#leuven muntstraat

[delisushi1]

Discover the Best Restaurants in Leuven, Belgium

Leuven, Belgium, is a vibrant city known for its historical charm, lively student culture, and diverse culinary scene. Whether you're a local or visiting, the city offers a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes. For sushi lovers, the experience gets even better with the convenience of "sushi afhaal" (takeaway sushi) from top-notch places like Deli Sushi. Let’s explore some of the best restaurants in Leuven, including those that specialize in sushi and other cuisines.

1. Deli Sushi – Fresh and Delicious Sushi for Takeaway

If you’re craving sushi in Leuven, Deli Sushi is your go-to spot. Renowned for its fresh ingredients and creative sushi rolls, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals. The best part? They offer sushi afhaal Leuven, making it perfect for those who prefer to enjoy sushi at home or on the go.

Deli Sushi's menu features a wide range of options, from classic nigiri and sashimi to innovative rolls packed with flavor. Their takeaway service is quick and efficient, ensuring you get your sushi fresh and ready to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a quiet meal at home, Deli Sushi has got you covered.

2. The Capital

If you’re in the mood for Belgian cuisine, The Capital is a must-visit. Located in the heart of Leuven, this restaurant is known for its wide selection of beers and traditional Belgian dishes. Pair your meal with one of their famous craft beers for the ultimate dining experience. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make it a great place for both casual meals and special occasions.

3. Baracca

For a modern twist on Italian food, Baracca offers a delightful menu of wood-fired pizzas and small sharing plates. Their focus on fresh, local ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors. The lively atmosphere and open kitchen concept add to the unique dining experience. While Baracca specializes in Italian cuisine, they also have vegetarian-friendly options for everyone to enjoy.

4. Taste Leuven

Taste Leuven is a hidden gem for those who appreciate fine dining with a creative touch. This upscale restaurant combines international flavors with local ingredients, offering a unique culinary journey. Their seasonal menu is constantly evolving, ensuring every visit is a new experience. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Taste Leuven is the place to be.

5. Umamido – Ramen Lovers’ Paradise

If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, Umamido serves some of the best ramen in Leuven. Known for their rich broths and perfectly cooked noodles, this Japanese-inspired eatery is a hit among locals. While their menu is focused on ramen, they also offer small side dishes like gyoza and edamame that pair wonderfully with your meal.

6. Zarza

Zarza is another great choice for those who enjoy contemporary European cuisine. This Michelin-recommended restaurant offers beautifully presented dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The chefs here are known for their creativity, turning simple ingredients into works of art. It’s an excellent choice for a fine dining experience in Leuven.

7. Leuven Sushi Restaurants Beyond Deli Sushi

Apart from Deli Sushi, there are other sushi spots in Leuven worth exploring. Sushi Lovers and Sushi House are two great options that also offer takeaway services. However, Deli Sushi stands out for its consistent quality and variety, making it the top choice for sushi enthusiasts.

Why Choose Sushi Afhaal in Leuven?

Takeaway sushi is an excellent option for those who lead busy lives or prefer a quiet meal at home. With sushi afhaal, you get the same delicious flavors without the need to dine in. Deli Sushi makes this experience seamless with their easy ordering process and quick service.

Conclusion

Leuven is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from authentic Belgian dishes to international cuisines like sushi and ramen. For sushi lovers, Deli Sushi is a standout choice, offering fresh and flavorful sushi for takeaway. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, the best restaurants in Leuven have something for everyone.

[savourydelisushi]

Tips at tricks to run a successful Sushi Restaurant in Leuven

When we talk about “sushi”, we are talking about a wide array of dishes however Makizushi means the rolled form of sushi. The western world customarily includes this type of sushi. So, if you are seeking to open a Leuven Sushi Restaurant, there must be a dedicated and well-educated real esteem team by your side. Make sure you hire a team that could assist you in saving thousands of dollars. Considering these things, you get to try your hands on the best practices that make a Japanese cuisine restaurant design successful. 

