Marijn Coertjens Chocolatier and Patissier is a bakery in Patershol, Ghent.
Marijn Coertjens opened his patisserie at the foot of the Gravensteen in 2016. The pralines are built on unusual flavour combinations; the seasonal pastry.
Must order: Seasonal praline gift box: six pieces, flavours announced weekly on Instagram, always unexpected.
Tip: Near the Gravensteen; pair a shop visit with a castle tour and a Patershol dinner.
Address: Burgstraat 151, 9000 Gent, Ghent
Pain Perdu bakes wood-fired sourdough daily and serves it as tartines, sandwiches and toast across its full breakfast and lunch menu. The large rear garden.
Order: Sourdough tartine: house bread spread with local butter and seasonal market toppings.
Tip: The garden fills fast on sunny weekend mornings; the bread sells out by early afternoon. Arrive before 10:00.
Le Pain Quotidien's Ghent location near the Korenmarkt serves organic bread, home-baked croissants and a reliable vegan range throughout the week.
Order: Tartine with almond butter and jam: the house bread toasted and spread at the communal table.
Tip: The Kalandeberg location is around the corner from Korenlei; combine with the waterfront walk.
Pain and Compagnie bakes French-influenced loaves and sells them alongside croissants, mini tarts and savoury quiches at its Kalandeberg cafe.
Order: Mini lemon tart: sharp pastry cream in a crisp shell, the most popular single item in the case.
Tip: Two minute walk from the Korenlei; an excellent midmorning pastry stop between waterfront and Gravensteen.
Madam Bakster bakes using only natural sweeteners: oats, nuts and dates replace refined sugar across croissants, brownies and the full pastry range.
Order: Banana bread slice with hazelnut cream: dense, moist and naturally sweet.
Tip: Open Thursday to Sunday only; the weekend brunch queue suggests booking ahead.
SMORBRØD brings a Scandinavian open-sandwich sensibility to Ghent: sourdough baked on premises, served with pickled fish, house butter and seasonal toppings.
Order: Smørbrød with smoked salmon and dill cream: dark rye bread, cured fish and a properly acidic dressing.
Tip: A newer arrival in the Zuid area; check their Instagram for the week's bread types before visiting.
The Bakeshop in Ghent specialises in American-style baked goods: oversized chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, brownies and layer cakes to go.
Order: Chocolate chip cookie: thick, chewy centre, crisp edge, pulled from the oven every two hours.
Tip: Sells out early on weekends; the brownie range is the most consistent item in the display.
