Discover Benelux | Special Theme | A Taste of Flanders
for some great chefs, and now he makes our cookies in the traditional way together with some experienced bakers. The old recipes remain, but we also want to offer new creations, for example salt cookies and a larger assortment of chocolate cookies.”
Story of the giant In the two charming shops, with an ambiance that harks back to last century, there is always a bowl of delicious cookies for customers to taste. Make sure to try the Antwerp hands (Antwerpse Handjes). These cookies, in the shape of a hand, have been a typical regional product of Antwerp since 1934. The little hand refers to the legend of the giant Druon Antigoon, who demanded a high toll from the ships that passed by on river Schelde. Boatmen who refused to pay the toll lost their right hand, which the giant chopped off and threw into the river. The Roman hero Silvius Brabo challenged the giant, killed him and chopped off his right hand. The story is fortunately in stark contrast to the delicious taste of the Antwerp Hands. “The recipe consists of sugar,
butter, flour, egg and almonds,” explains Goetgebuer-Painblanc. “We can’t deviate from this but we can give it our own twist. Of course we can’t reveal the secret, but our Antwerp Hands are very light and full of flavor.” Amongst school children, tourists and regular customers, the Antwerp Hand is a favourite of many. But Philip’s Biscuits is also known for its other delicacies; different speculoos, butter biscuits, almond bread, fennel and ginger cookies, angel bread, and many other treats. So if passing by, make sure to explore the assortment.
Handmade cookies All cookies are made according to traditional methods. “It’s important to use only ingredients of the best quality for our cookies. The baking process is very strict, everything is made by hand, insight and a lot of passion for the product. No cookie looks exactly the same, and you will be able to see and taste the result.” The shape and taste of the cookies, as well as the cosy atmosphere and friendly service in the shops, are somewhat complemented by the beautiful packaging.
Every effort is made to enhance the customer experience, and there are special cookie boxes and gift boxes available. This makes the cookies the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. As Goetgebuer-Painblanc concludes, “we are also happy to work out promotional gifts for companies and, around the holidays, we offer a gift box with nice coffee or tea cups, of course with a delicious assortment of cookies. No wish is too crazy, customer service and quality is our top priority!”
Korte Gasthuisstraat 39 2000 Antwerpen Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10.00 to 18.00
Oude Koornmarkt 8 2000 Antwerpen Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10.00 to 18.00 Saturday-Sunday 11.00 to 19.00
Web: www.philipsbiscuits.be
Issue 56 | August 2018 | 19