Café
Mokafé
A long-standing café-brasserie inside the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, known for its gallery terrace and crisp Brussels waffles with chocolate sauce.
Maison Dandoy
The oldest biscuit maker in Brussels, founded in 1829 by Jean-Baptiste Dandoy, famous for its speculoos and also known for waffles near the Grand-Place.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic biscuit maker and waffles
- Area
- Grand-Place (City Centre), Brussels, Belgium
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- maisondandoy.com
Good to know
- Speculoos biscuits
- Waffles
- Gift boxes
- Royal warrant
Why we recommend it
Maison Dandoy is the oldest biscuit maker in Brussels. Jean-Baptiste Dandoy founded the business in 1829, and its biscuits still follow a family recipe; the company itself says they are made just as the founder's family did nearly two centuries ago. Over the years it has become a supplier to the Belgian Court, and its main shop on the Rue au Beurre, a few steps from the Grand-Place, is a fixture of the old town.
Speculoos are the house speciality. These crisp, spiced caramelised biscuits are a Belgian tradition, closely associated with the feast of Saint Nicholas in early December, and Dandoy sells them alongside other biscuits and shortbreads in gift boxes. The house also offers waffles, giving visitors a chance to try a more refined version of the city's best-known sweet.
The appeal is as much about heritage as taste. Stepping into the shop gives a sense of the old merchant streets around the Grand-Place, and the packaging makes Dandoy one of the most popular sources of edible souvenirs in the city. It suits anyone looking for gifts to take home, families with a sweet tooth and visitors who enjoy traditional food businesses with a long history.
The Rue au Beurre is busy throughout the day, so the shop can be crowded, especially at weekends and in December. Visit in the morning for a calmer experience. If you are buying biscuits to take home, ask about shelf life and packaging for travel; boxed speculoos travel well in hand luggage. Check the company's website for current shops, waffle service and opening times before you go, as these can change.
The shop is on the Rue au Beurre, one of the streets leading off the Grand-Place towards the Bourse. The Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis and the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert are all within a few minutes' walk, and Brussels-Central station is close by.
A visit here pairs naturally with the city's other sweet traditions. Combine it with a chocolate tasting in the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert or on the Sablon, and you will have covered many of the treats that Belgians are proudest of in a single afternoon.
Maison Dandoy FAQs
When was Maison Dandoy founded?
In 1829, by Jean-Baptiste Dandoy.
What is it famous for?
Speculoos, the spiced caramelised biscuits, as well as other biscuits and waffles.
Is it really the oldest biscuit maker in Brussels?
Yes. It is described as the oldest biscuiterie in Brussels.
Does it hold a royal warrant?
Yes. It is a certified supplier to the Belgian Court.
Where is the main shop?
On the Rue au Beurre, a few steps from the Grand-Place.
Are the biscuits good gifts?
Yes. They come in decorated boxes and travel well.
When is it least busy?
Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons and weekends.
Where can I check opening times?
On the company's official website, as shop hours can change.