Antwerp’s new pop-up food court is stylish and tasty
The covered dining facility in Antwerp’s city centre is likely to win hearts of many food aficionados, at least for the time being
Please Mister Postman
But it’s likely that Antwerp will become so attached to the idea that Super Mercado will easily find a new home elsewhere. “Mayoral residence, pastoral college, court of first instance – the post office at Groenplaats has served many functions since 1509,” said famous Antwerp tour guide Tanguy Ottomer. “The former dining hall for the mail sorters offers a great view on the city. Mercado is sure to become a stopping place on my guided tours.”
The windows that once accepted letters and packages are now home to a variety of food sellers, spread around the edges of the majestic building. In the middle of the floor, there are two bars and copious seating.
The process is simple: Pick up the food of your choice, get a drink from the bar, take a seat and enjoy. There’s a central system for collecting dishes; no need to carry them back to the vendors.
From dim sum to flat bread
Among the varieties of food on offer is sum sum, a Chinese-style dim sum served in bite-sized portions. Their aim: to get past the idea that dumplings are only to be served as a starter. The dishes are fresh and vibrant.
Yalla Yalla, Antwerp’s food truck staple, serves fresh Lebanese flat bread and falafel, available on the spot or to take away. BoxBird supplies fried chicken, with an either South American or Korean twist.
Bufala is the place for mozzarella dishes, in the form of Carpaccio, salad or pizza. Other stands offer Mexican food, sushi, fresh meat and charcuterie, oysters, Malaysian dishes and Belgian classics. Various bars offer wine, cocktails and beer.
We’re very happy to give room to people who want to do their creative thing
As Flanders Today went to press, two of the vendors were being replaced. The caviar and wine stand of the sommelier and Mijn Pop-Up Restaurant judge Sepideh Sedaghatnia and Kokkot – where chef Nicolas Neyens served slow-cooked stew of hare with Westmalle dubbel and the delicious mackerel in dashi with pumpkin puree – are likely to find worthy successors.
An egg waffle from Bubble Waffle to top off the meal, paired with a Penny Black coffee, and we’re done.
Super Mercado is lively and busy, but there’s no problem finding a spot to sit. The space is cleaned efficiently and unobtrusively. Antwerp is going to miss it when it’s gone. All the more reason for some entrepreneur to get on the job of supplying a replacement.
“An initiative like this can only be an encouragement,” said Antwerp’s councillor in charge of planning and heritage, Rob Van de Velde, whose department will be managing the renovations to the building. “We’re very happy to give room to people who want to do their creative thing. This space provides the opportunity for young start-ups and people passionate about food.”
Photo courtesy Super Mercado
