Quick Guide to the Antwerp Coffee Culture

Do you want to find out more about the Antwerp coffee culture? You’ve come to the right place. As a major European port since the 16th century, Antwerp has long been a major distribution hub for coffee beans. This history has fostered a deep-rooted tradition of coffee consumption in the city that is still very much alive today. The Antwerp coffee scene is thriving, enriched by new traditions and innovations brought to local cafes and roasteries.

Antwerp Coffee: Historical Roots

The city’s port played a crucial role in the history of Antwerp’s coffee culture, as it was a vital hub for the trade and distribution of coffee beans, especially in the 17th century.

The French, English and Dutch were pioneering in importing coffee beans to Antwerp from all over the world. The first supply is said to have been purchased and resourced from Mocha in Yemen.

In 1718, ships from the Netherlands also sailed to the Red Sea and imported coffee. The French brought coffee beans from their plantations, and after 1800 South America became the main supplier of coffee.

1750-1815 marks the end of the French era in Antwerp. Coffee was then sourced from La Reunion, a small island near Madagascar, back then also known as “Bourbon Island”. La Reunion became the second-largest coffee producer after Haiti, renowned for its high-quality coffee. On both islands, the coffee trade relied heavily on slave labour, which was abolished first in Haiti in 1804 and much later in La Reunion in 1848. Some historical records indicate that Arabica coffee was also sourced from Principe, Cape Verde, Angola, and Java.

Many Antwerpian coffee traders used a hand drill to take samples of the coffee they planned to import. The best samples were brought back and sent off for roasting, a process that was outsourced back then and continues to this day. 

One of Antwerp’s oldest coffee traders is Molenbergnatie, which has been storing and distributing coffee beans since 1867. Today, their warehouse in the port stores up to 45.000 tonnes and twice as much is handled annually.

Today logistics companies such as Pacorini, Vollers, Katoen Natie and CWT all store and trade coffee in the port of Antwerp, which has 250.000 tonnes of dedicated storage space.

Did You Know? Built in 1860, Felixpakhuis originally served as a storage facility for coffee, but also cheese, sugar, wine and grain. After restoration in 2006, it now serves as an event venue and houses the city archives, and you can also come here for brunch.

Source: Food and Drink in Antwerp exhibition at MAS, June 2023

Antwerp Coffee: Modern Koffiebars in Antwerpen

A word of caution: in Belgium, the term “café” often refers to beer pubs rather than “koffiebars” (coffee cafes). Antwerp still has some traditional “brown cafes,” named for the cigarette smoke that once stained their walls brown. Since I’m not into pubs and drinking culture, this post will focus on modern koffiebars in Antwerpen.

In recent years, Antwerp has embraced the global specialty coffee movement, with numerous cafes and roasteries dedicated to high-quality beans, precise brewing methods, and sustainable sourcing practices.

Koffiebars in Antwerpen Insights & Experience

• Average cost for a cappuccino sits at 3.50-4€.
• Many 3rd wave cafés and local koffiebars.
• These are often small and cosy; not really intended as working environments.
• Bigger chains, such as Izy, Le Pain Quotidien or Lloyds are also part of the scene.
• Annual Antwerp Coffee Week in April with several events, barista workshops & loyalty card scheme. 

Antwerp Coffee: My Best Cafes in Antwerp Recommendations

Below are some of my favourite koffiebars in Antwerpen listed, which I visited frequently.

Lighthouse

Lighthouse Café, nestled in the quiet Vlasmarkt area, was established in 2022 by the Lighthouse Fellowship, a local church community. The café’s mission is to foster connections in a warm and inviting setting, offering top-notch coffee. I was drawn to its relaxed ambience, which kept me returning frequently. It’s a perfect spot to spend a few hours reading, enjoying the excellent coffee whilst nibbling on a vegan cake. 

Caffenation

Caffenation is THE renowned Antwerpian coffee institution. Every decent travel publication lists the brand and it is no surprise that this local café has been leading Antwerp’s third-wave coffee movement for over 20 years now. Pioneering in its craft, it introduced latte art from Seattle in 2006 and frequently participates in barista competitions today. With two inviting branches featuring hipster interiors, it’s super popular with students – but coffee connoisseurs shouldn’t be put off by that if they truly cherish a quality cup of coffee.

ROAST by BNB Antwerp

This koffiebar in Antwerpen is only open towards the end of the week, but when it is, I strongly recommend you to check it out. The owners began with a small BNB business and later took over a neighbour’s expo space in Leeuwenstraat. Now, they offer not only excellent roasted coffee but also small lunches and homemade cakes, all while you can read some of the local literature, e.g. the comic of Nello & Patrasche. 

The culinary guide Gault & Millau has recently shared their top ten koffiebars in Belgium and three of the nominees are from Antwerp. These are Caffe Mundi, Vitesse Coffee & Cycling and Butchers Coffee. So these are on the list, too and I’ll make sure to check these out soon.

More Koffiebars Antwerpen for next time:

Making of “Antwerp Coffee Culture”

Here are some insights into my work and research when I compiled this post:

• Visited Antwerp frequently whilst living in the area
• Paid for drinks and research material
• Compiled research and visited special exhibition at MAS

FAQs about Antwerp Coffee Culture

I understand this post is quite detailed, and you may have a few quick questions about the Antwerp coffee culture. Feel free to consult any section for more information on your trip. If you have any questions or need assistance, please get in touch. 

Is the Antwerp Coffee Culture a “thing”?

Antwerp coffee culture may not have such a strong reputation as Brno, but honestly coffee lovers shouldn’t sleep on it. Every café I visited offered excellent quality, with no complaints. Although often busy, it is not hard to find a café for your coffee fix. The numerous small koffiebars and cafes play a significant role in shaping Antwerp’s friendly and relaxed character.

Are cafés in Antwerp solo-travel friendly?

Yes, all koffiebars in Antwerpen were extremely friendly towards me as a solo visitor. I have not had a single negative experience. In fact, I really miss the cafes in Antwerp and look forward to returning in future.

Thanks so much for reading. If you’ve enjoyed my post on the Antwerp coffee culture and would like to support my blog & research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

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