The story
At Het Pannenhuis in Lier, chef Sigrid Naedts directs a Belgian cooking studio that honors four generations of hospitality dating back to 1993. Her approach to Belgian cuisine prioritizes grounded techniques over unnecessary complexity. The kitchen cultivates its own vegetables and herbs while trading regularly with nearby growers. This method ensures that regional farming shapes the menu.
Diners frequently encounter plaice fillet served alongside a smooth gazpacho made from dopwerten beans. The kitchen transforms full-ground cauliflower into a rich side paired with North Sea shrimp and young leaves. Summer honey glazes pigeon pieces that arrive with cherry sauce and baked polder potatoes. Each preparation highlights seasonal Belgian cuisine rather than relying on distant suppliers.
The dining room features warm color palettes and abundant floral arrangements that soften the historic stone walls. Guests often note how the space encourages lingering conversation during extended tasting menus. Critics have recognized this balance of comfort and precision, awarding the establishment a score of twelve from Gault&Millau for 2026. That rating reflects a consistent ability to translate farm visits into refined plates.
Recognition
Ambience