The foremost thing you need to consider is choosing the right location for your sushi restaurant. Though sushi generally thrives in those places which are surrounded by working professionals, the market for Sushi in Leuven is no more limited to urban people or settings merely. Thus, it is not solely important to target the right people but counting on the startup and ongoing costs are equally essential.

Moreover, you need to decide the menu incredibly and hire a talented chef with impressive culinary talent too. To learn rice preparation or the performance of simple tasks needed to make sushi, a chef spends nearly five years in training. To make world-class sushi and perform accurate tasks, sushi chefs need highly dedicated cutlery. To prepare fish, they use the traditional Japanese knives named Deba and Sashimi which are specially designed for fish prep tasks only. 

Prepare a diverse sushi menu that comprises different varieties of sushi that keep bringing the customers back and back. Keep doing additions to your menu with time to know what people love the most. There are certain recommendations provided by the FDA that guide how to handle raw fish. Freeze fish at -4 degrees F for 7 days to ensure the destruction of parasites. Or else, you can freeze it at -31 degrees F for 15 long hours. 

At last, you need to obtain food-related licenses and permits along with obtaining general licenses for running a business. To do so, you need to register your restaurant with the Health Department. With this, you will get access to a food handling license along with which you will get separate approval from the state board that lets you serve liquor like wine or beer at your outlet. To get success in your business related to Japanese cuisine, you will get a huge help with the above-guided tips. Go with this solid business plan and establish a world-class Sushi Restaurant in Leuven and earn loads of profit. 

Tips to design a top-notch Japanese restaurant

Add style with minimal shelves 

Minimal shelving looks functional stylist along with being a decorative element for your restaurant. Go for it. 

Flaunt local art 

Showcasing local Japanese art will not merely add to the colour and depth of your home walls however it will be supportive of local businesses run by small communities. 

Bring Greenery 

Though it might not be possible for you to plant trees, keeping huge and small planters can endow your restaurant with a fresh and vibrant feeling. It will make your whole space cool if you bring greenery. 

Add lighting fixtures

Lighting is an important aspect of restaurant design. To make the overall tone stunning and mood-lifting, lighting works as the foundation of the whole customer experience. 

Provide adequate seating options 

A major reason behind a restaurant’s success is the layout they provide to its customers. Plan to have enough seating and take care of customers’ comfort to make a good profit from the restaurant. When you are planning the whole layout of your Leuven Sushi Restaurant, make sure you sit in every seat so that you can have an idea about the perfect seating layout. 

These tips and tricks will help you establish a good Japanese restaurant. Why wait for more time when you have all the knowledge in your hand that can bring loads of profits? Without wasting more time, get begun to apply these valuable tips super soon. 

Savoury Restaurant - Deli Sushi Leuven Muntstraat 18/001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium +32 478 60 02 68

[jghouse-asia-pacific]

New Post has been published on https://www.jg-house.com/2022/02/12/lunch-linizio-leuven/

Lunch at L'inizio in Leuven

The streaking black car on the pale highway crossed a field of clover before braking hard on the outskirts of Leuven, a medieval city of cathedrals and over-sized burghers’ houses, where Chérubin and Sylvere planned to eat an early lunch.

Chérubin steered the big Mercedes onto a cobble-stone street and caused a young woman wearing a backpack and baseball cap to flash a smile and skip into the air as if dancing. Sylvere, seated in the passenger seat, smiled back.

Music issued from unseen stereo speakers, filling the interior of the luxurious automobile with soft rhythms and sweet melodies. The powerful engine moved the machine effortlessly, whether at high speed or at a pace equivalent to a leisurely walk.

Sylvere, surveying the streets of the historical center of Leuven, noticed a large number of young people with backpacks and shoulder bags, students at the various schools, such as the prestigious Old University of Leuven or the more recently established Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The picturesque town, 30 kilometers east of Brussels in the Flemish section of Belgium, was well-known for its academic institutions.

“We’re lucky it’s a Saturday morning in July, not an afternoon during the school year,” Sylvere remarked. “Otherwise, we would have been stymied.” Of course, he knew, the schools of Leuven were almost as busy during the summer, offering programs to students from different parts of Europe in the months of June, July, and August. Chérubin maneuvered the car skillfully, pointing it down a street designed for pedestrians and cyclists only.

