Kookoo, who goes there? A gem of a coffee shop in Saint-Gilles, brewing up trouble in the bustling Janson neighborhood. Yes, another coffee shop… but this one’s Iranian, duly percolated by the Persian-savvy Mogkaba Moghaddasi and Zahra Ogani, straight outta Tehran. They’ve stuck to protocol, with rough brick walls and Ispahan ceramic tiles, plus embroidered upholstery and finely crafted chairs… and vintage china from the homeland, on which is served the aptly named Kookoo sandwich, made on light and airy Iranian bread stuffed with herb frittata and yoghurt sauce, or even a grilled cheese revisited with meltingly soft eggplant, pistachio pesto, mushrooms and mozzarella. And for the sweet touch? A crazily good pistachio and rosewater cake, or saffron, barberry and white chocolate cookies. Special mention for the regular traditional live music that adds an authentic touch. // Pepi Pachov
FEELING THIRSTY? Coffee from Or Coffee Roasters, made every which way, plus expertly crafted saffron tea, red berry matcha and Rish kombucha.
PRICE: Sandwiches €6-11, salad €10, dishes €14.50, cakes €3.60-5.
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