White asparagus from the Mechelen-Ghent growing belt, poached in salted water and served with browned butter, hard-boiled egg and parsley. The defining Flemish spring vegetable at Ghent brasseries from April to June.
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.