“C’est Memphis?” Sylvere asked, recognizing a new melody coming from invisible speakers. He peered at Chérubin. Chérubin’s face was still blank. In his imagination, Sylvere saw the scene from two days earlier. Standing on the platform of the station, Combs-la-Ville-Quincy, while waiting for the RER D train to Paris, he had encountered a beautiful young woman with a small boy and girl. The tall woman was the former lead singer of the musical group, Memphis. She and her children had waited for the same train as Sylvere.

“My ex-girlfriend made the playlist for me,” Chérubin replied, speaking in French and glancing at Sylvere. “I didn’t know the artists, but this one is Senegalese. My girlfriend, who also was from Senegal, knew the members of Memphis personally.” He pressed a button on the center of the steering wheel and turned up the volume. “You like them?” he asked.

Young Woman in a Crowd

Sylvere was stunned, unsettled by the earlier meeting with the beautiful Irene in Paris and then by hearing her voice in Leuven two days later. Showing no emotion, Chérubin continued on illegally down the street, named Muntstraat, for 30 seconds. At the next cross street, called Naamsestraat, running north to south, Chérubin stopped the car. Sylvere was surprised.

Chérubin parked in front of a large, three-story building. Sylvere peered up through the passenger-door window at an imposing mass of stone and mortar.

“We’re on the back side of the original town hall,” Chérubin commented while opening his door. He gave the impression he was thinking about something else entirely. Sylvere, who had been to Leuven on various occasions, knew Chérubin was referring to the 15th-century, gothic structure, Stadhuis van Leuven, which featured spires and hundreds of statues.

Chérubin nodded at a man standing in front of a restaurant, called Ellis Gourmet Hamburgers, on the left side of Muntstraat. The man, who appeared to be Flemish, obviously had been waiting for Chérubin. “We’re going to walk from here,” Chérubin announced as he stepped out of the car. The Flemish man immediately moved away from the restaurant and approached. Leaving the engine of the Mercedes running, Chérubin unfolded his large frame with the ease of an athlete and met the man in the center of Muntstraat.

Sylvere opened his own door, watching as Chérubin placed his hand on the Flemish man’s shoulder and spoke in a low voice. The man nodded, walked to the door of the Mercedes, and took Chérubin’s place behind the wheel of the car.

“Let’s go,” Chérubin said, approaching Sylvere and leading him down Naamsestraat. Sylvere heard the Flemish man gun the engine of the Mercedes noisily behind them. At the next cross street, called Zeelstraat, Chérubin turned. He walked quickly, as if in a hurry. He seemed, at the same time, consumed by private thoughts. Following as closely as he could, Sylvere, much older than Chérubin, was unable to maintain the younger man’s pace.

“What’s happening?” Sylvere wondered.

“We’re almost there,” Chérubin shouted at Sylvere.

Lunch Time

Reaching the end of Zeelstraat, they emerged into open space. The sun beat down on them viciously, Sylvere thought. But he immediately recognized the location. It was Leuven’s largest and most popular square, Oude Markt, with numerous bars and restaurants densely packed on all sides.

Chérubin stopped and stared. He appeared confused. He recovered quickly, though, glancing back at Sylvere. “We have a slight change of plans,” Chérubin announced. “Anna and Carolina want to meet you now rather than later.” He stared at Sylvere, who did not speak but who shuffled his feet impatiently. He wondered if it was the reason Chérubin had been preoccupied. “They’re waiting for you at a café right here,” Chérubin added. “You’ll eat your lunch with them.”

Three students on bicycles rode past. Sylvere froze, his heart beating rapidly.

“Okay,” Sylvere responded reflexively. “What choice do I have?” he murmured. Anna, one of the richest women in Africa, and her personal secretary, Carolina, had agreed to help him rescue the daughter, Claudette, of his deceased friend in eastern Congo. They had brought him to Belgium to discuss their rescue plan; they had set up their meeting to coincide with a celebration of their refurbishment of an important museum in another Flemish town, Tervuren, 20 kilometers to the west of Leuven.

