theaterbuurtMon-Sat 10:00-18:00, plus first Sunday of each month 12:00-18:00
Philip's Biscuits on Korte Gasthuisstraat bakes Antwerpse handjes, the city's hand-shaped butter cookie. Recipe traces to Jos Hakker's 1934 tribute to the Brabo legend.
Try: Antwerpse handjes butter cookies
Tip: Take the chocolate-coated tin for travel; the plain butter version is best eaten same-day.
theaterbuurtSaturday 08:00-16:00Cash only
The Exotische Markt on Theaterplein every Saturday runs a row of street-food stalls: Moroccan tagines, Turkish lahmacun, Lebanese sfiha and Greek souvlaki.
Try: North African and Mediterranean street plates
Tip: Bring cash. Stalls clear early; the freshest plates come off the grill before 12:00.
diamantwijkTue-Sat 09:00-18:30, closed Sun-Mon
DelRey in Antwerp on Appelmansstraat sells chocolate-shell Antwerpse handjes from the family-run chocolatier counter. The recipe predates World War II.
Try: Antwerpse handjes in chocolate
Tip: The chocolate-shell tin is the canonical Antwerp souvenir; small and packs flat for travel.
eilandjeDaily 11:30-22:00
Frituur 't Eilandje in Antwerp serves frites in the Eilandje quarter near the MAS. Hand-cut potatoes, beef-fat fry, classic Belgian sauces.
Try: Belgian frites with stoofvlees
Tip: Open until 22:00 most nights; the harbour walk pairs well with a cone in hand.
eilandjeSeasonal, daily 11:00-22:00 in summer
Bocadero in Antwerp on Rijnkaai sets out a summer beach bar with picnic tables, fish and chips and a long aperitivo on the Eilandje waterfront.
Try: Fish and chips, casual plates
Tip: Indoor reservations only. The beach is first-come; arrive before 16:00 for a deck chair.
historisch-centrumDaily 11:00-22:00
Fritkot Max in Antwerp on Groenplaats has cooked Belgian frites in beef fat since 1842. The original cart stood on Burchtplein beside the Rubens statue and moved to Groenplaats when the Schelde was straightened.
Try: Belgian frites cooked in beef fat
Tip: Order with stoofvleessaus on top for the canonical combination. The fryer museum is on the first floor.