Rue du Congrès 50
What’s good: Whatever you want as the noodle base — bami, udon, glass or even rice — for your Asian-themed meal, you will not be disappointed here. Each of the the meals can be served with tofu or shitake for vegetarians, while meat-lovers can indulge in crispy duck, juicy beef, shrimp or chicken as their topping of choice.
What’s not: With only two vegetarian starters — fried tofu and gyoza — your palate may be a little bored if your main also features tofu. The staff might seem unfriendly at first, but that’s not true, they are just so busy running the place.
Vibe: The dark walls and golden stucco elements give the small restaurant a cozy vibe, and you can watch the chef preparing your sizzling dish in the tiny open kitchen. If Brussels’ weather is treating you kindly, try to catch some rays on their sidewalk-terrace.
Who’s picking up the check? You can grab a starter from between €8 and €12, while your main will cost between €13 and €17. The biggest selling point for low-budget trainees and interns is that the main dish is likely to feed you twice if you take away your leftovers!
Spotted: Anonymous senior Spanish EU officials have been spotted here, though the waiting staff promised us they value your privacy.
Insider tip: Thai celebrities Rhatha Phongam and Apissada Kreurkongka have both dined at Better Than Hungry. So, if you are a devoted fan of Thai culture, check out when superstars are in town, because the odds are good you might catch them devouring their favorite meals at this restaurant.
Fun fact: When the owner was starving at home one evening, he took everything he could find in the fridge and put it in the pan. Sometimes the leftovers make a new improvised dish which is “better than hungry,” he thought, and so named his restaurant in tribute.
How to get there: It’s a three-minute walk from Madou metro station. And why not digest your meal with the short stroll to Brussels’ most futuristic doughnut-shaped landmark, the Passerelle Tondo.
— Review published on September 21, 2023. Illustration by Dato Parulava for POLITICO.