On half-and-half, corned beef, and sandwich vending machines

place de la Bourse 1, 1000 Brussels
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20 - 21 September 2025
Overview

The 1920s and 1930s were marked by major technological and societal changes, which gave way to uncertainty and fear after a period of optimism and carefree frivolity. This guided walk will examine the impact this period had on the foods consumed and the way they were introduced into the city. You will discover the legacy of the First World War, with wartime foodstuffs such as tins of corned beef still sitting on the kitchen shelf. Anecdotes that testify to a vibrant society full of technological innovation, such as the first sale of sandwiches from the Au Suisse (Scheggia-Togni) vending machine to partygoers in the Roaring Twenties, will also be discussed. In addition to stories about jazz and cocktails, you will discover, for instance, which luxurious fruits were highly sought after in the city, and how the rising meat consumption led to the creation of some new typical dishes. This guided walk through the city centre is accompanied by visual and archival material. Participants must be able to walk with ease. In collaboration with the non-profit organisation De Brigade. Photographs are permitted, but only with smartphones.

Practical information

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 15:30
place de la Bourse 1, 1000 Brussels
Meeting point: In front of the Bourse End point: Hôtel Espérance, rue du Finistère 1-3, 1000 Brussels
Advance booking required.

Bookings

Select the time slot that suits you and make your reservation online.
Saturday 20/09/25 Select your time slot
  • 10:00 > 11:45 NL 0 pl.
  • 10:30 > 12:15 FR 0 pl.
  • 13:30 > 15:15 EN 3 pl.
  • 14:00 > 15:45 FR 0 pl.
Sunday 21/09/25 Select your time slot
  • 10:00 > 11:45 NL 0 pl.
  • 10:30 > 12:15 FR 0 pl.
  • 13:30 > 15:15 EN 0 pl.
  • 14:00 > 15:45 FR 0 pl.

Address
place de la Bourse 1, 1000 Brussels

50.848293, 4.348951

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