History
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.
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Common allergens: None typically (check specific batch)
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 400g caster sugar
- 20g liquid glucose
- 150ml water
- 10g gum arabic powder
- Purple food colouring
- Violet or raspberry extract (5ml)
- Cuberdon moulds (plastic or silicone pointed cones)
Method
- Dissolve sugar, glucose and gum arabic in water over medium heat. Do not stir once dissolved.
- Boil to 135C (firm ball stage). Remove from heat and allow to cool to 100C.
- Add food colouring and violet extract. Stir gently.
- Pour carefully into the pointed cuberdon moulds. Leave undisturbed for 12 hours.
- The outside will set hard as it cools; the centre remains liquid or soft.
- Unmould and allow to air-dry for another 12 hours before serving.
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.
Where to eat cuberdon (gentse neuzen)
Cuberdon (Gentse Neuzen) in Ghent
Cuberdon Stalls at Groentenmarkt ★ 4.3
The competing cuberdon vendors near the Groentenmarkt sell Ghent's signature sweet: pointed purple gum-and-sugar cones at about a euro from rival stalls.
OrderViolet cuberdons: a bag of ten pieces eaten on the walk to the Gravensteen, the most Ghentian budget snack.
TipBoth vendors near the square are authentic; the competition between them has kept quality high and prices reasonable for decades.
Bobonne Cuberdon ★ 4.1
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.
OrderMulti-flavour cuberdon selection: try the blackcurrant and violet alongside the classic raspberry.
TipThe competing stalls at the Groentenmarkt are part of a famous local rivalry; try both and decide for yourself.
De Echte Gentse Neuzen ★ 4.3
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.
OrderClassic raspberry cuberdons: eat them within minutes of buying to get the right texture contrast.
TipBuy 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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