Sylvere realized he not only had to agree to their conditions. He realized he also, apparently, had to adjust to their impulses. Of course, he was hungry, though. He wanted to eat his lunch as soon as possible.

At the front door of a café, Chérubin turned and faced Sylvere. “I’ll join you later,” Chérubin said. Chérubin started to walk away and hesitated. “I have some things I want to talk with you about,” he added in a low voice. “They are important.” Chérubin turned and walked quickly to the opposite side of the markt before disappearing completely.

***

#Africa, #Europe, #LifeCulture #Africa, #Art, #Beauty, #Culture, #Europe

[merfie73]

Ook in de Muntstraat in @Leuven is het deze periode héél wat rustiger dan anders. #blijfinuwkot #covid19 Usually this alley in Leuven crawls with people, trying to find a place to sit & eat on 1 of the many terraces, but not now... #coronavirus #staythefuckhome . . . #shotonsonyalpha #corona #pandemic (bij Muntstraat Leuven) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-l8a9bFpqZ/?igshid=6jkfqiuc8n9c

[leuvenstudentguide-blog]

Sushi lovers, can I have your attention please: visit Samurai!!!! This is the most delicious and cheap sushi you’ll ever eat. First off, it’s located in the cosiest street of Leuven: de Muntstraat. Here you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering foreign foods from different countries. But now, about what really matters: the sushi. To begin with, the rolls are very thick. And most importantly: they are thick and well stocked in comparison with the small sushi you get in other places. What I find the most outstanding is a secret ingredient they put in their california rolls: some orange stuffing, which tastes rather sweet but also spicy. I’ve never seen that in other sushi. The price you pay is also very reasonable, for 2 rolls, which contains 16 (big) pieces, you pay 11,5 euros (remark: this is the price of the roll I always buy: avocado salmon California roll). You can also order the student menu, a “sushi boat”,  which is very popular with the students. For this boat you pay 25 for 2 persons, and it contains a variety of sushi : you get some with crab, shrimp, salmon, even some sushi with a strawberry on top! It can’t be more variated. So, if you’re starving for some sushi, and don’t want to be poor afterwards, go visit Samurai! (TIP: you can also take away, you just have to call them and it will be ready for you to take away!)

Address: Muntstraat 9 Price: $$ Telephone for reservations or take away: 016 22 62 88 Our favourite: salmon and avocado California rolls Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 12:00 - 14:30                                                       18:00 - 23:00                            Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 - 15:00                                                          18:00 - 24:00

[stercus-acciditt]

Thermo-akoestisch stucwerk in Vlaamse erfgoedparel @sonogamma

Honderd jaar na de bouw van de ‘Volksbank van Leuven’ in de Muntstraat, keert de coöperatieve bank Cera terug naar haar roots, in het hart van de historische studentenstad. Twee erfgoedgebouwen ... from B&W Algemeen nieuws

[marcvangheluwe]

Naar de kliniek

Nu heb ik weer echt iets beleefd dat ik kwijt moet: afspraak met een prof in AZ Gasthuisberg voor een controle-gesprek op dinsdag 24/09 om 9.45 uur. Wij vertrokken op maandag in de late namiddag via Ath en Enghien en Anderlecht. Duur van de rit tot Leuven : 2.5 uur. Op de andere rijstrook zagen wij wat ons ongetwijfeld op dinsdag te wachten staat: een file van ruim 65 km stilstaand verkeer tussen Anderlecht en ver over Vilvoorde.

Rond 19 uur zijn wij beland in Leuven. Veerle reserveerde een hotel “vlak in het centrum”. “Vlakker” kan niet : het Penta hotel. Eind Tiense Straat, Muntstraat, Naamse straat, Krakenstraat, de Oude Markt… , het College De Valk ook waar ik in 1968 zat te luisteren naar en te debatteren met Paul Goossens en Kris Merckx (ooit was ik uiterst links, heel heel lang geleden).

