Ghent, a charming and picturesque city in Belgium, is known for its rich culture, history, and, of course, its amazing cuisine.

The city offers a variety of dining options that cater to every taste and budget, from traditional Belgian dishes to international cuisine. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the best places to eat in Ghent and the signature dishes of Belgium, as well as the favorite dishes of Belgians these days. We hope the delegates attending the World Incubation Summit 2023 will find this guide helpful!

One of the must-visit places in Ghent is Het Pakhuis, a brewery and restaurant that serves delicious Belgian food. Their signature dish is the Stoofvlees, a slow-cooked beef stew in beer sauce, which is an absolute must-try when in Ghent. Het Pakhuis also has a great selection of beers that pair perfectly with their dishes.

Get excited, veggie friends, as Ghent is also hailed as the vegetarian capital of Europe!

There are plenty of options for vegetarians at every restaurant and veggie-specific restaurants as well. Search for ‘vegetarische’ on your favorite app and don’t miss La Botaniste, serving 100% organic plant-based food and natural wines.

When it comes to Belgian cuisine, it is often said that it is where the quantity of Germany meets French quality.

There are several must-try Belgian dishes. One of these is the Moules-Frites, which is a dish of steamed mussels served with frites. Let’s talk about Belgian frites for a moment, which are never confused with ‘french fries’. The Belgians have perfected a two-step frying process that makes their frites perfectly soft and crunchy at the same time. Another popular dish is the Carbonnade Flamande, which is a beef stew cooked with beer and served with bread or frites.

Some of the most popular dishes include the Flemish stew, which is a hearty beef stew, and the Vol-au-vent, which is a puff pastry filled with chicken and mushroom ragout. Belgians also love their waffles, which can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or a savory snack. Of course, no foodie guide to Belgium could be complete without mentioning the chocolate! Stop by one of the many artisan chocolate shops when you’re in Ghent to pick up sweet treats for loved ones back home.

Belgian beer culture is also part of a living heritage of a range of communities throughout the country including Ghent.

In fact, its cultural value was recognized in a formal way in 2016 with its addition to UNESCO’s “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” list. For more on Ghent’s beer culture, see this ‘beer lover’s guide to Ghent’.

Ghent is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of food, drink, and dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for traditional Belgian dishes, culturally significant breweries, or international cuisine, Ghent has something for everyone. During the World Incubation Summit 2023, be sure to try some of the signature dishes and local favorites that this beautiful city has to offer.