So it's about time I reviewed Belgique. I've lived in Wanstead for upwards to a year now and have…read morehad breakfast at this place at least 10 times, despite the high street having a plethora of other eateries to try out - a testament to Belgique's quality and consistency.
Now, I'm not much of a hollandaise person, myself - there's something about the creamy-oily balance that so many establishments get so horribly wrong. I've been burned too many times in the past with hollandaise-gone-bad completely ruining an otherwise perfectly acceptable egg-and-bacon muffin. But my husband is definitely an eggs benedict kind of guy, and on our first visit to Belgique, there was no question about what he was ordering...
I've gotta say, the hollandaise here was good. Not only did it not totally creep me out, but it actually wooed me. It made me think that maybe one day in the future I could become the kind of person who would brazenly order Eggs Benedict at any old brunch establishment in London, throwing caution to the wind and trusting that the hollandaise that arrived on my plate would be every bit as luxurious as the one served at Belgique.
My husband says it's the best Eggs Benedict he's ever had. And on repeated visits to Belgique, the consistency of its execution is impressive.
Now, I still have some trust issues with hollandaise, so I don't order anything typically brunchy, despite Eggs Benedict, Royale and Florentine taking centre stage on the menu. Instead, I've ordered a variety of things, generally egg-based.
The scrambled eggs are decadent by themselves - lusciously buttery and perfectly seasoned. Sure, you can make them yourself at home, but there's something that satisfies you in your soul when you roll out of bed on a Saturday and get someone else to cook your eggs for you.
Beyond brunch, Belgique has an impressive patisserie. After a decadent breakfast, it's not unusual for me to grab two cakes to takeaway and eat later on a lazy weekend afternoon with a cup of tea at home. Everything I've tried has not even come close to disappointing me, but the Galaxy is a standout. Rich, chocolatey and devilish.
It's worth noting that due to Belgique's location in the heart of Wanstead, both babies (in prams) and dogs are welcome - but only outside on the patio. I've come here with both a baby and a dog at the same time, and despite a sign on the door explaining that prams are not allowed, the staff didn't bat an eyelash when we took our baby and dog to a table outside.
If I had to pick fault with one thing at Belgique, it would be the coffee. It's not very good, to be honest. But the little distinctive, delicious biscuit that comes on the side balances everything out.
