€sint-jacobs
The Sint-Jacobs friturkot has stood on the Friday Market square for generations: double-fried frites and the city's Gentse beef stew sauce served from a green and white wagon.
Order: Frites with stoverij sauce: the Gentse beef stew sauce on twice-fried frites is the dish locals defend as the city's defining street snack.
Tip: Friday morning during the antique market the queue is longest but the frites are freshest. Cash still moves the line faster than card.
€groentenmarkt
The competing cuberdon stalls at the Groentenmarkt are one of Ghent's most famous food rivalries. De Echte Gentse Neuzen sells the authentic cone-shaped.
Order: Classic raspberry cuberdons: eat them within minutes of buying to get the right texture contrast.
Tip: Buy a small bag and eat them standing at the stall; they are best at market temperature, not carried around in a bag.
€groentenmarkt
Tierenteyn-Verlent has ladled its grainy Dijon-style mustard from barrels at the same Groentenmarkt address since 1790. The apothecary-style shop sells.
Order: A 250g pot of the classic mustard: buy it to take home, or ask for a tasting spoon at the counter.
Tip: The shop is open Monday from 13:00 and Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00; closed Sundays. The old barrels behind the counter are original.
€binnenstad
De Frietketel on Papegaaistraat is a fully plant-based frituur and Belgian Vegan Awards Best Fast Food winner, with vegan frites, sauces and snacks.
Order: Frites with vegan curry sauce: the most-ordered combination at this plant-based frituur.
Tip: Good option for mixed groups; the fried snacks are convincing even to non-vegans, and prices are on par with standard frituurs.
€€binnenstad
Waffles and Beer near the Groentenmarkt serves Belgian Brussels and Liege waffles alongside a curated list of Belgian beers. The waffle-and-beer pairing.
Order: Liege waffle with caramelised pearl sugar: the pearl sugar pockets define the authentic Liege style.
Tip: Also runs waffle workshops by prior booking: a 90-minute session teaches both Brussels and Liege styles.
€groentenmarkt
Bobonne is a vintage-styled cuberdon stall run by Nele in the middle of the historic centre. The stall stocks the classic raspberry and a range of other.
Order: Multi-flavour cuberdon selection: try the blackcurrant and violet alongside the classic raspberry.
Tip: The competing stalls at the Groentenmarkt are part of a famous local rivalry; try both and decide for yourself.