Greek coffee culture gains popularity in Brussels EU district

Greek coffee culture, specifically the freddo espresso, has established a significant presence in the Brussels European Quarter. According to reports from Politico, Greek-owned cafes have become popular hubs for EU officials, lobbyists, and journalists, offering a social alternative to traditional Belgian and Italian coffee styles.

Many of these businesses originated from the Greek debt crisis of the 2010s, as entrepreneurs and workers moved to Belgium in search of better opportunities. For example, the cafe ‘To Meli’ opened in 2019 near the headquarters of the European Commission, Council, and Parliament. Financial records indicate that ‘To Meli’ saw a turnover increase of nearly 300% between 2013 and 2024.

Other notable establishments include Papillon, Caffeine, and Cherry. The manager of Papillon, Vasilis Tsourapis, noted that the cafe’s turnover has quadrupled. The success is attributed not only to the product but to the Greek philosophy of coffee as a social experience involving conversation and relaxation, contrasting with the faster-paced Italian espresso tradition.