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A Food Lover’s Guide to 10 Authentic Antwerp Delicacies

Antwerp isn’t just Belgium’s diamond capital.

It is a hidden gem for foodies craving Antwerp delicacies you won’t find anywhere else. From mythical hand-shaped cookies to rare rye bread with a rebellious name, the city’s culinary culture is rich, quirky, and absolutely delicious.

If you are visiting Antwerp, skip the generic Belgian waffles and fries and hunt down these 10 local shops serving up 100% Antwerp-exclusive foods.

To make the most of your Antwerp foodie itinerary and ensure all 10 spots are open, the best day to go is Friday or Saturday.


10 Authentic Antwerp Delicacies

1. Philip’s Biscuits – For Antwerpse Handjes

One of Antwerp’s sweetest symbols, the Antwerpse Handjes from Philip’s Biscuits are shaped like tiny hands—honoring the city’s folklore about a mythical giant. Their version made with almond shortcrust pastry is buttery, crisp, and rich in tradition.

  • 🛒 Must-try: Antwerp “handjes”, speculoos
  • 📍 Korte Gasthuisstraat 39, 2000 Antwerp
  • ⏱️ Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm (Sun closed)
  • 🔗 philipsbiscuits.be
Antwerp Delicacies

2. De Koninck Brewery – For Bolleke Beer

Located inside Antwerp’s iconic city brewery, this cozy café lets you sip a freshly tapped Bolleke in the heart of the brewing hall. With several taps, rotating house beers, and a rich history, it is a must-visit for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.

  • 🛒 Must-try: Bolleke amber ale, tasting flight of beers, seasonal brews
  • 📍 Mechelsesteenweg 291, 2018 Antwerp
  • 🗓️ Opening Hours:  Tue–Thu: 11am–7pm · Fri: 11am–8pm · Sat: 11am–6pm · Sun: 11am–7pm (Mon: closed)
  • 🔗 dekoninck.be

You can taste this local Antwerp in numerous cafés all over the city. If you skip the brewery café visit but still want to taste Bolleke beer, we recommend café Den Engel right next to the Antwerp city hall.

Antwerp Delicacies

3. Scaldis Butcher Shop – For Filet d’Anvers

Forget steak tartare. This is cured beef, dried and sliced thin like carpaccio. A regional delicacy that pairs beautifully with De Koninck beer.

  • 🛒 Must-try: Filet d’Anvers charcuterie
  • 📍 Korte Gasthuisstraat 10, 2000 Antwerp
  • ⏱️ Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 9am-6pm (Sun-Mon: closed)

4. Bakkerij Goossens – For Roggeverdommeke

This cheekily named rye roll with raisins is a city icon. Locals queue early to snag one fresh from the oven—its name loosely translates to “damn good rye.”

  • 🛒 Must-try: roggeverdommeke (but really, try anything!)
  • 📍 Korte Gasthuisstraat 31, 2000 Antwerp
  • ⏱️ Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 7am-6pm (Sun-Mon: closed)
Antwerp Delicacies

5. Elixir d’Anvers Distillery – For Antwerp’s Herbal Liqueur

First crafted in 1863, this bright yellow spirit packs over 32 aromatic herbs and is found in everything from ice cream to chocolates across the city.

  • 🛒 Must-try: Elixir d’Anvers tasting
  • 📍 Haantjeslei 8, 2018 Antwerp
  • 🔗 elixirdanvers.be

If you don’t feel like visiting the distillery but still want to try Elixir d’Anvers, you can find it at De Muze café near the Grand Place.


6. DelReY – For Antwerp Diamond Pralines & Elixir Treats

DelReY is one of Antwerp’s most iconic chocolatiers, crafting luxury pralines and pastries with generations of expertise. Their standout creation? The Antwerp Diamond Collection—pralines shaped like sparkling gems, inspired by the city’s diamond legacy. They also offer Antwerpse Handjes filled with Elixir d’Anvers, blending two local legends into one bite.

  • 🛒 Must-try: Antwerp Diamond pralines, Elixir-filled handjes, signature marzipan
  • 📍 Appelmansstraat 5, 2018 Antwerp
  • 🗓️ Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–6pm (Sun closed)
  • 🔗 delrey.be

7. Van Tricht Kaasaffineurs – For Beer-Aged Cheese

This family-run cheese shop specializes in Antwerp-aged cheeses, often using yeast from local breweries for their unique flavor. The shop Only Cheese next to the De Koninck brewery is the closest to visit.

  • 🛒 Must-try: “Kaas van ’t Stad” (cheese of the city)
  • 📍 Boomgaardstraat 1, 2018 Antwerp
  • ⏱️ Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 9am–6pm · Sun 8:30am-1pm (Mon closed)

If you want to taste a selection of Van Tricht cheeses but want to stay in the city centre, you can find a Van Tricht cheese platter at Het Archief food and wine bar.


8. Wafelhuis Van Hecke – For Cherry Crêpes

Opened in 1903, Wafelhuis Van Hecke is the oldest waffle house in Antwerp, serving traditional Brussels-style waffles made fresh on gas-powered irons. But their crêpes with warm cherries and whipped cream steal the spotlight.

  • 🛒 Must-try: crêpe with warm cherries & whipped cream; traditional Brussels waffle with chocolate sauce and ice cream
  • 📍 Nationalestraat 88, 2000 Antwerp
  • ⏱️ Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00 · Mon Closed
  • 🔗 hof.be

9. Désiré de Lille – For Lacquemants

A true autumn favorite in Antwerp, lacquemants are ultra-thin syrup-filled waffles typically served at the funfair or local festivals. Désiré de Lille makes them all year round—and they are legendary.

  • 🛒 Must-try: Fresh lacquemants with caramel syrup
  • 📍 Schrijnwerkersstraat 14, 2000 Antwerp
  • ⏱️ currently under renovation, opening autumn 2025
  • 🔗 desiree.be

10. Café Den Engel – For Antwerpse Kop

Located on the Grand Place next to the city hall, Café Den Engel is one of Antwerp’s most iconic brown cafés, steeped in history since 1903. Among its classic offerings, you’ll find Antwerpse Kop—a traditional pork head cheese seasoned with herbs and served cold in slices. It’s a true taste of local charcuterie, paired with mustard and best enjoyed with a Bolleke amber beer.

  • 🛒 Must-try: Antwerpse Kop, Bolleke beer, and other Belgian bar snacks
  • 📍 Grote Markt 3, 2000 Antwerp
  • ⏱️ Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am–1am · Sat–Sun: 9am–2am
  • 🔗 cafedenengel.be

Tasting Tips

  • Pair local breads or cheeses with Bolleke for a full flavor experience
  • Try Elixir d’Anvers both as a drink and in desserts for contrast
  • Go early—some shops (like Goossens) sell out quickly
  • Many locations offer gift boxes—perfect as edible souvenirs

Antwerp’s food scene isn’t just delicious—it is distinctively local.

In one day, you will crunch into buttery Antwerpse Handjes from Philip’s Biscuits, try smoky Filet d’Anvers at Scaldis, and savor a rebellious roggeverdommeke at Goossens bakery. Sip a Bolleke beer at Café Den Engel with Antwerpse Kop, taste pralines at DelReY, and enjoy cherry crêpes at Van Hecke.

Add beer-aged cheese at Het Archief and a dash of Elixir d’Anvers at De Muze to round it off. It is a tour of flavor, folklore, and pure Antwerp charm—easy to follow, unforgettable to taste.

You will leave with a full stomach and a deeper connection.

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