The story
Since opening in 2016, Appel Thaï has turned a quiet corner of Brussels into a destination for authentic Thai cooking. Run by Cornelis Ronald and Wilfried Lauwers, the restaurant sits just minutes from the ring road yet feels a world away. The large terrace and lush garden seat up to 100 guests, while the indoor dining room is a more intimate space for 90. Two traditional wooden paillotes in the garden offer a truly memorable setting for dinner under the stars.
The menu stays true to Thai roots, with classics like Pad Thai, fiery curries, and wok-fried dishes made with fresh herbs and spices. Starters such as Tom Yum Khung (spicy shrimp soup with lemongrass) and Kai Satay (grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce) set the tone. Main courses range from Massaman curry – slow-cooked chicken in a rich, peanut-based sauce – to Pad Ka Pao (stir-fried pork with Thai basil and eggplant). The kitchen’s precision and respect for ingredients caught the attention of Michelin, which awarded Appel Thaï a Bib Gourmand in 2026 for its “good quality, good value cooking.”
Whether you choose a table in the garden, under the thatched roof of a paillote, or inside the cozy dining room, the atmosphere is unhurried and welcoming. The combination of thoughtful Thai cooking and a setting that feels like a green retreat makes Appel Thaï a genuine find in Brussels.
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