Cédric Mosbeux, the chef who turned the shrimp croquette into a Brussels passion
Twice winner of the visit.brussels competition and later a judge, the founder of Fernand Obb tells Brussels through a golden crust, grey shrimp and uncompromising standards.
Some dishes feed you. Others tell the story of a city. For Cédric Mosbeux, the grey shrimp croquette belongs to the second family: a golden shell, a generous centre and, behind the crunch, a very Brussels idea — popular, precise and deeply Belgian.
Two victories, then a seat on the jury
When Fernand Obb Delicatessen opened its Belgian comfort-food counter in Saint-Gilles, the croquette immediately became a signature. In 2018, Cédric Mosbeux won the first competition for Brussels’ best shrimp croquette, organised by visit.brussels. In 2019, he did it again: a second consecutive title after a blind tasting against eighteen other establishments.
His reaction to Brussels Express captured the moment: “We didn’t expect it. Already the first time it was mad. This time it’s even crazier!” Beyond the trophy, the award recognised a method: crispness, flavour and the quality of the shrimp.
In 2020, the double winner stepped out of the competition. He received an honorary trophy and joined the jury. Speaking to DH, he set out his criteria: texture, quantity of shrimp, flavour and respect for the product. Innovation is welcome, but never at the expense of the standards a croquette must meet.
A croquette that does not pretend
The Fernand Obb listing on Les Meilleurs Restaurants de Bruxelles states 40% fresh shrimp. That figure reveals a choice: here, shrimp is not an excuse. After his second victory, Cédric Mosbeux had already said that his recipe contained more shrimp than many others.
That commitment becomes harder when the raw ingredient grows scarcer and more expensive. Rather than quote a price per kilo that changes with each delivery, the verified facts are enough: quantity, flavour and respect for the shrimp sit at the heart of the chef’s standards. At Fernand Obb, quality remains the fixed point.
Fernand Obb, an invented name that became unmistakably Brussels
The name is invented, visit.brussels explains. The identity is not. The official website describes a Belgian comfort-food counter where preparations are made in-house or by local craftspeople using ingredients of Belgian origin. The croquettes — grey shrimp or Flandrien cheese — are homemade and available to eat on site or cook at home.
Cédric built a whole world around them: burgers, homemade fricadelle, americain préparé, smoked products and Belgian classics presented without disguise. Press coverage describes a destination that draws customers from afar to taste the Saint-Gilles chef’s garnaalkroketten.
From Saint-Gilles to Antwerp
The story now extends beyond Brussels: Fernand Obb Antwerp is open at Justitiestraat 85, 2018 Antwerp. This second address shows the strength of the idea: take a Belgian counter classic, restore its artisanal stature, then carry it to another major city without losing its original accent.
Plan your visit
Rue de Tamines 27 · 1060 Saint-GillesView on Google · Antwerp
Justitiestraat 85 · 2018 Antwerp
That may be Cédric Mosbeux’s greatest success. He did not merely win two competitions. He made visible everything a croquette can hold: time, a precious ingredient, technique, popular memory and a great deal of Brussels pride.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Cédric Mosbeux?
Cédric Mosbeux is the founder of Fernand Obb Delicatessen, a Belgian comfort-food counter on Rue de Tamines in Saint-Gilles.
When did he win the Brussels shrimp croquette competition?
He won the visit.brussels competition in two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019, before joining the jury in 2020.
What makes his croquette different?
Sources highlight crispness, flavour, quality and the quantity of shrimp. The Les Meilleurs Restaurants de Bruxelles listing states 40% fresh shrimp.
Where can you taste Fernand Obb croquettes?
Fernand Obb welcomes visitors at Rue de Tamines 27, 1060 Saint-Gilles and Justitiestraat 85, 2018 Antwerp.
🔗 Sources & verifiable links
- https://fernand-obb.be/
- https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/agenda/eat-festival/edition-2022/fernand-obb-delicatessen
- https://www.rtbf.be/article/fernand-obb-de-nouveau-sacre-meilleur-artisan-bruxellois-de-la-croquette-aux-crevettes-10309563
- https://www.rtbf.be/article/les-candidats-du-concours-bruxellois-de-la-meilleure-croquette-aux-crevettes-sont-connus-10609140
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