ANJU
Brussels, Belgium; Rue de la Source 73, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Brussels, Belgium
ANJU takes its place in Saint-Gilles with a format designed around the pleasures of eating together. Sang Hoon Degeimbre's connection to Korean cooking informs a restaurant where shared dishes, assertive seasoning and a comparatively pared-back room establish a direct, sociable atmosphere. It expands the picture of Brussels dining beyond the French and Belgian traditions that remain so influential elsewhere. Kimchi, hotpots and preparations such as barbecued pork belly provide points of entry into the menu. The appeal lies in their relationships across the table: heat, acidity, richer meat dishes and the changing textures of accompanying vegetables. Ordering several dishes gives a group more room to explore that range and makes conversation part of the experience. ANJU appears in the current Michelin guide, offering independent support for its inclusion. Its position in this selection reflects both culinary individuality and usefulness to travellers. For those staying in or exploring Saint-Gilles, it provides a purposeful dinner without the commitment of a long gastronomic sequence, while visitors crossing the city gain another view of Brussels's varied and increasingly international restaurant culture.