On a Budget: Balls & Glory

Too tired to cook? We get it! But tasty food is a must—never settle for less. That’s why we’re sharing our tips for genuinely delicious takeaway meals, the best delivery services and affordable places.

The first Dutch location of Balls & Glory, the growing meatball empire of Flemish TV chef Wim Ballieu, recently opened in Eindhoven. The menu features meatballs. Not like the ones you’re used to from Grandma or Mom, but stuffed. With Parmesan, Gruyère & pecorino, for example. Or with crispy fried bacon and chervil.

Give It a Chance

First reaction? Weird, because why mess with Grandma’s meatball? Still, I was curious, because with five locations by now—four of them in Belgium—Ballieu’s balls must be a hit. I had also recently fallen for the rendang croquette at Culinair Cafetaria, so I had to try those stuffed meatballs at least once. Off to Eindhoven, then.

Juicy Balls

The seasonal selection consists of 21 meatballs made with pork, chicken and several vegetarian options. Skeptically, I went for the two safest balls: the three-cheese meatball and a pork meatball filled with truffle sauce, shallots and mushrooms. One with stoemp and the other with a salad and grilled vegetables.

You can probably guess: there was absolutely nothing wrong with those meatballs. In fact, they were really good. Crispy, juicy and generously filled. In short: highly recommended if you don’t have the time or inclination to cook yourself.

More Than Enough

One large meatball with stoemp or salad costs 12 euros. And believe me, you’ll have more than enough to eat. So do you live in Eindhoven or will you be there soon? Pull up a chair at one of the long tables, take a load of stuffed meatballs home or simply stay home and order them through Deliveroo.

Balls & Glory
Nieuwstraat 30
5611 DB Eindhoven

Image: Balls & Glory and Renée Conradi