Brussels Chatelain Market: Champagne and Shopping

Place du Chatelain Market: Drink, Eat, Shop

In my local market back home in New York, I shop for produce, then head home.

At the market I visited in the Chatelain neighborhood of Brussels, I shopped for produce, then enjoyed a glass of champagne. I sampled jams, taste-tested cheese and learned about foraging mushrooms in the forests of Belgium. And had a glass of wine. I devoured a plate of oysters and burned my tongue on a piping hot Belgian waffle. And had just one more glass of wine.

Brussels Chatelain market Belgium shrimp croquettes

Shrimp croquettes are a classic Belgian dish.

Brussels Chatelain market Belgium oysters

These fresh oysters were from Normandy.

chatelain market happy hour wine brussels

On Wednesday evenings, Chatelain market is a popular happy hour spot for the area’s young professionals.

In Brussels, the Chatelain market is more than just a functional way to get your groceries– it is an entire immersive experience, complete with adult beverages. Locals come to the market not only to shop, but also to hang out after work and have drinks or snacks. Chatelain is close to the center of Brussels (I arrived via taxi in ten minutes) but off most tourists’ radar. I didn’t see a thing written about it in my guidebooks– but I was lucky to be tipped off by my excellent concierge at the Stanhope Hotel.

The market has a friendly, festive atmosphere– I had fun converations with many of the vendors here. While it’s true that not every item here can be brought home (to America at least) as a souvenir (skip the meats and fresh veggies), there are plenty of items that are pack and customs friendly. As for the others, they can at least be enjoyed back at your hotel.

Belgian Food Souvenirs from Chatelain Market

1. Local Jams

2. Belgian Cheese

The cheese selection was enormous– with not only Belgian cheese specialties but plenty of imports from bordering France. Keep these cheeses in your mini bar like I did.

Brussels Belgium Food Market Chatelain vendor cheese

Brussels Belgium Food Market Chatelain cheese

3. Belgian Wild Mushrooms

Belgium wild mushrooms forest chatelain market vendor

You won’t find these local mushrooms anywhere else– they are wild foraged in the forests of Belgium.

The vendors here seemed accustomed to publicity. As I photographed this friendly vendor’s mushrooms, he good-naturedly mentioned the last journalist he spoke with was from the BBC– and spoke perfect French.

4. Nuts

Check customs rules for specifics, but most nuts are OK to bring back.

5. Belgian Candy and Cuberdons

Candy is always a great item to bring home and very pack-friendly. I picked up a bag of the famous Belgian cuberdons here (more about these in later post, but they are basically berry-flavored jellied candies).

6. Bread

Belgium has some beautiful breads– but I would only chance bringing home a fresh-baked loaf if you are flying out the next day. Otherwise, it’s perfect to enjoy during your stay with some delicious local cheese.

Chatelain Market: Stock up on Snacks

Chatelain market also has lots of fresh food options that would be great for a picnic or just for snacking on later back at the hotel.

Meats

Haven’t tried a Belgian sausage yet? Here’s your chance.

belgium rotisserie chicken vendor brussels chatelain market

These rotisserie chickens looked (and smelled) divine.

Prepared Foods

This vendor had delicious salads, olives and tapenades.

belgium quiche chatelain brussels market

I picked up a demi (half) quiche for a snack for later.

Fruits and Vegetables

Flowers

[box type=”info” style=”rounded” border=”full”]Souvenir Finder Shopping Tip Sheet
What to Buy: Jams, cheese and candy are perfect for take-home souvenirs
Where to get it: Place du Chatelain market, held every Wednesday afternoon through early evening
What to Know: Leave extra time to explore the independent shops in the neighborhood
Where to Stay: I loved the luxurious but still cozy Stanhope Hotel. Nothing beats personal service– the concierge here went above and beyond to make personal recommendations that were right on point.[/box]