Kaiju
Whether you’re the sharing type or usually guard your plate, Kaiju is the kind of place where you’ll want to make an exception. Nestled on the ground floor of the Jam Hotel in Saint-Gilles, this lively spot serves up street food like you’ve never tasted before. Drawing inspiration from Japanese and Korean cuisine, the kitchen blends bold Asian flavors with top-quality local and European ingredients.
Step inside and you’ll feel instantly transported. The raw brutalist architecture, a nod to the building’s former life as an art school, pairs beautifully with walls playing classic Japanese films from the 1960s. And then there are the scents—mouthwatering aromas of grilled meats and sweet spices drifting through the air. Add some great 80s and 90s tunes in the background, and I have to admit, I caught myself dancing in my chair more than once.
We were warmly welcomed by Chloé, a friendly waitress full of positive energy and a smile that set the tone for the evening. She recommended we go for 4 to 5 plates between two people. Prices mostly range from 11€ to 19€, except for one star dish—the spectacular Crying Tiger. This one’s a showstopper: 300 grams of tender Iberian pork pluma, with a side of chili fish sauce and topped with a fragrant orange blossom and lemon-fennel salad (35€).
The first dish to hit the table was the Sichuan-style pork wontons (12,50€). Plump and generously stuffed, they floated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy vinegar sauce. So good we found ourselves spooning up the last drops from the bottom of the bowl.
Then came the delightfully named “Saucer n’est pas tremper” (15€): a creamy eggplant tapenade with tahini and anchovies, topped with zucchini pickles and smoked onion gel. Served alongside thick slices of toasted sourdough. A generous, summery plate that’s perfect for sharing.
Next up was the Asian Aguachile (16€), a dish originally from Mexico, somewhere between a ceviche and a spice bomb. Thick cuts of seabass were marinated in a punchy pomegranate mirin and habanero oil, paired with takuan radish pickles and an unexpected but brilliant apple and coriander sorbet. The Asian twist worked like a charm.
At Chloé’s suggestion, we tried the Crispy Shrimp Toast (14€). Imagine crunchy brioche layered with buttery tandoori shrimp, topped with a toasted sesame crust, and a side of Nam Jim Jaew sauce—a Thai specialty that’s spicy, tangy, and smoky all at once. An absolute flavor bomb, and honestly, it’s still living rent-free in my memory.
A couple of glasses of natural wine rounded out the meal. With names like “La Nuit Tous Les Chats Sont Gris” and “La Tête au Bois Dormant,” even the wine list has a sense of humor—and it’s ready to keep the party going.
We couldn’t fit in dessert, but judging by how good everything else was, I’m pretty sure they’ve nailed that too.
And if you thought Kaiju was stopping there, think again. This September, they’re taking things to the next level—literally.
Rémi & Nicolas, the brains behind the Saint-Gilles spot, are heading to Ghent with their boldest venture yet. Kaiju Gand will be open all day, from your first coffee at 8 a.m. to your last bite at 10 p.m., with a brand-new vibe and menu tailored to the city. No copy-paste from Brussels here—just the same playful spirit and punchy flavors that made us fall in love with the original.
And upstairs? That’s where things get wild. Meet NEKO, a rooftop bar with a speakeasy soul, sharp cocktails, vintage finds, and—wait for it—a rooftop pool. The kind of place where you stop in for a quick drink and end up closing the place down, maybe with your toes in the water.
Opening September 2025. I don’t know about you, but I’m already packing my swimsuit.
Kaiju - Saint-Gilles
Chau. de Charleroi 132, 1060 Saint-Gilles
CALL 0484 99 30 09
BOOK a table
Open Tuesday to Saturday evenings. Kitchen open from 19h to 22h
Kaiju on Instagram
