It’s a culinary pairing we didn’t necessarily see coming, but one that stands out as a must-try for the start of the season: Eight, the sourdough bagel spot that opened this spring on Rue du Pépin, is teaming up with Alfie’s, the brand-new Belgian cottage cheese brand. Together, these two Brussels gems have created an exclusive sweet-and-savory treat combining fresh figs, honey, lemon, and bronze fennel. A fresh, hearty, and seasonal recipe, available à la carte throughout the month of September!
Eight & Alfie’s: Two Brussels-Based Brands Dedicated to Flavor
Behind Eight are Sasha Litvine and Kenya Hoet. After establishing Seven as a must-visit spot in theUccle neighborhood, the two entrepreneurs are taking things to the next level with this new location on Rue du Pépin. Inspired by their travels between New York and Los Angeles, they combine the authenticity of the New York bagel with the West Coast’s lighter approach. Served slightly warm in a space designed for both dining in and takeout, their bagels become true visual masterpieces, accompanied by a custom-brewed coffee and artisanal treats.
Alfie’s, for its part, is the new venture by Charlotte Vandermeulen and Lionel De Liedekerke, the founders of Bamboo Breakfast. Launched in 2026, the brand aims to pay homage to everyday dairy products through traceable ingredients and a special focus on textures. Carefully crafted and rich in live cultures, their cottage cheese is simple, creamy, and slightly tangy, making it perfect for both breakfast and lunch—in savory or sweet dishes alike.
A limited-edition sweet-and-savory recipe: the perfect combination for the start of the school year
To celebrate the start of the new season, this collaboration between the two newcomers to the Brussels food scene is a natural fit. Together, Eight and Alfie’s share a common desire to thoughtfully reimagine simple, everyday ingredients. To showcase the full potential of cottage cheese, they’ve created a unique recipe that fits seamlessly into the indulgent world of the Rue du Pépin spot.
At the heart of this exclusive creation: a sweet-and-savory variation crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Alfie’s cottage cheese is infused with honey and lemon, then topped with fresh, in-season figs, a drizzle of wildflower honey, and a touch ofolive oil. The dish is enhanced with bronze fennel, a pinch of black pepper, fleur de sel, and vibrant lemon zest, all generously served on Eight’s famous homemade sourdough bagel. A unique, limited-edition recipe, available à la carte throughout the month of September!
📍Rue du Pépin 48, 1000 Brussels
