Come here for flavor-packed Indian curry served in an evocatively South Asian setting.
Rue de l’Artichaut 2
What’s good? Rangla Punjab serves a delectable range of curries, featuring succulent ingredients from lamb to beef to prawns. The lamb dhansak is highly recommended, packed with lentils and vegetables and flavor.
One member of our group said her litmus test for a good Punjabi restaurant is always a saag or palak (spinach) paneer. And it was, hands down, the best one she’s had in Brussels. Rangla Punjab’s tandoori chicken is also hard to beat, so you’re not short on options.
Pleasantly, they’ll also give you the option of how spicy to make your curry. Always a good sign in a city where pure heat is sometimes difficult to come by.
If you’re going at lunch time, don’t expect to get a full afternoon of work done after. The food is delightfully filling!
What’s not? The service was a little bit slow, and if you’re in a big group be very specific about your order, as the staff struggled to get the veggie dishes (there are, thankfully, lots of options) to the vegetarians at the table.
Vibe: It’s cozy and welcoming and decorated with garish Indian-themed ornaments, which help give the sense you might be in a Bengaluru curry house, rather than a dingy side street in Saint-Josse. The staff were super friendly and happy to accommodate a large party of ravenous journalists.
Who’s picking up the check? Curry, rice, a naan bread and a couple of Cobra beers will set you back between €40 and €50.
Insider tip: The restaurant initially refused to take Visa for payment, insisting on Mastercard before relenting. Be aware!
Fun fact: If you don’t order any water but you’re visibly struggling with the spice level (think: watering eyes and wheezing), the waitress will kindly bring you a glass of tap water.
How to get there: Stroll down the hill on Rue des Deux Églises from the European Quarter toward Saint-Josse. It’s on your right on Rue de l’Artichaut.
Review published on January 23, 2025. Illustration by Dato Parulava/POLITICO.
