A Guide to Ghent’s Street Food Scene

Ghent is a city of culture and history, known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique culinary delights. It’s no surprise that Ghent’s street food scene is one of the most diverse and vibrant in Europe. From succulent waffles and crispy frites to hearty stews and savory snacks, Ghent’s street food has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a full-fledged culinary experience, this guide will help you explore Ghent’s street food scene and discover the best spots to grab a bite.

Frites

Frites, or Belgian fries, are a beloved street food in Ghent. Thinly sliced and fried to perfection, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Frites are traditionally served with mayonnaise or a special Ghent-made sauce. The most popular spot for frites in Ghent is the iconic Frituur Vleminckx, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic cone of frites with a generous dollop of mayo, or try something a little more adventurous: Frituur Vleminckx offers a variety of sauces, including chili mayo and curry ketchup.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Frituur Maxim for some of Ghent’s most creative frites. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Maxim Frites’, which come topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Frites Royale’, which come topped with cheese, bacon, and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Frituur Maxim has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Frituur ‘t Kasteel, which is located in a 15th century castle. Here, you can enjoy their signature frites, which are made with potatoes that are grown on the castle grounds. These frites are crisp and full of flavor, and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Waffles

No trip to Ghent is complete without trying a classic Belgian waffle. Whether you’re looking for a traditional waffle or something a little more creative, Ghent has something to satisfy your craving. The most popular spot for waffles in Ghent is the iconic Wafelhuis, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic Belgian waffle with a variety of toppings, or try something a little more adventurous: Wafelhuis offers a variety of creative waffles, including waffles topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Waffle Factory for some of Ghent’s most creative waffles. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Factory Waffle’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Chocolate Waffle’, which comes topped with melted chocolate and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Waffle Factory has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Wafelhuis de Ontdekking, which is located in an 18th century mansion. Here, you can enjoy their signature waffles, which are made with organic ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Stews

Ghent is home to a wide variety of hearty stews that are perfect for a cold winter day. The most popular spot for stews in Ghent is the iconic Koffiehuis, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a traditional beef stew, or try something a little more adventurous: Koffiehuis offers a variety of creative stews, including stews made with pork, lamb, and vegetables.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Koffiehuis de Schotel for some of Ghent’s most creative stews. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Schotel Stew’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Vegetarian Stew’, which comes topped with cheese, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Koffiehuis de Schotel has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Koffiehuis de Zon, which is located in an old windmill. Here, you can enjoy their signature stews, which are made with locally sourced ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Snacks

Ghent is home to a variety of traditional snacks that are perfect for a quick bite. The most popular spot for snacks in Ghent is the iconic Broodjezaak, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic Belgian sandwich, or try something a little more adventurous: Broodjezaak offers a variety of creative snacks, including sandwiches made with pork, beef, and vegetables.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Broodjezaak de Snackbar for some of Ghent’s most creative snacks. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Snackbar Sandwich’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Vegetarian Sandwich’, which comes topped with cheese, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Broodjezaak de Snackbar has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Broodjezaak de Brouwerij, which is located in an old brewery. Here, you can enjoy their signature snacks, which are made with locally sourced ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Sweets

Ghent is home to a variety of traditional sweets that are perfect for a sweet tooth. The most popular spot for sweets in Ghent is the iconic Patisserie, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic Belgian pastry, or try something a little more adventurous: Patisserie offers a variety of creative desserts, including pastries made with fruit, chocolate, and cream.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Patisserie de Droom for some of Ghent’s most creative sweets. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Droom Cake’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Chocolate Dream’, which comes topped with melted chocolate and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Patisserie de Droom has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Patisserie de Fontein, which is located in an old fountain. Here, you can enjoy their signature sweets, which are made with organic ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Drinks

Ghent is home to a variety of traditional drinks that are perfect for a refreshing break. The most popular spot for drinks in Ghent is the iconic Café, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic Belgian beer, or try something a little more adventurous: Café offers a variety of creative drinks, including beers flavored with spices and fruits.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Café de Brouwerij for some of Ghent’s most creative drinks. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Brouwerij Beer’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Fruit Beer’, which comes topped with fresh fruit and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Café de Brouwerij has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Café de Markt, which is located in an old market. Here, you can enjoy their signature drinks, which are made with locally sourced ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Seafood

Ghent is home to a variety of traditional seafood dishes that are perfect for a seafood lover. The most popular spot for seafood in Ghent is the iconic Visrestaurant, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic Belgian fish dish, or try something a little more adventurous: Visrestaurant offers a variety of creative seafood dishes, including fish cooked with spices and herbs.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Visrestaurant de Vismarkt for some of Ghent’s most creative seafood. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Vismarkt Seafood’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Seafood Stew’, which comes topped with vegetables and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Visrestaurant de Vismarkt has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Visrestaurant de Haven, which is located in an old harbor. Here, you can enjoy their signature seafood dishes, which are made with locally sourced ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Organic

Ghent is known for its commitment to organic and sustainable food, and there are plenty of spots to find delicious organic street food. The most popular spot for organic street food in Ghent is the iconic Biologische Kantine, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic Belgian dish made with organic ingredients, or try something a little more adventurous: Biologische Kantine offers a variety of creative dishes made with organic ingredients, including sandwiches, salads, and soups.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Biologische Kantine de Markt for some of Ghent’s most creative organic dishes. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Organic Bowl’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Vegetarian Salad’, which comes topped with cheese, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Biologische Kantine de Markt has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Biologische Kantine de Boerderij, which is located in an old farmhouse. Here, you can enjoy their signature organic dishes, which are made with locally sourced ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Vegan

Ghent is home to a variety of vegan dishes that are perfect for a health-conscious eater. The most popular spot for vegan street food in Ghent is the iconic Vegan Kantine, located in the city center. Here, you can enjoy a classic vegan dish, or try something a little more adventurous: Vegan Kantine offers a variety of creative dishes made with vegan ingredients, including sandwiches, salads, and soups.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head to Vegan Kantine de Markt for some of Ghent’s most creative vegan dishes. Here, you can enjoy their signature ‘Vegan Bowl’, which comes topped with a variety of flavorful sauces and spices, or try their ‘Vegan Salad’, which comes topped with cheese, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Vegan Kantine de Markt has something to satisfy your craving.

For a truly unique experience, head to Vegan Kantine de Boerderij, which is located in an old farmhouse. Here, you can enjoy their signature vegan dishes, which are made with locally sourced ingredients and are served with a variety of homemade sauces.

Summary

Ghent is a city of culture and history, and its street food scene reflects this. From succulent waffles and crispy frites to hearty stews and savory snacks, Ghent’s street food has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a classic or something more adventurous, Ghent’s street food scene has something to satisfy your craving. From iconic spots like Frituur Vleminckx and Wafelhuis to creative spots like Frituur Maxim and Waffle Factory, Ghent’s street food scene is one of the most diverse and vibrant in Europe.