Guided tour: Matonge – Kuregem

13 September 2025 - Naamsepoort; Patrice Lumumba Square

In our series Half-and-Half: Feeding the City, starting this fall, we will explore the food heritage of several major cultural communities that emerged from the great migration movements of the 20th century.

For this first event, we will focus on two neighborhoods with a strong Central African presence. First, there is Matonge, which, since the 1960s with the presence of a few colonial clubs, but especially thanks to the influx of students from the Maison Africaine and even a nightclub has transformed into a vibrant district with galleries, restaurants or malewas, and grocery stores.

There is also Cureghem, where, in the shadow of the imposing bronze bulls of the Abattoir and partly influenced by the car trade on Rue Heyvaert, a kind of “new Matonge” has emerged over the past decade.

A guide will take you through both neighborhoods and share the stories of their origins and evolution. Naturally, we will also pay special attention to the aromas and flavors that define them.

We will end at Kuumba, where you can enjoy a tasting of Central African dishes prepared by the volunteers of this Flemish-African cultural house.
_____
Location: The activity starts in Matonge, Square Patrice Lumumba, and ends at Kuumba, Vlaams-Afrikaans Huis (Rue du Compas 5, 1070 Anderlecht).

Program
14:00 - 16:00: Guided walk in Matonge and Cureghem
16:00 - 16:45: Transfer to Kuumba
17:00 - 19:00: Tasting buffet and concert

Participation fee
Guided walk, tastings, and concert:
€12 (+ €1 administration fee)

[Register HERE]
____
Cooking workshop: Prior to the guided tour, we are organising a cooking workshop on 4 September focusing on Central African cuisine, with a particular emphasis on Rwandan cuisine. Join a chef from Kuumba in the kitchen and prepare a few dishes together. Naturally, you will also have the opportunity to sample the results.

The workshop will be held in Dutch.

Participation fee:
10 euros (+ 1 euro processing fee)
Registration link will follow soon