Golden Gai

The foursome Robin Van de Lanotte, Jesse Den Dulk, Laura Dekeyser and Anjana Dierckx take you on a one-way trip to Japan with the bigger, older brother of Astro Boy. While Golden Gai (a bright red bar, yellow tables) doesn’t take reservations, you’ll never wait too long, and the menu impresses with its mouthwatering Japanese gems: take your pick of four bite-sized appetizers, five ramen options and two desserts. The night we went, we opted for: some incredibly tender miso teriyaki chicken wings; the spicy pork Tantan Ramen with homemade kimchi and marinated eggs – you can even switch up the plain noodles for kelp noodles, if you prefer; and to finish, it’s a toss-up between the matcha cheesecake or the vegan chocolate tart. When the sun’s out, slurp up some noodles on the terrace – simple pleasures, and all. //

FEELING THIRSTY? Well-executed cocktails (€12.50 to €14), local beers (Pony’s, €4.50 for 330 ml), mocktails (€10) and natural wine: a red Nectar Des Dieux from the Mas del Périé winery (€7.50 a glass) and Ex Piana, an orange wine from Podere Prodarolo (€47 a bottle).

PRICE: Appetizers €9.50 to €15, ramen €20.50 to €24.50, desserts €8-9.