Toerisme Vlaanderen, the Flemish tourism agency, has announced a new project centred around gastronomy. The Smaakhaven will be located along the river Schelde in Antwerp and will open in 2029.
Smaakhaven is set to become the display window for Flemish gastronomy. Not only is it set to become a destination on its own, but it will also work as a fixed venue to promote Flanders’ gastronomic scene.
“Entrepreneurs, residents or simply lovers of good food and drinks will be able to participate in communal cooking sessions, experiments, workshops and events in the Smaakhaven,” says Peter De Wilde, CEO of Toerisme Vlaanderen. “This strengthens the sense of community between all culinary enthusiasts.”
Smaakhaven will be located inside two historic buildings, Loodswezen and Boeienloods, both within walking distance of the famous MAS (Museum aan de Stroom). The two venues will be connected through an experience trail. Inside the buildings, gastronomy enthusiasts will find a demonstration kitchen, an event venue, a lounge bar, a shop, a workspace, and an experience market.
“In order to be able to reach the top, one has to be able to build on a steady foundation. In Flanders, that foundation is shaped by the craftsmanship of our chefs, the qualitative regional products, the innovation brought by culinary entrepreneurs, the often centuries-old culinary traditions and – last but not least – the public who knows how to appreciate all of this. All these aspects, which together create the Flemish eating and drinking culture, will get a stage of international allure at the Smaakhaven”, says Peter Goossens, one of Flanders’ top chefs and ambassador of the project.
Precise plans have yet to be released, but a thorough renovation of both buildings is necessary, which explains the €38 million investment made by the Flemish government. If no extra hurdles arise, Smaakhaven should open its doors in 2029.
