De Koninck Antwerp pale ale, poured in its short stem bolleke glass with a two-finger off-white head. The everyday beer of Antwerp since the brewery opened on Mechelsesteenweg in 1833, served in every brown cafe.

Brewery De Koninck opened on Mechelsesteenweg in 1833 and developed an Antwerp pale ale that became the Bolleke. The name refers to the short stemmed glass; ordering one is the city's everyday shorthand. The brewery still operates from the original building; tours end with a freshly poured glass. The annual Bollekesfeest in August pours Bolleke across Grote Markt for three days each year.

Where to eat Antwerps Bolleke in Antwerp

3 editor picks for Antwerps Bolleke in Antwerp, ranked by editorial score. All Antwerp signature dishes · Antwerps Bolleke across every city.

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Make it at home

Serves 15 minEasy

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of De Koninck Bolleke (33cl)
  • 1 clean short-stem bolleke glass

Method

  1. Chill the bottle to 6 to 8C, not colder.
  2. Hold the bolleke glass at a 45-degree angle.
  3. Pour the beer slowly down the side of the glass, gradually straightening to vertical.
  4. Aim for a two-finger head of dense, off-white foam.
  5. Serve immediately.

Editor tip. The bolleke glass is short and rounded for a reason: it concentrates the aroma. Drinking it from anything else lessens the experience.

Common allergens: Gluten.