in town. Aahaar Indian Cuisine pretty much does what it says on the tin: delicious Indian food, which in this case means spiciness turned up to eleven. But what’s great about this cozy restaurant is the daily buffet: for just €10 you can mix and match every dish that meets the eye and leave completely satisfied to continue your exploration.
Don’t forget to combine your pile of delicious food with a sweet mango lassi to wash off any extra spiciness.
Waiting for chips at Chips. Photo: Andy Helinx of Spotted By Locals
Chips
Sint-Antoniusstraat 35
OK, we lied about not mentioning fries — how could we ignore the ones they make at Chips? To be perfectly honest, it’s difficult to get bad fries in Antwerp, even in the city center, but this spot takes them to another level. They’ve also hit the sweet spot budget-wise (€2.40 for a small order), and they even serve burgers with meat from the best butcher in Antwerp.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt for the homemade tartare sauce instead of the tried-and-true mayonnaise.
Billie’s Beer Kafetaria
Kammenstraat 12
You know what else Belgium is famous for? Beer. You can always look for a true brown bar to enjoy local brews but what if you want to combine some beer tasting with Belgian comfort food? Billie’s Beer Kafetaria in the shadow of the cathedral is a perfect choice. Here they have 11 beers on tap and 110 served from the bottle. You can combine your drink with a pub game.
Get some stew (€14) or meatballs paired with the brew of your choice (don’t be shy to ask the bartender for help!), grab a chair upstairs and settle in for the real wintertime Antwerp vibe. It’s Sunday every day here.
Dinner is served at Estrela do Mar. Photo: Petra Bartholomeeussen of Spotted By Locals
Estrela do Mar
Ellermanstraat 96
Another excellent place to have a quality dinner for cheap is this family restaurant in the north of the city, right in the middle of the Portuguese quarter. This neighborhood favorite is heaving with charm: even if there are no free tables at first glance, just ask the waiters and they will take you to the back where you’ll see why they call it the Estrela do Mar — the ‘starfish’.
There’s no menu here, but you’ll always have a handful of fresh, daily Portuguese dishes to choose from, including sardines, gambas, and steak. Pick your color of wine and dine like a king for one of the city’s best deals (€17 for a huge steak). Don’t forget dessert!
A few of the fabulous creations at MoMade Cupcakes. Photo: Regina Janzen of Spotted By Locals
MoMade Cupcakes
Reyndersstraat 37
Speaking of dessert, you can do much worse than having an artisanal cupcake made by a pastry chef in the beating heart (and stomach) of the city. MoMade Cupcakes is run by Mo Lamokoref, and here you can find flavors like classic vanilla, red velvet, and chocolate-raspberry. It’s basically edible eye candy, and each one costs just €2.90.
No excuses — you’re in Europe’s hidden gem, remember?
Do you have a favorite local spot in Antwerp? Let us know in the comments.
