Zizi Boutique opens on Sint-Katelijnevest: Instagram-worthy waffles in penis and vagina shape (Antwerp)
Sexy waffles, that’s what it’s all about in Zizi Boutique, Maarten Bovee (41)’s shop on Sint-Katelijnevest in the heart of Antwerp. The native of Edegem achieved the most in Paris and mainly wants to put a smile on the faces of his customers. “This is just fun.”
“When I first came across the concept on Instagram a few years ago, I honestly had my reservations,” says Maarten Bovee with a laugh. “I thought: that’s a bit vulgar. But when I was on a city trip in Paris last year, I came across such a shop. There was a long queue with people of all kinds. Young and old. And what struck me: everyone was happy. There was a very positive vibe.”
Bovee now also wants to bring that positive vibe to Antwerp with its Zizi Boutique. “After doing some market research, it turned out that we don’t have anything like this in Flanders.”
And so he takes on that task and today starts wafers shaped like penises and vaginas. “The zizis and the pumanis,” he explains. “Delicious waffles with Belgian chocolate where you can choose an extra topping: crumble of speculoos or Oreo or pistachios, for example.”
Instagram worthy
With Zizi Boutique he aims at a wide audience with a special focus on the Instagram and Tiktok generation. “We are responding hard to the social media aspect. The whole store is to give visitors a unique experience.”
For example, several walls were dressed as photo walls. “Walls for people to take pictures in front of. One is completely round with pink fur. On another wall, five-foot wings were made of flowers. And for elders you will find a pink replica of a statue of Michelangelo.” Those walls will also be changed regularly.
“Actually, this has nothing to do with sex. We just want to do something fun. That seems more than welcome in these times. And we are very much behind the value you should be able to be. It might be a bit strange because we live here selling waffles, but it’s something we’d like to bet on.”
Bovee is a business manager himself, but will not become the permanent face of Zizi Boutique. “I’m working with other people who will be in the business. I am primarily an entrepreneur myself. The common thread in what I do is developing fun concepts.”
Zizi Boutique, Sint-Katelijnevest 50.