Brussels-based restaurateur Jean-Philippe Prigogine is expanding his hospitality portfolio with “Big Trouble in Chinatown,” a new concept set to open in October on Sint-Bernardusstraat in Sint-Gillis. Developed in partnership with Anh-Tu Pham, founder of the Vietnamese restaurant Nénu, the project aims to replicate the sensory experience of global Chinatowns through shared dining and neon-lit aesthetics.
The Evolution of Themed Dining Concepts
Prigogine’s approach to restaurant development often draws from his background in the film industry, specifically his tenure at film distributor Sony Pictures. This influence is evident in his naming conventions, with “Big Trouble in Chinatown” serving as a nod to a vintage action film. According to Prigogine, the restaurant is designed as an “ode to family dinners” centered around lazy Susans and the high-energy atmosphere typical of Cantonese dining halls.
Did you know?
The “lazy Susan” turntable, which features prominently in Prigogine’s vision for the new restaurant, has been a staple in Cantonese dining for decades, designed specifically to facilitate the communal sharing of multiple dishes.
Scaling Niche Culinary Experiences
This new venture follows a series of successful hospitality launches by Prigogine. In 2021, he partnered with Xavier Chen to introduce Rambo to the Brussels market. Rambo specializes in the “smashburger,” an American-style preparation where the meat patty is pressed onto a hot griddle to caramelize the fats and create a crispy texture. The brand has expanded, currently operating five locations, four of which are in Brussels.
Prigogine’s portfolio also includes Old Boy, an Asian-inspired restaurant that emphasizes open-fire cooking. The establishment has received recognition from the Gault & Millau guide, which awarded it a score of 13.5/20. The guide specifically highlighted the restaurant’s “rijk geparfumeerde” (richly scented) dishes, citing the beef koi and the spiced Brasvar pork skewers as notable menu items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the concept behind Big Trouble in Chinatown?
The restaurant is designed as a miniature version of a Chinatown, focusing on family-style shared dishes, the use of lazy Susans, and an aesthetic inspired by Cantonese dining halls and neon lighting.
Who is behind the new restaurant project?
The project is a collaboration between restaurateur Jean-Philippe Prigogine and Anh-Tu Pham, who is the founder of the Vietnamese restaurant Nénu in Sint-Gillis.
When and where will the restaurant open?
Big Trouble in Chinatown is scheduled to open in October, located on the Sint-Bernardusstraat in the Brussels municipality of Sint-Gillis.
What other restaurants has Jean-Philippe Prigogine launched?
Prigogine is the founder of Rambo, a smashburger chain with five locations, and Old Boy, an Asian restaurant known for its open-fire cooking and dishes such as spiced pork skewers.
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