Belgian endive (chicons) wrapped in thick slices of cooked ham, smothered in nutmeg-spiced béchamel and grated Gruyère, baked until the top browns and bubbles. The Brussels Sunday-lunch comfort dish in winter.
Chicons au gratin became a Belgian household staple in the 1850s after the endive (Witloof) was famously cultivated by accident in the dark Brussels Botanical Garden cellars. The ham-and-béchamel preparation crystallised by the 1920s. Au Vieux Saint Martin and Au Stekerlapatte both run defensible versions through the winter months.
4 editor picks for Chicons au Gratin in Brussels, ranked by editorial score. All Brussels signature dishes · Chicons au Gratin across every city.
Au Vieux Saint Martin ★ 4.3
sablon · Place du Grand Sablon 38, 1000 Brussels
Au Vieux Saint Martin in Brussels has held the corner of Place du Grand Sablon since 1968. The Niels family invented Belgian filet americain here.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles ★ 4.2
sainte-catherine · Rue des Bouchers 13, 1000 Brussels
Aux Armes de Bruxelles on Rue des Bouchers has been running since 1921, with Calixte Veulemans opening as a brasserie. Located in Sainte Catherine.
Brasserie Ploegmans ★ 4.1
marolles · Rue Haute 148, 1000 Brussels
Brasserie Ploegmans in Brussels' Marolles is the wood-panelled local that runs Belgian standards: meatballs, shrimp croquettes, choucroute garnie.
Au Stekerlapatte ★ 4.0
marolles · Rue des Prêtres 4, 1000 Brussels
Au Stekerlapatte in Brussels' Marolles is the wood-panelled bistro on Rue des Pretres. Boudin noir with caramelised apples, shrimp croquettes.