Sara and I finally went to Knees to Chin, Brussels’ Emporium of Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls. Silly me, the name had got me thinking we were going to be sitting on the floor, maybe on some cushions, knees to chin.
But the name is just an allusion to the way some Vietnamese eat their lunch on the streets, sitting on little stools. So no worries, there are actual tables and benches.
Roxane Gernaert, the wonderful woman behind Knees to Chin is as warm as her restaurant’s ambiance. The interior is so cosy. I especially liked the ceilings , covered with plants and hanging lamps. The facade is super pretty with turquoise ceramic tiles and that gorgeous neon sign. (I want one in my living room). In case you love the china as much as I did, Roxane finds it at the Sun Wah supermarket in Antwerp. Low cost and amazeballs.
The rice paper rolls are delicious and fresh. You can choose for some 5 or 6 flavours, which vary from season to season. I had one with sweet potato, pineapple, fresh mint and peanut sauce and another one with Pecking duck, orange, chives, sesame and raisins. Sara tried the one with beef, crispy zucchini, sunflower seeds and basil. We also ordered steamed chicken buns or banh bao. Such a soft bun and a yummy filling! You need to try them. And to finish, we ate the black sesame ice cream. Seriously amazing with an incredible roasted sesame taste.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, the prices are really reasonable. Two rolls, a bun, dessert and a drink: 14 eur.
With Makisu and Knees to Chin, the Bailli area is definitely very high on our foodie list.
Anita & Sara
Knees to Chin, 125 rue de Livourne, 1050 Brussels, T: +32 2 644 18 11, Open Mon-Fri: 11h30 – 21h30 & Sat: 11h30 – 18h
