make Room Dürüm: Breton Pancakes Are Breaking Through in Brussels
Brussels is experiencing a taste of Brittany,as a new eatery aims to introduce teh savory delights of Breton pancakes - or galettes - to a city more familiar with döner kebabs. While the customary French children’s verse, “Mardi Gras, don’t go, we’ll make pancakes, and you’ll have some,” resonates deeply in France, the concept of these buckwheat and wheat flour-based pancakes, generously filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, eggs, and mushrooms, hasn’t yet taken hold in the Belgian capital.
That’s changing with the summer 2023 opening of Kras food. Located in a striking Art Nouveau building on Schaerbeek’s Louis Bertrandlaan (the former site of Chabrol), the restaurant is the brainchild of french entrepreneurs Mélodie Carré and Rebecca Saillard. Their mission? To provide “a real choice to fast food,” focusing on homemade,organic pancakes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
The menu at Kras food offers a diverse range of fillings, moving beyond the traditional. Customers can choose from savory options like sausage paired with homemade mustard sauce, or classic combinations of mushrooms and fried eggs. And for those embracing the restaurant’s name - Breton for “very tipsy” – an extraordinary selection of Breton ciders is readily available to complement the meal.
The arrival of Kras food signals a potential shift in Brussels’ culinary landscape, offering a fresh and flavorful alternative to the city’s established fast-food scene. Breton pancakes, a staple in French regional cuisine, are known for their versatility and hearty nature, making them a potentially popular choice for Brussels residents seeking a satisfying and authentic meal.
understanding Breton Pancakes: A Culinary Tradition Breton pancakes, known as galettes, differ substantially from the sweet, dessert-style pancakes more commonly found in North America. Made with buckwheat flour (farine de sarrasin), they are naturally gluten-free and have a slightly nutty flavor. Traditionally served savory, they are a cornerstone of Breton cuisine, frequently enough enjoyed as a rapid and affordable meal. The tradition dates back centuries, and the pancakes are deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of Brittany, a region in northwestern France.
Brussels’ Evolving Food Scene: Brussels has become a melting pot of culinary influences, with a growing demand for diverse and high-quality food options. The city’s vibrant street food scene, while dominated by offerings like döner kebabs and fries, is increasingly open to new and innovative concepts. This creates a fertile ground for restaurants like Kras food to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kras food & Breton Pancakes
- What are Breton pancakes made of? Breton pancakes (galettes) are traditionally made with buckwheat flour, water, and salt.
- Are Breton pancakes gluten-free? Yes, traditionally made breton pancakes are gluten-free due to the use of buckwheat flour.
- Where is Kras food located? Kras food is located on Louis bertrandlaan in Schaerbeek, Brussels.
- What is the meaning of “Kras”? “Kras” is Breton for “very tipsy.”
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