The story
Ugly Duckling in Knokke-Heist serves contemporary Asian cooking along the Belgian coast. Father Jan and daughter Noa Van Ongevalle launched this fun dining concept in 2023, pairing their shared passion for bold flavours with late evening hours. Noa directs the kitchen, translating street food discoveries from Thailand and Singapore into a refined menu that bridges casual bites and elevated technique. Their approach earned a spot on the Le Fooding 2026 list, where critics noted how the duo turned a quiet seaside street into a destination for those who prefer their cocktails strong and their plates packed with flavour.
The menu centres around communal eating rather than solitary courses. Guests typically start with edamame dressed in lemongrass and chili, or dim sum filled with crab and bone marrow. The signature Ugly Duckling Box arrives with lacquered crispy duck, thin Chinese pancakes, pickled cucumber, and an oversized brush for applying hoisin sauce at the table. Main selections like Korean fried chicken glazed in gochujang or black calamari served with a spicy lime dip keep the Asian-inspired plates consistent across both seafood and meat selections.
Step past the adjacent cocktail bar to find a dining room layered with Persian rugs, cast iron birdcages, and low lighting. The space feels intentionally intimate, especially in the enclosed private area known as The Testing Room. Jan manages the front of house while guests sip custom cocktails alongside slow roasted veal cheeks or hand rolled eel. Even the restrooms carry a whimsical detail, with Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales playing over the speakers.
Recognition
Ambience
Location
Facebook
Instagram