Are you among those who are desperate for some seasonal fun and cheer to offset the never-ending gloomy weather?
If so, a pioneering businesswoman in Belgium has just the thing for you.
Katia Nguyen is a go-ahead Vietnamese-born restauranteur who launched what is possibly the first Vietnamese restaurant in Belgium way back in the 1980s.
Since then she has pioneering the concept of gender equality by employing, in the main, an all-female staff.
Commendably, Katia also tries to peg prices at her resto, L’Orchidee Blanche in Ixelles, even in the face of ever-rising costs.
As well as running a highly-successful and popular resto, Katia has launched out into outside catering.
So, anyone looking to hire her team and the splendid Vietnamese cuisine they offer for a Christmas party is best advised to move quickly as they are booking up fast.
Then again, you might be happy visiting the resto itself which has an entire top floor set aside and currently available for a Christmas banquet.
Either way, you will not be disappointed. The food here is quite glorious and matches the eye-catching tunics and dresses worn by the (mostly)Vietnamese-born ladies who Katia lovingly refers to her as “my family.”
The two head chefs – both women of course – are Trinh and Duyen who conjure up some delightful dishes for what is a very loyal and eclectic mixture of customers that Katia enjoys.
Clients include everyone from students from the nearby ULB university to ambassadors and diplomats.
All are charmed by both the quality of the food on the (long) menu and also the rather generous portions.
Indeed, it is worth pointing out that the size of the plates at this restaurant measure 26 cm compared with an average of just 21 cm at most restos here.
People also come a surprising distance to dine here: some as far away as Liege and Luxembourg.
Any first time visitor here will soon discover why they make such an effort.
There is a fantastic choice of dishes, ranging from soups and hot and cold starters,plus three specialities, each for two people are priced just €50 to €55 which is very reasonable considering the quality and quantity.
The mains selection is quite extensive but there is poulet, porc, boeuf, canards and fruits de mer et poisons, plus a list of “varieties” that includes a very tasty and slightly spicy taufoo au curry basilic.
The prices really are ridiculously low, certainly compared with many other eating establishments. One thing is sure: you will not leave here feeling hungry or overcharged for what you have had (quite the opposite, in fact).
It is not just the food that puts a smile on your face but the cheer happiness and goodwill exuded by Katia’s lovely team. The all-lady crew has just recently been bolstered by (whisper it quietly…) a male newcomer.
Actually, the guy in question, Vietnamese-born Thanh worked for Katia here until about 12 or so years ago. He then left to experience other places, including the Hilton hotel in Brussels, but last month returned “to the family” and is a welcome addition to Katia’s charming team.
They also include Yi, who is a lovely 39-year-old staff member who, unlike all her colleagues, is from China (Shanghai). Like the other ladies she is resplendent in a very colourful and typical Vietnamese tunic, most of which are brought back to Belgium by Katia when she visits the country of her birth.
Coincidentally, the resto itself will, next year, celebrate its 39th anniversary.
That in itself is a quite incredible achievement, not least at a time when so many restos here are either struggling or going under.
The fact that Katia’s place is still here and, in fact, is going from strength to strength bears testimony to her wonderful work ethnic (shared by her team).
As she says, it has not been all plain sailing. Indeed, there have been periods of real difficulty from when she first arrived in Belgium as a student many years ago.
But this marvellous restaurant serving marvellous food continues to fly the flag here for top class standards as well as gender equality.
All credit to Katia and her staff for that and it would be hard to find a better recommendation for a lovely culinary treat this coming Christmas.
It will be open pretty much all over the season (it closes only on Xmas Day) but move quickly if you want to sample its delights as it is booking up fast.
The resto’s name translates as white orchid and orchids are often given as a sign of appreciation. That is how you will feel towards Katia and colleagues if you dine here.
L’Orchidee Blanche
436 Chaussee de Boondael, Brussels
https://www.orchidee-blanche.com/
02 647 5621
