Maru is the real Korean deal in Ixelles — run by Kyky (Kyoung Her), a Korean-born chef who previously operated Brussels' first Korean barbecue, Arirang. The Lhoas & Lhoas-designed space on Chaussée de Waterloo serves up steaming bibimbap, made-to-order yukhoe, and evening barbecues with soju and natural wines to match. Go for the food, stay for Kyky's charisma.
Kyky's Korean kitchen serves steaming bibimbap, made-to-order yukhoe, and evening barbecues with soju — the real deal on Chaussée de Waterloo since 2012.
Go for lunch and try the bento boxes — they're a great solo option and the room is calmer than the busy evening barbecue service.
Brussels' most authentic Korean kitchen, run with heart
Maru has been serving up some of Brussels' most authentic Korean food since 2012, and it's all thanks to Kyky (Kyoung Her), a Korean-born chef who previously ran the city's first Korean barbecue spot, Arirang. The space on Chaussée de Waterloo was designed by Lhoas & Lhoas architects, and it's got a clean, modern feel that lets the food do the talking. Go for the bibimbap — steaming, colorful, and perfectly crisp at the edges — or the yukhoe, Korean beef tartare made to order. The bento boxes are a great lunch option if you're flying solo, and the room is calmer at midday than it gets in the evening.
When the sun goes down, the individual barbecues come out and the room fills with the sound of sizzling meat and happy customers. The menu runs the gamut from pajeon (Korean pancakes) to galbi (marinated short ribs), and there's soju, makgeolli, and natural wines to wash it all down. Kyky's charisma is part of the experience — she's the kind of owner who makes you feel like you're eating in her home, and Gault&Millau has praised both her personality and the intense, perfectly prepared dishes from her team.
Service can be hit or miss, which explains the mixed reviews across platforms — Google sits at 4.1 while Tripadvisor dips lower. But if you go for the food and the atmosphere, you won't be disappointed. It's open for lunch and on Sundays, kid-friendly, and a genuine taste of Korea in the heart of Ixelles.