Belgium is famous for its old brewing traditions. For those who want to enjoy the best Belgian brews in town, the Kyiv Post offers a guide to eateries serving Belgian food and beer.
Antwerpen
38A Pushkinska St.
antwerpen.com.ua
This cozy restaurant in downtown Kyiv boasts an exquisite interior, a choice of traditional Belgian foods, and, of course, Belgian beer. Among other dishes, the restaurant serves Belgian Carbonnade beef stewed in dark beer for Hr 289, and a peppercorn steak for Hr 249. Antwerpen also offers eight kinds of Belgian beer imported directly from Belgium, says its director Olha Ryaboshapka.
“Kwak beer is the most popular among our male visitors,” she said, adding that ladies prefer Leffe Blonde for the beer’s “slightly sweet taste, shaded with a slight sourness.”
Le Cosmopolite
47 Volodymyrska St.
peesboyclub.com.ua
Belgian beer is notable for its original taste, brewers say.
“A combination of unusual flavors such as fruits and spices are the peculiarity of Belgian beers,” said beer sommelier Artem Starikov. “Having a long tradition of brewing, Belgians are not afraid to experiment.”
One can try 23 different Belgian beer flavors in Le Cosmopolite, a Belgian brasserie that is a part of the Pees Boy Club restaurant chain, which operates 10 restaurants in Kyiv. A bottle of classical Belgian Rochefort ale costs Hr 130 there. Those willing to try something more piquant may order a bottle of Chimay Blue, a strong beer with a touch of bitterness and a fruity aroma, for Hr 235, or Framboise Boon, a fruit beer, for Hr 155.
Belle Vue
7 Saksahanskoho St.
peesboyclub.com.ua
Another Pees Boy Club’s chain restaurant, Belle Vue offers relaxation over a glass of fine Belgian beer. Bell Vue has 44 Belgian beers for every taste and every budget. Thrifty clients can enjoy a glass of delicious beer for Hr 55-155. Those who prefer the lap of luxury can order a bottle of DeuS Brut des Flandres, a unique sparkling brew, for Hr 1,500. This is the most expensive beer in the restaurant – and most likely in the entire city.
“DeuS has the taste of apple, pear and ginger, and it combines beer and champagne features,” said the restaurant’s bartender, Oleksiy Danylenko. “This is a brew for gourmets.”
Brugge pub
8 Marshala Koneva St.
brugge.com.ua
Brugge pub in the Holosiyivsky district offers Belgian-style beer it brews itself. The pub’s brew master worked at a Belgian brewery and learned beer production techniques there.
“The beer is made at our own brewery, but in accordance with Belgian technologies and recipes,” said Brugge’s senior waitress, Yevheniya Krasnova. The pub serves five kinds of Belgian beer, for Hr 23-70 per bottle. On Thursdays, Brugge’s visitors get every third glass of beer for free.
Kyiv Post staff writer Nataliya Trach can be reached at [email protected]
