Three decades of culinary delights
Three decades is a long time by any stretch of the imagination, but for the horeca trade it is almost a lifetime.
Consider then a Brussels restaurant that this year will mark its 30th anniversary. The re-designed restaurant in question is Gallery Resto-Boutique, located in the shadow of the overwhelming Palais de Justice.
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
