Uncle Babe's

All roads lead (back) to Ghent! That’s the story of how Bram Vanaudenaerde, after traveling around Southeast Asia, finally settled down with his pots and pans in tow just a stone’s throw from Saint Bavo’s cathedral. In this restaurant that combines white marble with colorful cushions, the chef takes inspiration from all over, stitching together neo-fusion plates with worldly flavors. The other day at lunch, all of the following paraded out to our table, dressed as always with a fork, a knife and a pair of chopsticks: Iberian pan con tomate topped with ’nduja (spicy Calabrian sausage spread) and served with stracciatella; a platter featuring chicken satay skewers, herb-packed spring rolls and gyoza with ponzu sauce, for a harmonious Thai-Vietnamese-Japanese entente; Zeeland mussels bathing in a Thai tom khai kai coconut milk soup, as creamy as it was spicy… And for dessert? A sort of revisited affogato featuring black tahini ice cream, with a shot of espresso poured over it tableside. After that, a Chokotoff chocolate toffee candy and the bill, and we’re unquestionably back on Belgian territory. // Simo Né

FEELING THIRSTY? A mixologist, sommelier and barista all at once, Dorian Van Limbergen offers up classy cocktails (like the New York Sour, €15), a selection of wines (including The Butcher, an Austrian red from Weingut Schwarz, €9 a glass) or homemade hibiscus iced tea (€6).

PRICE: Hors-d’oeuvres €12-20 (at the bar), mains €22-42, desserts €11-15, set menus €49-72 (four to six courses).