Last Updated on 19 October 2024 by Vanessa
Without fail, every tourist guide about Brussels highlights the Galerie du Roi and Mokafé Taverne as essential attractions. However, what these guides consistently overlook is the hidden gem residing in this iconic location: an endearing resident cat, whose charm effortlessly wins over the hearts of all who encounter it.
Meet Moka, the cat of Mokafé Taverne in Brussels
Meeting the Mokafé cat
I spent the past three weeks at the Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels where I introduced several of their movies. An unexpected encounter made my time at the festival even better.
In the nearby Galerie du Roi, I spotted the cutest tuxedo cat on the terrace of Mokafé Taverne, a historic Belgian café and restaurant serving traditional Belgian dishes.
With each adorable pose it struck, this feline entertainer effortlessly captured the attention and affection of Mokafé Taverne’s visitors as they were enjoying their Belgian waffles and coffee.
The name of this cat is Moka.
Tourists frequently snap photos of this cat and pictures of it have even made their way online, reaching as far as Japan. A Japanese television channel once even made a report about Moka.
This cat sure knowns how to make a lasting impression.
It made quite an impact when I introduced it to film director Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist) and his girlfriend Rebecca during their visit to the festival. They were so taken with the cat that they asked about it again a month later. This shows just how memorable its presence was during their time in Brussels.
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The previous cats of Mokafé
While researching this article, I stumbled upon a YouTube video featuring another cat living at Mokafé Taverne. Apparently, the brasserie used to have another feline mascot, which was also called Moka. Sadly, Moka passed away in June 2007.
The brasserie owners told me that Mokafé has had cats since the very beginning, as they serve a practical purpose in keeping the establishment free of mice.
Over the years, the tradition of having cats at Mokafé Taverne has become ingrained in its identity. It definitely adds to the unique charm and character of this historic establishment.
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About Mokafé Taverne and Galerie du Roi
Mokafé Taverne is an institution in Brussels. It was established in 1827, making it one of the oldest cafés in Brussels.
It’s located in the Galerie du Roi, a shopping arcade renowned for its architectural beauty and neoclassical design. Ornate ironwork, decorative stucco, and intricate mosaics adorn both the interior and façade of the arcade, However, what truly steals the show is the glass roof, which allows natural light to bathe the passageway. Therefore, Mokafé’s terrace provides an unparalleled vantage point to immerse oneself in the splendor of the design of the Galerie du Roi.
Meanwhile, the galerie played a pioneering role as one of Europe’s first covered shopping arcades, catering to the emerging desires of the bourgeoisie for luxury goods and fashionable boutiques. It left an mark on architectural trends that later spread to other cities.
Today, Galerie du Roi remains a haven for tourists. It houses luxury boutiques, chocolatiers, high-end restaurants, and even a cinema.
Additionally, Mokafé Taverne is renowned for its wide array of Belgian specialties, including homemade shrimp croquettes, Flemish stew, Liège meatballs, mussels, and Brussels waffles.
Hence, everything about Mokafé Taverne encapsulates the essence of traditional Brussels bistros. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors who wish to experience a piece of Brussels’ cultural heritage while enjoying a memorable dining experience.
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How to get to Mokafé Taverne?
Getting to Mokafé Taverne, located in Galerie du Roi 9, is a breeze thanks to its central location. It’s just a stones-throw away from Manneken-Pis and the Grand Place, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s how to reach this revered establishment:
By train: The closest train station is Brussels Central Station. Galerie du Roi and Mokafé Taverne are just a five-minute stroll away.
By metro: Take the metro to Brussels Central Station, which is served by multiple metro lines including lines 1 and 5.
By tram: You can also hop on tram lines 3, 4, or 32 and get off at the Bourse stop. From here, you can easily reach Mokafé Taverne and Galerie du Roi by foot.
By car: If you plan to drive to Mokafé, keep in mind that parking can be challenging in the city center. However, there are several parking options available nearby, such as the Interparking Albertine-Square and the Parking Royal Windsor.
Opening hours
- Monday: 07:30 am – 08:00 pm
- Tuesday to Sunday: 07:30 am – 11:00 pm
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Want to know more?
Did you know that there’s a book about Mokafé Taverne? (But it’s actually more about the cat than about the place itself). It was written by Christiane Levêque, who is one of the restaurant’s regulars.
The book is called Le Mokafé, and it was published by Éditions Les Carnets du Dessert de Lune.
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Conclusion
Are you planning a visit to Mokafé Taverne in the Galerie du Roi of Brussels? If so, be sure to keep an eye out for its charming resident cat. Don’t forget to give him a good ruffle on my behalf and seize the opportunity to snap some adorable pictures of this furry celebrity.
I’d love to hear all about your feline encounter, so why not share your photos of the Moka with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram?
Remember to tag your posts with #TravelingCats. Your contributions will not only bring smiles to fellow cat enthusiasts but also immortalize the charm that radiates from this special feline resident.
2024 update
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Moka. As he aged, he gradually lost his appetite, and one day, he chose not to return home. He lived a fulfilling 15 years at Mokafé Taverne and was much loved.
Following a long period of mourning, the owners of Mokafé Taverne warmly welcomed a new addition to their establishment: Kitty.
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One Response
A good looking resident cat and I would be looking for this cat to get some kitty love.
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