The prize for the 'Best Shrimp Croquette in Brussels' will once again be awarded this autumn, with a total of 17 candidates vying for the title in the 2024 edition.
A classic staple of Belgian cuisine, a shrimp croquette is crispy on the outside but soft and creamy on the inside, and best served with a wedge of lemon and deep-fried parsley. The dish can be found on the menu of many a restaurant in the country's capital, and is usually ordered as an appetiser or starter.
Last year, Les Brasseries Georges (near Bois de la Cambre) won the coveted title of best croquette de crevette for the second time in a row. This year, the brasserie's chef Yves Ducobu has been appointed as a member of the jury, as was chef Cédric Mosbeux of Fernand Obb Délicatessen (the winner of the 2018 and 2019 editions).
"To participate in the competition, candidates had to meet the following criteria: they had to have an establishment, a canteen, a counter or a food truck in operation and located in the Brussels-Capital Region and offer homemade shrimp croquettes on their menu," said Visit Brussels.
The perfect crisp
This year, 17 establishments will be competing: Aux armes de bruxelles, Bouillon, Brasserie Ommegang, Crush, Kroket, La taverne du passage, Le grand café, L'harmony, Le variétés, Les caves d'Alex, Les petits oignons, Les trappistes, Lola, Nüetnigenough, Restaurant Vincent, Toucan and Zotte Mouche.
To judge the candidates, the jury – comprising food journalists, chefs and members of the public – will use a scoring grid to rate the products tasted. "Points will be awarded according to several criteria, including crispiness, flavour and quality of the shrimp," the organisation said.
The competition will take place during Eat Festival on Sunday 28 September. Members of the public will be invited to join the jury and award points to the candidates.
The winner will be able to use the title of 'Best Shrimp Croquette in Brussels' for a year after the announcement of the results.