Op onze kamer stak ik de TV aan en ik hoorde reclame van Danira Terkessidis:  “de studenten moeten minder drinken”. Net op dat moment deed ik het venster open en werkelijk poepzatte studenten riepen “Heil Hitler”. Ik zag tientallen studenten (M/V) , smartphone in de linkerhand, oortjes in de kop, en in de rechterhand een fles of een valies. De eerste schooldag!

Omdat wij iets moesten eten liepen wij door de Muntstraat : honderden jonge mensen zaten op de terrasjes. Ik las mee : Veggi, Sushi, Tapas, Humus, Sakura, Masalabar, Merkat, Koutoubya, Masalatop, Taj Mahal… Heel de wereld trok aan ons open oog voorbij…. Wij kozen voor PepéNero , een Italiaans restaurant dat ooit “Da Tonio” heette. Ik zag nog net dat de Rincon waar Guy Polspoel en ik ooit veel kaartten nu de “Libertad” heet. In het restaurant bestelden een vijftal vinnige mooie meisjes en ik hoorde een soort onverstaanbaar Italiaans. Bij navraag : ze spraken allemaal een Siciliaans dialect. Maar ze mochten er wel zijn!

Wie er minder mochten zijn. Blonde “dellen” , lange benen, diepe inkijk, stiletto’s, een tattoo op de linkerborst , een sacoche genre Delvaux of Louis Vuitton en…. papa en mama en zelfs oma mee om te betalen. Ik durf geen euro verwedden op hun studiesucces! Naast ons een tiental studenten (M/V), allemaal een menu van minimum 30€…. Eerst fressen en dan poeperkesdag! Ik denk aan mijn kleinkinderen en hoop dat ze een stiel leren. Of starten in de Kulak of zelfs Vives! Horresco referens.

Om 10.30 gaan wij slapen : voortdurend blauwe neon, geboenk en geroep. Fuiven tot rond 4 uur in de morgen. Rond zes uur komt Stella de vaten aanvullen en rond zeven uur is er de vuilniskar : alles opvegen, oprapen en opkuisen. Het hotel zelf is zo onpersoonlijk als maar kan. Echt iets voor computernerds, wereldvreemde academici en zonderlingen. Ik mis nu al Bellegem en Dottenijs.

Met dank aan mijn kennis van Leuven bereiken wij zonder problemen Campus Gasthuisberg. Een erg professionele fabriek. Anders kan je dit niet noemen. Efficiënt, vriendelijk, deskundig…. De computer speelt hier een echt belangrijke rol. Al mijn operaties, heel mijn medische voorgeschiedenis komt aan bod en wordt aangevuld. Super! Na ruim vier uur zijn wij ontslagen en rijden naar Lummen waar ik mijn tuba moet ophalen. Kleine aanpassingen waren noodzakelijk en ook een nieuw mondstuk. Weer heel deskundig : kostprijs 250€, een niemendalletje voor de gemotiveerde amateur die ik ben.

Dan volgt een helse rit naar huis. Regen en een file van 300 km in België. Stilstaand verkeer van Vilvoorde tot Groot-Bijgaarden. Maar na drie uur belanden wij via Deerlijk in Bellegem. Moe maar heel gelukkig. Eindelijk weer huis. Ik ben echt blij dat wij in deze uithoek wonen.

Dinsdag 24/09.

Het is nu woensdagmorgen 25/09. Ik ben al wakker van rond vijf uur en zie allerlei beelden van ons verblijf in Leuven weer opduiken.

Eerst denk ik aan de Siciliaanse meisjes. Supervriendelijk, “katte rap” en bovendien spreken ze keurig Nederlands. Ook digitaal komen ze goed weg. Wij eten Saltimbocca alla Romana (Veerle) en Scallopine mexicana (ik). Met een fles Montepuliciano dus. Oudere mensen eten nog vlees en drinken wijn. Ondertussen doe ik wat ik het liefste doe : mensen bekijken en beluisteren. Er zitten vrij veel Limburgse ouders met hun dochter. Flarden van een gesprek van een echte Limburgse hoogblonde luidruchtige “kalle” : “wij zijn van de zomer in Sharm El Seikh gewees, het was er alle dagen fees”. En nogal zagerig :”thuis werk ik mè ne Mac, en dan sleep ik bestanden naar ’t vuilbakske en dan zijn ze helemaal wèg hein”.

