The story
On the chaussée de Waterloo in Ixelles, Maru brings the bold, balanced flavors of Korean cuisine to Brussels. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a recognition that speaks to the precision and care behind every plate.
The atmosphere at Maru is understated and welcoming, letting the food take center stage. The kitchen focuses on classic Korean dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and a respect for tradition. The result is a menu that feels both authentic and thoughtfully refined.
While the menu changes with the seasons, Maru is known for its vibrant banchan (side dishes) and expertly grilled meats. The cooking balances spice, sweetness, and umami, offering a true taste of Korea in the Belgian capital. Whether you are new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, Maru delivers a meal that is both satisfying and memorable.
Recognition
Details
History
Mmm…aru! It’s already been 11 years since Kyoung Her, otherwise known as “Kyky,” began keeping lovers of spicy and fermented flavors in the capital happy with her authentic K-food. After being won over by her cooking, the decor feels like the cherry on top: a windowed facade, wooden tables, a long leather banquette, white walls with a splash of Klein blue to electrify the wall behind the bar… Devoured with a pair of chopsticks and a golden spoon the night we went: perfectly prepared yukhoe made with beef from Dierendonck, sliced thin and seasoned fresh by the chef with garlic (optional), Nashi pear and pine nuts; slurpable japchae made with sautéed sweet potato noodles, veggies and sesame oil; a rainbow-colored bibimbap sizzling in its dolsot bowl, with optional raw beef, mixed tableside with a diabolically good gochujang sauce; delicious bulgogi, aka grilled and marinated beef served with shaved cabbage salad and rice, all served with a myriad of banchan (sesame eggplant, daikon kimchi, pickled vegetables); and to round out the meal, a big scoop of (overly cold) homemade strawberry and makgeolli (Korean rice wine) sorbet, surrounded by fresh fruit, all covered in a matcha sauce. // Alba Nebbioli
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