My Quest for Filter Coffee

I always say coffee runs through my veins.

Every time I would travel to Europe, unless I could figure out where the nearest Starbs was, I would struggle to find a place that would serve me filter coffee and not just offer espresso based drinks.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learned to love a good cappuccino and I’m lucky that my host family does have a k-cup machine, but sometimes it’s nice to go out and have a cup of coffee and read a book or do homework at a cute and cozy cafe.  In Deland, Boston Coffee is a long time favorite, but recently we have even more options to choose from (Campus Grounds, Trilogy, etc.)

Even though I’ll probably continue to stop at Pain Quotidien on my way to class for a croissant and cappuccino, I think I’ve found something even better that’s worth going a little out of my way for.

MOK Specialty Coffee and Roastery Bar is a little gem in Brussels (along with their original location in Leuven) who’s coffee, food, and atmosphere just can’t be beat.  The Brussels location is a very clean, modern design, with plants hanging artfully from the ceiling and succulents on every table. It’s nestled in Dansaert, an equally cute neighborhood that I need to return to so that I can explore a little more…

But anyway, best filter coffee I’ve found so far in Europe, and after looking at their website, I can see why.  These guys seem to know more about coffee than I’ll ever know about anything.  Check out their vision statement:

Our coffee is roasted on a Giesen W15, which means we roast in small batches of 10 – 15kg. Roasting in such small volumes allows us to fully control the roasting process, making sure that the tasting profile of the bean is just right. Thanks to a close relationship with coffee traders, we always know the origin of the coffee beans. You can aways ask us for more information on this.

MOK Vision

Not only do they know about coffee, but also their food was to die for.  I never knew avocado toast could be so tasty.

You can even have their coffee delivered to you regularly if you get a subscription, which I’ll have to keep in mind should I ever live here for longer than two months.

So if you’re ever in Brussels, and like me, you need filter coffee in order to survive, swing by MOK Coffee.

(P.S. Their espresso is also excellent, I tried that too.)