Aan ons hotel rijden ’s morgens voortdurend taxi’s aan om gasten mee te nemen voor wellicht een voordracht in één of andere faculteit. Engelsen, Duitsers, Jappen, Chinezen…. Heel de wereld is hier. Omdat wij nog de tijd hebben rijden wij dinsdagmorgen eens door Leuven .Uit alle studentenkoten komen jonge mensen buiten. Allemaal nogal stereotiep: smartphone, oortjes, water, een rugzak met boeken. We rijden langs mijn kot en langs diverse aula’s . De meeste van mijn cafés zijn verdwenen, de studenten halen nu drank in de nachtwinkel of komen in de fakbar… En ze gaan op restaurant. Wellicht wordt er ook gestudeerd? Te weinig volgens de rector. Het moet allemaal sneller want te duur.

Wij waren veertien dagen geleden al in Gasthuisberg dus wij vinden snel de weg. Een immense fabriek! Om 10.30 uur zijn wij bij de prof , een jonge dertiger met staalblauwe ogen. En twee verpleegsters in een ongelooflijk helder wit uniform. Om 11.30 uur zegt hij “nu moet je nog even langs bij de anesthesist”, dat kan om 13.30 uur. Wij zetten ons in de cafetaria waar ook tientallen verpleegsters en dokters komen eten. Ik herken een paar verpleegsters van de vorige keer. Zij herkennen mij niet : logisch.

Bij het aanmeldingspunt anesthesie moet je zelf je identiteitskaart scannen. Als je kop verschijnt op groot scherm zie je ook een nummer (je code) en een lokaal waar je heen mag. Een half uur later zitten wij bij de anesthesiste. Wellicht pas afgestudeerd, tot mijn verwondering heeft ze heel mijn medisch dossier ingestudeerd (vandaar dat wachten). Ze kent werkelijk alle operaties en data uit het hoofd. Ze is ook bloedmooi en ik hoor West-Vlaamse klanken. Juist, ze is van Schuiferskapelle! Op het einde van het gesprek zegt ze : nu moet je nog een EKG laten nemen (electrocardiogram). Ze geeft ons ook een plannetje mee. Mij mag ze later gerust verdoven!

Bij het aanmeldingspunt staat achter ons Ali Ahalabad… overduidelijk een berber met een witte “toepe “op zijn kop. Hij begrijpt werkelijk niets van wat de bediende allemaal zegt. “Geboortedatum” verstaat hij niet. De bediende somt twaalf maanden op, allemaal tevergeefs. Volgens Veerle die nochtans één en ander gewoon is met vreemdelingen is het iemand met het syndroom van Down. Dit is geen racistische uitspraak maar die man kijkt alleszins heel verdwaasd , hij begrijpt er werkelijk niets van. Ik hoor alleen keelklanken uit zijn woestijntaal. Na een twintigtal minuten stuurt de bediende hem zeer vriendelijk weg met de woorden “op het einde van de gang rechts en vraag het daar dan nog een keer”. Ali sloft weg. Gelukkig is het nu eindelijk de beurt aan een vrouw die al twintig minuten wacht en wellicht een ongunstige diagnose kreeg. Ik zie dat ze weent. Ali moet van mij zeker niet weg maar een verplicht grondig taalbad is toch een absolute must?

De EKG is ook een belevenis. Het gaat snel en de verpleegster zegt tegen mij “bovenlichaam ontbloten”.  Ik denk aan mijn voorgangsters: twee vrouwen (duidelijk moeder en dochter) uit het Anatolische bergland. Ze zijn beiden gekleed met een zware zwarte wollen boerka , hoofddoek incluis. Het is in de kliniek nog steeds 26 graden. Waarom doen mensen dat in die lange warme zomer van ons? Wie legt hen dat op? Wellicht om inclusieve redenen zijn het in deze dienst allemaal verpleegsters ook?

