The cuberdon is a pointed purple sugar-gum cone in violet-raspberry syrup, produced in East Flanders: firm on the outside, liquid at the core, and sold from competing stalls on the Groentenmarkt since the 19th century.
Where to eat it: 3 restaurants across 1 city.
The cuberdon was developed by a Ghent apothecary in the early 1800s as a sugar-and-gum pastille. The violet flavour and pointed cone shape became the Ghent standard. The stalls near the Groentenmarkt are famously competitive; the two main vendors have a standing rivalry for the best recipe that Ghent locals follow closely. The sweet is often called 'Gentse neuzen' (Ghent noses) for the shape of the cone. Bobonne Cuberdon in the old town is the principal artisan producer.
Common allergens: None typically (check specific batch)
Tip from the editors. Temperature control is critical: too hot and the centres crack on cooling; too cool and the outside stays sticky. A probe thermometer is essential.
This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.
The competing cuberdon vendors near the Groentenmarkt sell Ghent's most iconic sweet: pointed purple gum-and-sugar cones at around €1 each from rival stalls.
Order: Violet cuberdons: a bag of ten pieces eaten on the walk to the Gravensteen, the most Ghentian budget snack.
Tip: Both vendors near the square are authentic; the competition between them has kept quality high and prices reasonable for decades.
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.
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.
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