Lunch with colleagues: the small ritual that does Brussels good!
In Brussels, the lunch break is a sacred moment, a convivial interlude that has gone through a few changes in recent years. Slowly but surely, the desire to gather around a good table is coming back: sharing a meal away from screens and meetings. Lunchtime brasseries and neighbourhood canteens are regaining their vitality, offering a precious space to talk and unwind.
While the habit of eating alone, sometimes even in front of a screen, may have grown for some, the call of human contact is taking over again. People are rediscovering the simple pleasure of an informal conversation, of laughter shared over a plate. These “micro-moments” of connection, as positive psychology explains, are fundamental to our well-being. They build bonds, create a warmer working atmosphere and can even, over time, give rise to real friendships.
This return to the shared lunch is not just a habit; it is a deep human need. Let us not forget that, for a long time, meals have been moments of rhythm and pause in many cultures, fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging. It is a chance to disconnect from the constraints of work, recharge your batteries and savour a moment of conviviality before getting back to your activities.
So, the next time the lunch hour comes round, why not push open the door of a small brasserie or a neighbourhood canteen with your colleagues? You will find not only a good meal, but also a fine opportunity to strengthen bonds and add a touch of good humour to your working day.
📍 The source “An article published a few weeks ago in Nature revealed that people who regularly share meals [...] report higher levels of well-being and lower levels of loneliness and stress.” (English rendering of the passage quoted in French in the original article; the source article is in English.) https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/2139977/dear-kristina-is-office-lunch-still-a-thing-in-brussels
🌟 Every day, a piece of positive news. Every day, let’s make Brussels more beautiful.
— 👠 Jeanneke Pis · 22 May 2026 · 10:32
Brussels, capital of conviviality, weaves authentic bonds every day, breathing a share of its European soul into every break.