Maar om 15 uur is alles voorbij en tegen 15.30 zijn wij in Lummen bij Adams. Mijn tuba is goed hersteld en wij kunnen eindelijk naar West-Vlaanderen terug. Helaas niet al te snel dus. Terug naar Leuven op 17/12. Als echte conservatief zie ik de toekomst (en ook het verleden) met vertrouwen tegemoet. Thuis wappert de vlag in de wind. De collaboratievlag zeggen sommigen nu. Wat een onzin. In een ander geschrijfsel van mij zal ik ooit uitleggen waarom ik wel in de Vlaamse canon geloof. En ik spreek ook over “de Gouden Eeuw van de Hollanders”. En ja, Zwarte Piet mag er ook nog zijn. Biefstuk friet trouwens ook. En nu de winter nadert hutsepot met worst. Humus no way.

Woensdag 25 september 2019

[travelworldnetwork]

The Flemish town of Leuven IS Belgium's beer and student capital. Photo: Shutterstock

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In a tourist Europe that concentrates on the lifestyles of the rich and royal, especially if they're long dead, I'm happy to be among the living students of Leuven. The university term has just begun, and youngsters are streaming out of Jubilee Hall, which has been registering new students since 1432. The hall has chequered floors, gothic arches and a bar supplying Hoegaarden beer in distinctive hexagonal glasses.

I follow the students down an alley, around a corner and into Oude Markt, the town's market square. Endless rows of cafe tables spill across the flagstones, occupied by flocks of chattering beer drinkers. This is the town's top student hangout. Look out for the Kotmadam, an art installation featuring a landlady on a bench in homage to the thousands of landladies who have housed students over the centuries.

Forty-two bars squeeze into Oude Markt's historic buildings, some associated with students from particular Belgian regions. One flows into another. Follow the noise to Barvista for pumping dance parties, to De Giraf for outrageously concocted shots, such as the fire-shooting Harry Potter, or to Plaza sports bar to watch live football games.

Sidewalk cafes in the Oude Markt. Photo: Alamy

If you have the stamina, by the small hours you could be at Revue, meeting place for Leuven's bartenders at shift's end. At nine in the morning, customers still stumble out. An hour later, the middle-aged have taken over Oude Markt for quiet drinks in the sun.

Students and beer are Leuven's two biggest industries, and together they create a town of youthful enthusiasms, creativity and energetic nightlife. It's a delightful place to take time off from dutiful European sightseeing. The only must-see is the fabulously ornate town hall.

Some 50,000 students nearly double Leuven's term-time population, and the university supplies a few other architectural highlights. The University Library has a magnificent wood-panelled reading room and Renaissance-inspired tower. The World Heritage-listed Great Beguinage is nearby. Its atmospheric redbrick buildings and garden courtyards, founded to shelter pious medieval ladies, now house university students.

Leuven bills itself as Belgium's beer capital, although that reputation now relies solely on the giant Stella Artois factory, where you can take a tour. The beer was first brewed in Leuven in 1366 and is now owned by the world's biggest brand-name brewery. The town's many historical small breweries have been absorbed by such conglomerates.

The only boutique brewery now is Domus in the town centre, fronted by a busy, old-fashioned pub that pipes beer straight from the vats. Try its amber-coloured ale or the hoppy, bitter unfiltered pilsner. In winter, the brewery produces a dark, sweet Nen Engel, which has a chocolatey, malty flavour, like Christmas cake in a glass.

Unlike German beers, Belgian beers have a high alcohol content, so are generally served in small glasses, each a particular shape depending on the brand. Beers can also be flavoured, many with citrus or tropical fruits. With more than 240 breweries in Belgium supplying a reputed 240 pubs in Leuven, you won't be short of choices. The traditional beer accompaniment is bitterballen – beef croquettes served with a mustard dipping sauce.

