Gluten free Brussels guide
Where to eat in Brussels on a gluten free diet (dairy free and vegan info included!)
Before visiting Brussels for the first time, I had seen a lot of people saying that generally they found it much harder to eat gluten free here than other places in Europe, so I was a little apprehensive. But actually once I got there, I found it WAY easier to eat than expected and had some really tasty food (cue Belgian waffles and a lot of chocolate!)
Another great thing about Brussels is that because people speak such a variety of languages, you won't find it hard to get by or communicate your dietary needs if you only know English. Although allergy translation cards are often a good idea anyway, I didn't struggle at all in Brussels, and had no issues in any of the places I've listed. Therefore Brussels might be a good shout if your experience of travelling with a dietary requirement is limited and you don't know where to start.
***I have a gluten intolerance and therefore can take some cross contamination (although I don’t use shared fryers). Therefore it’s always super important to check out the establishments yourself and decide on the risks, especially since some establishments may have changed or updated since my last visit. However, I have marked all the 100% gluten-free establishments where there is no risk of cross-contamination***
Places to Eat
Veganwaf- 100% gluten-free, 100% vegan
Of course, when in Belgium, waffles are a MUST. This is a great little stall which is tucked away inside a little shopping arcade, and is both completely vegan AND gluten free. There's a few different toppings to choose from including strawberry, chocolate sauce or cream and I can confirm that they are all delicious. Just beware that these are pretty filling and we actually didn't need lunch afterwards!
Le Botaniste- 100% gluten-free, 100% vegan
Another spot which is completely vegan and gluten free, Le Botaniste is a casual food and wine bar located up in the EU Quarter. Decor and vibes are so spot on and the staff were also really friendly and helpful when I double checked that everything was gluten free, so I felt really safe. Portion sizes were also good- such a colourful cute place and I loved eating here!
Chambelland- 100% gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options
I didn't actually make it out to the Brussels Chambelland since it is out of central Brussels, and I had was short on time. However, I have to put this on the list since I’ve visited the Paris one before and would highly recommend if you've never visited, since absolutely everything is gluten free! Yes, eclairs, tarts and focaccias are just some of the options they do in patisserie and bread. The quality is outstanding, and everything I tried there blew me away. I would HIGHLY recommend the pain de sucre (sugar bread), although the vegan sandwich and flan I tried were also outstanding. One of my favourite gluten free bakeries ever. The Paris branch had lots of dairy free options when I visited too.
The Sister Brussels Cafe- 100% gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options
This is a super cute café tucked away down a lane just of the main square (so very central). They serve a range of dishes like focaccia sandwiches, soups, smoothies, falafels etc. Overall I would recommend this as a lunch rather than a breakfast spot even though they do serve both. While the focaccia sandwiches and soup were crowd-pleasers, breakfast got some mixed reviews from us. The good news is that there's also lots of dairy free and vegan options here.
BON- gluten-free options, vegan and dairy-free options
BON is a cafe chain serving salads, sandwiches, soups and cake, as well as juices and coffee. I came across a few of them when walking around Brussels. Allergy labelling is very clear. I only tried a sandwich and juice from here on my way back to the train station. Although the sandwich didn't knock my socks off, it was nice and definitely WAY better than your average supermarket gluten free sandwich. Although I didn't have time to try one, their desserts do look really tasty! Plenty of dairy free and vegan options here too.
Art’s & Bagels- gluten-free options
Art's & Bagels is a bagel and juice bar that offers gluten free bagels and vegan options. It's a great brunch spot and the bagels we had were SO good. Just beware of the crisps they serve with the bagels as standard- when I asked, staff were unsure if they contained gluten, so maybe just ask for your bagel without them on the side of the tray.
Hard Rock Café- gluten-free options
If you're a seasoned gluten free traveller, you're probably aware that when abroad, Hard Rock Cafe is always the safe tasty back up option if your plans fall through. Luckily there is one in Brussels, and it's got an amazing looking building slap bang in the Grand Place! However I would say that this might not be for those who are both vegan and gluten free because lots of the dishes are centred around meat-particularly burgers and ribs. However, if you’re desperate to eat there are one or two veggie burgers which can be made gluten free.
Nehaus- gluten-free options
Of all the chocolate shops I visited, Nehaus is probably the best for allergies. All their chocolates are clearly labelled with little allergen icons so that everyone can do a little pick and mix. They advertise themselves as the inventors of the praline, and I have to say that their chocolates are delicious! I did notice a little allergy disclaimer on their website however, which states that they can't guarantee free from gluten cross contamination, so make sure to check that out or ask a member of staff if necessary.
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Think I’ve missed anywhere? Let me know in the comments- I’d be happy to hear from you :)