Most have not only remained loyal ever since but have also introduced their children to the delights of this lovely Vietnamese restaurant. It means a whole new generation of diners are now among the regulars here. Given the quality of the food and also the remarkably reasonably prices that should not come as much of a surprise.

Aside from the business success story she oversees, the story of how the lady owner arrive here is fascinating in itself. Born in Laos, she ended up in Belgium (via Vietnam and Thailand) thanks to a Catholic humanitarian organisation. Indeed, she was among the first ever Vietnamese Catholics to arrive in Belgium.

Her first point of call was Antwerp where she stayed until romance and marriage brought her to Brussels in the late 1980s.Looking for a new direction, she and Maurice, a political scientist and her then new husband, took the plunge and decided to try their luck in the horeca trade. Their target for a restaurant – what at the time was a furniture showroom – seemed an inauspicious choice.

But the sheer longevity of the business and army of loyal customers has proved the move absolutely right. Three decades down the line, the restaurant remains more popular than ever. That is partly thanks to its wonderful position, just around the corner from the imposing Palais de Justice, but mostly due to the fact that it can be relied on for great food, great service and great prices.

It has a lunch menu, fixed a la carte and also a short suggestions list that changes every couple of months or so. Typically, this might include a trio of scampi mayo wasabi sauce, Thai basil mussels, sweet and sour pork sauce or grilled duck breast with honey and ginger.While it serves unashamedly traditional Vietnamese food this comes with a decidedly modern twist.

There’s a classic choice of starters, including assortment of nem, dim sum and rouleaux de 4 saisons – all delicious. For mains, you have a selection of chicken,beef and seafood. The chicken dishes include poulet au noix de cajou with fresh pineapple while there are some equally very tasty brochettes de boeuf aux feuilles de « lop. »

From the veggie section, a personal favourite is the tofu while the seafood selection boasts a super scampis grilles a la citronnelle fraiche. The crustaceans and fish range are beautifully prepared and also include grilled monkfish medallions with lime leaves and Thai-style steamed cod traps. With winter almost upon us, you may well be tempted by the fine range of scented soups which, like everything else on the card, are very reasonably priced indeed.

Renowned for its home-made dim sum, you should also try the Vietnamese-style carpaccio, spring rolls and assortment of four-season rolls (a platter to share with two).

For some, an Asian meal isn’t complete without some noodles and here, the nouilles sautees au poulet is particularly recommended. To round off a great meal (and if you still have room for more!), you really should indulge a little by trying one of the delightful deserts. These include the restaurant’s own version of a great Belgian favourite (dame blanche).

To best accompany these fine Asian dishes, a selection of red, rosé and white wines can be found on the Gallery’s menu. These include wines from France, the Loire and Alsace via Bordeaux and Provence. The impressive list also features wine from Chile and Argentina while, for lovers of bubbles, the champagne of Edmond Roussin and Laurent-Perrier, is also available.

Dining here takes place in a refined atmosphere far from the cheesy kitsch of some Asian eateries. You are seated in ultra-comfortable cream-coloured armchairs surrounded by subtle lighting and all in a casual atmosphere. The very welcoming owner has added beautiful paintings and furniture, some directly from Vietnam, and some personal touches, which complete the harmonious décor.

With the addition of nice service, the scene is set to sample some great Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant, located very close to a Metro line, has 65 tables and is also suitable for group meetings, birthdays and private dinners.

For decades generations of the same families have come here to eat, along with businessmen, diplomats, professionals and of course, lovers of Asian cuisine. All have remained faithful to this restaurant, attracted by its refinement and the sheer quality of its authentic cuisine. Like many Vietnamese who came to Belgium in the 1970 and 1980s, the owner has worked very hard to make a success of her life in her adopted homeland.

The results are plain to see at her great restaurant where the true values of Vietnamese cuisine really do tickle the taste buds.

Good to know:

• Gallery
• Address: Rue du Grand Cerf 7, Brussels
• Contact: 02 511 80 35

The post The Vietnamese Gallery celebrates its 30th anniversary with panache appeared first on Brussels Express.

Not only has it been on the culinary scene all that time but, remarkably, under the same ownership as well. You can understand why June 2018, the 30th anniversary, will be a special day in the calendar for the Vietnamese owners.
For many years it has been attracting everyone from diplomats and lawyers from the nearby courts to politicians and businessmen. Families and groups are also made to feel very welcome as well.

It takes a touch of quality to still be going strong after all that time and, on that front, this restaurant does not come up short. They all venture here to taste good quality, authentic and flavoursome Asian cuisine.

The owner has remained loyal to the great traditions of this fabulous food but, over the years, has tweaked it to stay up to date with current cooking trends and tastes.

On arrival, guests notice that this place is far removed from the sometimes slightly tacky and cheesy décor typical of Asian restaurants; there is a zen-like feeling.

One of the most popular starters is what is called the “four seasons” plate, comprising spring rolls (the Vietnamese classic and one many will be familiar with), summer rolls (shrimps), autumn rolls (duck and asparagus) and winter rolls (pork).  Of course , the famous dim sum, a house speciality is not to be missed.

Mains comprise a nice range of seafood, chicken, beef, noodles and rice and offer something for people of all tastes and persuasions. Recommended is the minced Angus beef, which is sautéed with satay, plus the vegetable fried rice with tofu.

The duck is prepared in various ways including with a red curry and with crepes while another recommendation is the sautéed chicken “Schezouan-style”. Look out also for the “Lanh Recommendations” and the particularly good value lunch. This changes daily (the details are posted on Facebook) and 2 courses will set up back just €15, a snip considering the quality.

As well as some lovely gluten-free Asian food there is also a very good choice of red, white and rose wines and try to also try a Saigon beer.

It’s very authentic with even some of the furnishings coming from Vietnam. Closed on Sundays, Gallery Resto-Boutique is also ideal for private events such as weddings, receptions and walking dinners.

When the owner first arrived in Belgium in the 1980s little did they think they’d still be here today. But this is a very pleasant place to sample good quality food and, after 30 years, you have not yet discovered it, then try to as you will not be disappointed.

Good to know:

• Gallery Resto-Boutique
• 7 Rue du Grand Cerf, Brussels
• 02 511 8035

The post Three decades of culinary delights appeared first on Brussels Express.