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Where you go for your next beer depends on the time of day. The Sint-Maartensdal neighbourhood is for chilling out before the party really gets started and Muntstraat is for beer accompanied by food, especially if you can't quite decide whether you're after Mexican or Moroccan.

You're bound to end up at Oude Markt once more. You haven't learned anything about kings, or visited another stuffy palace, or stood in a tourist queue. Still, you can order up another beer and congratulate yourself on a day well spent.

TRIP NOTES

Brian Johnston travelled courtesy Visit Flanders.

Leuven's Gothic Town Hall. Photo: Shutterstock

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traveller.com.au/belgium

visitflanders.com

FLY

Cathay Pacific flies daily from Melbourne and Sydney to Brussels via Hong Kong. Leuven is 16 minutes by train from Brussels airport. See cathaypacific.com

Inside the university library. Photo: Shutterstock

STAY

Martin's Klooster is a chic, contemporary four-star hotel inside a former medieval convent. Rooms from $190 a night. See martinshotels.com

TOUR

Leuven Leisure operates guided walks and cycling tours year-round, including beer tours with tastings and food pairings. See leuvenleisure.com

from traveller.com.au

[redbottomchristianlouboutin]

Thermo-akoestisch stucwerk in Vlaamse erfgoedparel @sonogamma

Honderd jaar na de bouw van de ‘Volksbank van Leuven’ in de Muntstraat, keert de coöperatieve bank Cera terug naar haar roots, in het hart van de historische studentenstad. Twee erfgoedgebouwen ... from B&W Algemeen nieuws

[iggy-the-impala]

Thermo-akoestisch stucwerk in Vlaamse erfgoedparel @sonogamma

Honderd jaar na de bouw van de ‘Volksbank van Leuven’ in de Muntstraat, keert de coöperatieve bank Cera terug naar haar roots, in het hart van de historische studentenstad. Twee erfgoedgebouwen ... from B&W Algemeen nieuws

[ha-ha-sound]

Thermo-akoestisch stucwerk in Vlaamse erfgoedparel @sonogamma

Honderd jaar na de bouw van de ‘Volksbank van Leuven’ in de Muntstraat, keert de coöperatieve bank Cera terug naar haar roots, in het hart van de historische studentenstad. Twee erfgoedgebouwen ... from B&W Algemeen nieuws http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

[delisushi1]

Top Restaurants in Leuven Muntstraat: Discover Culinary Delights

Baracca is a trendy spot in leuven sushi that serves modern Italian cuisine with a twist. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and small sharing plates, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists. The restaurant’s open kitchen and lively atmosphere create a memorable dining experience.

[savourydelisushi]

Savoury Restaurant is a Sushi Restaurant in Leuven, Belgium. Our mission is to make the best sushi in town and to provide an unforgettable experience for our guests. Our vision is to become the most popular sushi restaurant in Leuven and beyond. We believe that good food brings people together, and we are committed to providing an excellent dining experience for all of our guests. Whether you're a sushi lover or a first-timer, Savoury has something for everyone!

Savoury Restaurant - Deli Sushi Leuven Muntstraat 18/001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium +32 478 60 02 68

[in-y0urs-wildest-dreams]

Thermo-akoestisch stucwerk in Vlaamse erfgoedparel @sonogamma

Honderd jaar na de bouw van de ‘Volksbank van Leuven’ in de Muntstraat, keert de coöperatieve bank Cera terug naar haar roots, in het hart van de historische studentenstad. Twee erfgoedgebouwen ... from B&W Algemeen nieuws

[karenasselman-blog]

#sushi, #sake and #chatter 🐉🐟🐠🐡🍥 #samouraisushi (at Muntstraat Leuven)

[delisushi1]

Deli Sushi: Your Japanese Escape in Muntstraat, Leuven

Dining in Leuven, especially in leuven Muntstraat , is more than just eating — it’s an experience. Restaurants here not only serve fantastic food but also have a warm, welcoming vibe. With such a variety of cuisines and top spots like Deli Sushi, you’re guaranteed a memorable time.