White asparagus from the Mechelen-Ghent growing belt, poached in salted water and served with browned butter or Hollandaise sauce: the signature spring dish of Flemish brasseries from late April through May.
White asparagus cultivation in Flanders dates to the 16th century when the sandy soils of the Mechelen-Sint-Katelijne-Waver belt were found to produce the most tender and mildest spears in Belgium. The season lasts only six weeks; the arrival of white asparagus at Ghent's Groentenmarkt signals the start of spring in the city's kitchen calendar. Flemish white asparagus are earthed-up to prevent the sunlight that would make them turn green; the result is sweeter and less fibrous than the green variety. Every Patershol brasserie adds it to the menu in season.
3 editor picks for Vlaamse Asperges (Flemish White Asparagus) in Ghent, ranked by editorial score. All Ghent signature dishes · Vlaamse Asperges (Flemish White Asparagus) across every city.
Vrijmoed ★ 4.9
binnenstad · Vlaanderenstraat 22, 9000 Gent
Two Michelin stars in central Ghent: chef Michaël Vrijmoed pushes Belgian produce through fermentation and global technique, with a dedicated Purs vegetarian.
Publiek ★ 4.7
binnenstad · Ham 39, 9000 Gent
One Michelin star in a loft-style bistro on Ham street: Olly Ceulenaere champions lesser-known Belgian vegetables and local produce at every turn.
Bask ★ 4.5
dok-noord · Edward Pynaertkaai 115, 9000 Gent
Bib Gourmand-rated Bask converts a former petrol station into a fire-lit Basque asador, with turbot, txuleta and guinea fowl from their own farm.