Agrea is favourably located on the square between the belfry and Sint-Baaf’s Cathedral. Its interior is simple and cosy, and there’s a lot of light in coming through tall windows with a lovely view of the square’s fountain. There’s even an open-air courtyard in the back for warmer days.
This being my third visit, I can confidently take my friend there for a late breakfast. The owners, Geert and Rita, are as friendly as I remember. Geert brings us two cappuccinos in record speed, then does the same for the dozen or so Spanish tourists who come in after us.
These are easily two of the prettiest cappuccinos we’ve ever seen, with three layers served in a glass: dark espresso at the bottom, followed by steamed milk and a whipped cream topping (per our request).
Rita smiles with genuine patience as my friend and I linger indecisively over the menu choices. Finally, my sweet tooth has the last say, and I order pancakes with butter, sugar and jam. Shortly the room is filled with the unmistakable aroma of pancakes on the griddle. I am pleased to find that they are proper pancakes (and not ultra-thin crêpes) with a thick and spongy resilience. Although they’re already covered in a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, I go ahead and add some light and dark brown varieties and skip the jam in favour of the buttery pancake flavour.
My friend has the luxe verwen ontbijt, a most decadent breakfast of bread, ham, cheese, jam, butter, chocolate spread, fresh fruit, soft-boiled egg, fresh-squeezed orange juice and a flute of cava, plus another coffee.
The fresh, crusty bread – more than enough for one person – is a mixture of thick slices of dark multi-grain, white poppy seed rolls and a mini-croissant. The bread and rolls are most tasty slathered in butter and topped with a slice of the smoked ham and Gouda cheese. The croissant, which my friend saves for last with a dab of jam, is worthy of the best French bakery: flaky, buttery and makes that crackling noise when you bite into it.
The boiled egg, in its holder, has a warm and runny yolk, perfect for sopping up with bread. All this richness is well tempered by the fresh juice, green apple slices, grapefruit and purple grapes. And the bubbly helps, too, of course. Next time I’m sure to try one of Agrea’s other specialities, a waffle or an omelette.
Best part is, it all comes to under €25. What an excellent way to spend a morning.
Sint-Baafsplein 44, Ghent
Thurs-Tue, 9.00-18.00
Breakfast: €3-€23
Low-key eatery with friendly owners and
excellent breakfast, sweet treats and coffee
Contact Bite at flandersbite@gmail.com
Flanders Today is a 
11°C / 22°C
