“From Syria to Belgium.” That’s the motto of Momo, or Mohammad Aborashed, to the unacquainted. After arriving from the Levant in 2016 and discovering a passion for cooking in the Belgian capital, he now runs this two-story spot with wayfaring influences, alongside his photographer partner Alice Dewert, in a typical gabled building, mere cobblestones from the Grand-Place. Think cream tones, a tiled counter, cushioned benches, an open kitchen… and staff T-shirts designed by Alice, featuring photos of Momo as a child, Syrian villagers or landscapes of the region. Picked from the menu the day we went: smoked moutabal, which transported us to Damascus in the dunk of a pita bread; magical beef shawarma with velvety hummus, fattoush and grilled vegetables (eggplant, pepper), wrapped in a sandwich or served as it is; and atayef – mini pancakes stuffed with cream and pistachios, for the sweet finale. // Émile Marnac

FEELING THIRSTY? Homemade iced tea made with pomegranate, mint, lime and orange blossom (€6.40) or Palestinian Taybeh lager (€6.90 for 330 ml).

PRICE: Dips €8.90 to €10.90, shawarma €9 (from 12pm to 5:30pm only), dishes €14.90 to €23.90, desserts €8 to €11.50.