Tasting the Brussels way of life with Tintin

By Aysha Maryam Cassim

On 22 March, twin blasts struck the Zaventem International Airport and the Maelbeek metro station in the Bruxelles city centre, killing at least 32 people. Two Tuesdays before this day of terror, I was holidaying in Belgium. 

The Intercity-Express (ICE) train departed from Cologne HBF and reached Brussels-Centraal in two hours. Although, it was not the most scenic train routes in Europe, after crossing borders of seven countries on air, it was a relief to enjoy a train journey with ample sprawl space and peace.

Brussels was never meant to be in my European itinerary. But, it turned out to be one of the serendipitous discoveries of my tour that resulted in a haphazard travel arrangement. With no set destination or map in hand, I set forth to explore this wonderful city with a medieval flair. All I had was 24 hours to taste the Brussels way of life. 

Linguistic diversity

 Home to about two million people, Brussels holds a strategically and politically significant position in Europe. The capital of the Kingdom of Belgium is considered as the de facto headquarters of The European Union. The city is also home to many international institutions and offices, including the headquarters of NATO. 

Brussels is often praised for its linguistic diversity. Historically a Dutch-speaking city, Brussels is gradually transforming into a polyglot capital that speaks more than three languages. French is the dominant language and Flemish (A dialect of Dutch) is the native language of the majority. 

The global influx of migrants and expatriates has made the city thrillingly international and multicultural. 20% of Brusselois today speak Arabic and other major languages like Spanish or German as their mother tongue. Brussels is overlooked and underappreciated by tourists. But this bureaucratic metropolis has a lot in store for the culturally curious gastro traveller. If you are a francophone, it’s much easier to get around the city with the help of the locals.   

Tintin in Brussels

Lauded as the capital of “bandes dessinées” (comics) of the world, the historic heart of Brussels was once the hometown where Spirou, Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Gaston, Gil Jourdan and Marsupilam grew up. A century ago, Georges Remi (Hergé) the famous cartoonist who spent almost his entire life in Brussels, gave birth to world’s famous adventurer and reporter, Tintin. 

Today, you could see Brussels’ colourful murals and façades paying homage to its native comic artists and celebrating the presence of famous cartoons everywhere. It felt like living the pages of a cartoon and seeing some of our favourite cartoons come alive in unexpected nooks and corners. 

I wish I had time to explore the Brussels comic strip trail or pay a visit to the Belgian Comic Strip centre on Rue de la Régence. But, I was fortunate enough to buy myself a companion, a Tintin figurine from one of the boutiques at Gare du midi. Together, we began our adventure in the Petit Vingtième.

Waffles

Waffles is an edible embodiment of Belgian tradition. In fact, it is one of the greatest indulgences to be experienced in Brussels. Belgian waffles have their unique specialty. The waffles are made from high quality ingredients, which makes the texture of the waffle fluffy and light. Sprinkle some generous amounts of icing sugar on the deliciously crusty outside and dig in! You can also opt for a much richer version by topping it with fresh fruits, whipped cream or nutella and let the gooey goodness of crème slowly melt in your mouth. 

As you stroll along the touristy streets, the aroma of freshly prepared waffles will invite you to stop by a wafflery. You will be spoilt for choice with an array of artisan waffles that you won’t even bother looking at the classic one euro waffle. Be it breakfast or brunch, when in Belgium, you can have waffles at any time just about anywhere.

Belgian chocolate pralines, a classic souvenir from Brussels. 

Not only chocolate is the perfect accompaniment to waffles but also it has become the hallmark of Belgian confectionery. If you want to live a glutton’s day in Heaven, Brussels is the place to be. Belgium is world-renowned for its signature hand-made chocolates known as Pralines.

The chocolatiers in Belgium made me want to live the 2000 romantic comedy, ‘Chocolat’ where Vianne Rocher opens up a chocolate shop in a charming French Village. Treat yourself to a decadent chocolate experience, by taking a chocolate tour, exploring some of the high-end chocolatiers, chocolate factories, workshops and even museums! 

Forest Gump’s Mama said that life was like a box of chocolates. “You never know what you’re gonna get”. A ballotin box filled with pralines is always the most popular gift to receive from Brussels. And you never know what surprise awaits you. It could be pralines, truffles, dark chocolate or macaroons.

The Grand Place

The Grand Place aka “Grote Markt” in Dutch lies in the heart of Brussels.  Since the 12th century, La Grand Place has been used as the central square. The large cobblestone plaza is surrounded by architectural marvels of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Apart from the Houses of the Guilds, the Town Hall and the King’s House, you’d find many cafés, upscale chocolate shops and restaurants in the premises. 

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, The Grand-Place of Brussels is considered as one of the most beautiful places of the world for its aesthetic grandeur. Nowadays, numerous festive and cultural events are organised on the Grand-Place: The Beer Festival, the Ommegang pageant in July and the Flower Carpet, an event organised every two years in mid-August and with more than 500.000 begonias

Manneken Pis

It’s a sacrilege to return home without visiting the oldest living citizen of Brussels. He is Manneken Pis, a little bronze sculpture, depicting a naked little boy pissing into the fountain’s basin. Wherever you go in Brussels, you’re likely to see this little man gracing the entrance at souvenir boutiques, breweries and waffleries. The statue of the small peeing boy has become a famous emblem of Brussels. 

Manneken Pis literally means “Little Man Pee” in Marols, a Dutch dialect spoken in Brussels. It was designed by Jerome Duquesnoy and put in place in 1618. Today, Manneken Piss stands proudly near the Grand Place, relieving his bladders to entertain the tourists. If you are lucky, you might get the chance to witness the Mannequin Pis both naked and clothed. 

Finding this little boy felt like a treasure hunt to me. A few jovial locals told me to find “Jeanneke Pis” instead, the girl friend of Manneken Pis. I thought they were kidding. Later, I learnt that, in 1987 he received a female company called “Jeanneke Pis”: a little girl peeing. There is also a dog version known as Zinneke Pis! Brussels is a city full of oddities and scrumptious surprises.