The City of biscuits

Here on Lange Kievitstraat, near Central Station, a new chapter in Antwerp’s history began around 1885. On this site, De Beukelaer opened his large biscuit factory, built on land that once belonged to the Zoo. Travelers arriving in Antwerp by train were immediately greeted by the sweet smell of freshly baked biscuits.

De Beukelaer grew rapidly and put Antwerp on the map as a true “city of biscuits.” Famous treats like the Canteclaer rolled off the production line here. Soon, other names like Parein and Elida followed. Thanks to the harbor and railway, raw materials were easily brought in, and Antwerp’s biscuits spread throughout Belgium and beyond. The city became known not only for its port and diamonds but also for its sweet traditions.

That love of sweets also gave rise to another typical Antwerp symbol: the Antwerp Hands. This regional product originated in 1934 after a competition organized by the Antwerp Confectioners’ Association. The hand shape refers to the legend of Silvius Brabo and the giant Antigoon, whose hand was thrown into the Scheldt River. Initially, it was only a crisp biscuit, but soon sugar candy followed, and in 1981 René Goossens even created a chocolate version. In 1956, the product received an official patent for its recipe, shape, and packaging, and to this day, only members of the Syndical Union for Bread, Pastry, Chocolate, and Ice Cream are allowed to make it.