Graduated from art school, a true storyteller at heart, with heaps of hospitality and horeca experience, and – of course – a real Antwerp entrepreneur. "30 years ago, I firmly said: Antwerp or nothing. No jobs in another city, thank you very much; I intentionally keep it nice and local."

"What started as a humble – I live and thrive here – blog, grew into a vibrant story in which I – Nina with Bites & Walks – give a platform to other passionate locals. Made & done by locals, for locals and curious guests. Every day, I’m happily writing the next chapter of that history."

Favorite Antwerp spot: "The Sint Andries district, where my Antwerp story began about 30 years ago. The lively Vrijdagmarkt and the vibe and unique character of PAKT. But I also love my home on ‘t Zuid, especially in the morning, when the sun rises, the birds chirp, or on a rainy day when everyone stays home, and Antwerp feels empty for a moment… pure bliss!"

Nostalgic dish: "My mom is an excellent cook, and I still remember how my classmates loved staying for dinner, with her number one dish being chicory with creamy cheese in the oven. But there’s also the nostalgia of my Spanish grandmother’s Fabada: white beans, chorizo, and morcilla… that’s homecoming and holds a special place in my heart. Lately, I’m loving an Entrecôte West Flemish red with smashed polder potatoes, and wake me up for Dimsum from Chinatown The Best!"

Drink: "Morning ritual of fresh green tea – a bad start to the day without it – followed by a latte. On the go: Boereke Stella, Rodenbach Grand Cru, Pinot Noir, Spätburgunder, or a Rioja with my grandfather Papito in Oviedo."

Languages: Dutch, English

Hannelore, our 'creative generalist': guide, workshop facilitator, ritual leader, and team member at PAKT’s rooftop farm. It may sound like a variety of roles, but the common thread in everything she does is very clear to her: storytelling, sustainability, inspiring people, and connecting them.

Favorite Antwerp spot: "On a global scale, Antwerp isn’t such a big city, but it certainly has a cosmopolitan vibe. It’s a city that feels like a village yet has a raw and cool edge. I love the cultural diversity, creativity, and the innovative character of the city. My favorite place is the PAKT rooftop farm. It’s so wonderful to be in the middle of the city, surrounded by flowers, fruit trees, and chickens. It’s a place where I completely relax and I’m super proud to be able to contribute to shaping it."

Nostalgic dish: "Chicken with apple sauce and croquettes, but if you’re making a good spaghetti bolognese, you can always wake me up for that. Shrimp croquettes from Fish a Gogo and Sushi YES please from Zaowang!"

Drink: "If they have it, I love a Bissap, a hibiscus lemonade from West Africa. The Antwerp Bissap made by Moussa is my favorite! Also, any drinks with ginger, and for that, my favorite local ginger syrup is from Ginger from a Ginger."

Languages: Dutch and English

Yannick, our chef, caterer, and culinary generalist with experience and interest in almost everything food and drink-related. He worked in coffee for nearly a decade and is obsessed with natural wines and wild beers. Additionally, he is often invited to give lectures and is involved as a freelance journalist for the culinary pages of Knack Weekend and Tummie Magazine.

Favorite Antwerp spot: "It seems like my favorite neighborhood evolves with the person I am. I was once infatuated with the area around Paardenmarkt, then it became the Jewish Quarter, and in recent years, I’ve been spending more time in the suburbs. My absolute favorite spot in the city center is Hoogstraat: always buzzing, always lively, and a mix of old and young, hip and classic. The Zwarte Panter is probably the best example of this."

Nostalgic dish: "As a child, I was already obsessed with spaghetti bolognese, and it's still a bit of a quirk. Whether it’s the tavern version with Tabasco and poor grated cheese or homemade pasta with ragù that takes hours to prepare, both can almost always win me over. In recent years, you’ll mostly find me in the Asian Quarter, trying to find the best noodles or the tastiest spicy wings."

Drink: "At the pub, I’ll usually have a well-poured pint or a nice saison in a bottle. I’m also a dedicated sour lover: a geuze, kriek, or a natural wine with plenty of acidity can always win me over."

Languages: Dutch, English and French after a few glasses ;)

Adriaan is our 'bridge builder' at the intersection of hospitality, urban development, and the social economy. He guides with passion, but also contributes to the development of rooftop farms and community garden projects that connect people around healthy food, ecology, and conviviality. Making a city livable – that’s something you do together, preferably with something delicious involved.

Favorite Antwerp spot: "The Vleeshuis remains a magical place for me. As a child, I suddenly stood in front of it and felt like I was in a movie set. That sense of wonder was the start of my love for the history of Antwerp."

Nostalgic dish: "As a child, I always looked forward to meatloaf with cherries and fried potatoes, with plenty of mayo. I can still really enjoy good stew, but the worldly flavors we find in Antwerp are so varied that it’s a feast. You can always wake me up for Lebanese cuisine."

Drink: "A pint of draft beer, Triple or Duvel. With food, I prefer Merlot or Malbec. Sit back and relax with Caribbean rum or Mexican mezcal with coffee. On weekdays, that glass of sparkling water also tastes great."

Languages: Dutch, English, French, and Spanish

Kevin, our "hoppin' rollin' guide," better known as KG, co-founder of the legendary Antwerp hip-hop group Sint Andries MC’s, skate coach, and a born-and-raised half-Antwerpian with a deep love for our city.

"I graduated from the Antwerp College of Street Knowledge – in other words, raised to the rhythm of the city. Music is and always will be my greatest passion, but my very first love? I found that on four wheels. Skateboarding opened up my world – literally and figuratively – because rolling wheels gather no moss and take me down new paths. That’s turning your hobby into your job. These days, I work for and with Skatedepot as a skate coach/monitor, and I’m also responsible for the smooth operation of our non-profit organization."

Favorite spot: "The entire authentic city center, from Veemarkt to the St. Andries Quarter. Especially the rustic, quieter, and more understated vibe that contrasts with the inner-city buzz and hustle. The surroundings of the Grote Markt with our beautiful OLV Cathedral have always fascinated me. The most beautiful square of all the beautiful squares Antwerp has to offer is still the Conscience Square, with Hendrik, who taught us to read and write, sitting right across from the oldest Baroque church in our city."

Nostalgic dish: "Food always takes me back to my grandmother, Moema. With her English roots and being strictly traditional, she placed great importance on Christmas. Complete with ox-tail soup, horsedicks (sausages wrapped in bacon), and a trifle to finish. The ultimate breakfast in our family is naturally the full-continental breakfast: plum pudding, eggs, bacon, beans & toast. Maybe not so local, but nothing could be more nostalgic for me."

Drink: "A good, fresh pint, preferably a Boereke. Duvel or La Chouffe blonde if I want something a bit stronger. A glass of wine during dinner, preferably a red Rioja. And to finish off with dessert, French Coffee, silvousplait."

Languages: Dutch, English, and a good dose of real Antwerp dialect.