Old Boy
Old Boy Restaurant
I'll admit it — I've always had a bit of a crush on Old Boy. They were one of the building stones when I started my blog. One of those places I had to tell everyone about, scream it from the rooftops.
They played hard to get over the past four months, being closed for renovations. But they’re back in business now, and I think it's safe to say — we're ALL happy about it.
Old Boy has boldly embraced a South-East Asian grill inspiration for their dishes, bringing the fire of Bangkok street food straight to Brussels. The restaurant expansion now allows even more guests to enjoy the kitchen counter experience. You can fully immerse yourself in the dining vibe with a perfect view of the open kitchen.
Old Boy has always been bold with spices and aromas, and that continues with dishes that are absolutely bursting with flavor. The grilled prawns with sweet tamarind sauce were mind-blowing. These two bad boys were succulent, seasoned just right — enough spice to warm the palate, but still letting that sweet, juicy prawn meat shine through, lightly kissed by the fire grill.
I'm a huge fan of pork ribs (I like to think I make a pretty good batch myself), but this Iberico pork collar was something else. Slow-cooked until it fell apart, then finished on the grill for a smoky touch, and glazed in a gorgeous Char Siu sauce packed with everything we love: garlic, hoisin, five spice, and probably a dozen more secret ingredients.
I'm making myself hungry just writing about it.
Wait — last one, I promise. The Kaprao mussels. Hands down, one of the best dishes I’ve had this year. I love mussels in an Asian recipe, and these were no exception. Stir-fried in oyster sauce, chili, garlic, and Thai basil... how can you go wrong with that?
Old Boy is also known for their selection of natural wines, and they pair perfectly with the dishes. Don’t hesitate to let the staff choose for you — they know exactly what they’re doing.
Honestly, places like this are what make Brussels memorable. The vibe is chill, the people are happy, and the space is filled with the sweet perfumes of Asia. It's a night out that needs nothing more.
Welcome back, Old Boy. We’re so happy to see you again.
Old Boy
Rue de Tenbosch 110, 1050 Ixelles
CALL 0471 25 68 03
Open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Tuesday to Saturday for lunch
Online Reservations
