It’s the newest restaurant to open in Belgium – and it’s already set a marker down for its environmental credentials.
Tenshi, a fusion of Asian cuisines, is the “new kid on the block” in a smart commercial centre at Rixensart, which is located very close to the delightful Genval lake in Brabant Walloon.
For those living in Brussels the whole area makes for a lovely day out this summer and it is easily accessible, being located just off the Brussels Ring.
The restaurant opened just a month ago and is, in fact, the latest in a mini “chain” (the others are located in Uccle, Woluwe St Pierre, Brussels Docks and Charleroi).
It is the same “family” of restaurants as Thai Café which may be familiar to readers and which also has a branch on the same site in Rixensart.
The owners deserve plaudits not just for the lovely food served here but also for the efforts they are making to rid society of potentially damaging plastics.
They are taking concrete action to replace plastic wherever possible such as in food takeaway containers and cutlery.
Such environmentally-friendly measures are often spoken about by others so it is credible they the owners here are actually taking affirmative action to translate this into firm action.
Of course, the food is also a primary concern for anyone looking for a meal out and, here, you will not be disappointed.
In fact, if you are a fan of anything Asian, be it Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese or Chinese cuisine, you will find something to suit at Tenshi.
There are, for instance, traditional starters like Dim Sum but also a big range of sushi dishes to choose from on the menu. Also popular are the wok dishes, served with rice. You can choose from chicken, beef, scamp or duck and assorted sauces (sweet and sour, cashew, sweet chili) to accompany the dish.
Or you may opt for a Ramen, which is like a stew and comes with noodles. If you fancy something a bit on the spicy side there are options here too, such as Pad Khi Mao (which comes with garlic) and Pad Kapao (with peppers).
Also on the card is a “wok dish of the month” and Kaoya,a version of the ever popular crispy duck.
If you happen to visit at lunchtime, there is a very affordable and well priced lunch menu served from Noon to 3pm and from Monday to Friday.
The dishes on the main menu, in fact, are remarkably well priced, given the quality of the food, another good reason to make an excursion from Brussels to pay a visit here
The resto can seat about 47 inside and and up to 30 on the very pleasant terrace.
The tables are, thankfully, nicely spaced and the tasteful decor gives off a pleasant relaxing and peaceful ambience.
To coincide with the recent opening, the owners have decided to “re-brand” Tenshi.
In future, it will be accompanied by the logo “Tenshi Street Cafe – Inspired by Japan” which is partly to differentiate it from Thai Cafe.
One of the staff at the Genval branch is Sebastien, who worked previously across the square at Thai Cafe.
He’s very helpful and also speaks good English so can help with translation for anyone who needs assistance with the menu.
This site was built on wetland (there’s a stream close to the resto) but, based on early evidence, this place, open 7/7, has all the foundations in place to be a success.
Tenshi
Square des Papeteries 29, 1332 Rixensart, Genval
02 852 8335
