Maison Dandoy - Grand Place — Restaurant in Brussels

Nestled amidst the cobblestone streets and historic splendor of Brussels' Grand Place, Maison Dandoy stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and artisanal tradition. As one of Belgium's most cherished institutions, this quaint bakery and tearoom has been delighting locals and visitors alike for generations with its exquisite array of traditional Belgian delicacies.

Stepping into Maison Dandoy is like stepping into a bygone era, where time slows down and every moment is savored with the utmost care and attention to detail. The aroma of freshly baked waffles fills the air, mingling with the scent of rich, buttery biscuits and delicate pastries. Sunlight streams through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the polished wooden tables and vintage décor, creating an atmosphere of old-world charm and hospitality.

At the heart of Maison Dandoy lies a commitment to quality and craftsmanship that has been passed down through the generations. Using only the finest ingredients sourced from local producers and adhering to time-honored recipes handed down from their ancestors, the master bakers and pastry chefs at Maison Dandoy create confections that are as delicious as they are beautiful.

One of Maison Dandoy's most iconic offerings is its delectable array of speculoos biscuits, a beloved Belgian treat made with a special blend of spices that infuse each bite with warmth and flavor. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or artisanal tea, these crisp, buttery biscuits are a true delight for the senses.

But Maison Dandoy's culinary delights extend far beyond speculoos alone. From delicate almond thins to indulgent chocolate-dipped madeleines, each pastry and biscuit is a work of art, lovingly crafted by hand with the utmost care and attention to detail. And for those seeking something savory, the tearoom offers a tantalizing selection of quiches, sandwiches, and salads, all made with the same dedication to quality and flavor.

But perhaps the true magic of Maison Dandoy lies in the sense of joy and nostalgia that permeates every corner of the tearoom. Whether you're sharing a leisurely breakfast with loved ones, indulging in an afternoon treat with friends, or simply savoring a quiet moment of solitude with a cup of tea and a good book, Maison Dandoy invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.

In summary, Maison Dandoy is more than just a bakery and tearoom; it is a cherished institution that embodies the timeless traditions and culinary heritage of Belgium. With its exquisite pastries, warm hospitality, and enchanting ambiance, it offers a truly unforgettable experience for all who have the pleasure of visiting its...

Maison Dandoy, a family affair

Our great-great-great-grandfather Jean-Baptiste was a baker. In 1829, he opened his first shop in the heart of Brussels. Thirty years later, he moved to Butter street (rue au Beurre) where he taught the job to his son Philippe. There, the Dandoy dynasty blossomed: 150 years later, butter and sugar still rule the roost under Saint Nicholas’ laughing eye.

Maison Dandoy, only fresh and natural ingredients

Maison Dandoy survived the difficult first half of the 20th Century thanks to Jean-Philippe, Philippe’s son, and then to his daughter Fernande and her husband Valère Rombouts. The times during WWII were hectic and if it wasn’t for the crunchy crispbread, Maison Dandoy might not have made it. Only in 1948 Valère decided to start making all Maison Dandoy specialties again. Being a man of high standards, he’s preferred to wait three years until butter and sugar that met his standards were available again on the market.

La Maison Dandoy, a passionate perfectionist

During the 70’s, Jean Rombouts-Dandoy, Valère and Fernande’s son, and his wife Christiane brought a breath of fresh air to Maison Dandoy. Won over, Brussels people hurried Butter Street. A true passionate, Jean even turned down a NASA job offer to keep on creating new biscuits, helped by his two pastry chefs Pierre and Willy. As to Valère, at more than 80 years old, he was never far off and still kept a loving eye on the biscuits.

Maison Dandoy, it’s not just biscuits, it’s a way of life

After Jean and Christiane, Christine, their daughter, and Bernard Helson, their son-in-law, took over the family business. New boutiques opened but Maison Dandoy held on to the principles that made its success: family, crafts, quality and tradition. In 2012, Maison Dandoy went through a total makeover: golden dots everywhere. Alexandre and Antoine Helson, Bernard Helson’s sons and 7th generation of Maison Dandoy entered the adventure. What now? Lots of new ideas, big projects and the same...

So we planned a trip to Brussels and Waffles was the first thing we wanted to try. So I asked CHATGPT about some of the best places and this was one of the places on the list. After checking Google reviews and this place history, we decided to go here. Don't go by G Maps direction as it will lead you to their another store which does not serve Waffles but she will guide you how to go - go straight towards Grand Place and take the second right ( 7 mins walking). So finally coming to review. As expected you will have to stand in a queue of 15 mins. No issues here. It was expected. You can choose from one of the 6 varieties or can create your own. Yes, choices are limited. I customized my own - Brussels waffles with Chocolate and homemade Vanilla ice cream. The Waffles were crunchy and soft. The taste was awesome. It looks heavy but isn't much. The sugar is medium (just as I like) , not very sweet as you may find at other places. It's not overloaded with too much toppings so you get the taste of Waffles also and feels light yet satisfying. I got the Cappuccino also but nothing special in it, just as normal. Waffles were totally worth the price. After this, I had Waffles at 2 other places and this one was way ahead of them. I wanted to try a Strawberry one, we reached around 6 and the place was already closed as the Waffles were sold out. So I recommend you to don't be late and visit their in the day time. If you late you may either miss Brussels waffles (Liege is the other option) or you may miss the strawberries or the place me be even closed before their official...