Summer is here, and with it comes the holiday season. I’ve been seeing more and more people on Instagram, or even friends who just happened to pass through, posting about their spontaneous trips to Ghent. Every single one of them says the same thing: “It’s such a beautiful city!” And they’re right. What surprises them, though, is how underrated it still is. For some reason, Ghent rarely makes the top of most tourists’ European itineraries, and that’s a shame.

As someone who called Ghent home for a few years, I always feel a little pang of disappointment when people say they only visited the Gravensteen Castle and then moved on. Indeed, it’s a stunning place, full of medieval charm. But Ghent is so much more than its postcard-perfect views. One of the best things it has to offer is the food.

This city has a culinary scene that’s often overlooked. There are local favorites I still think about, long after moving away. So, if you’re planning a trip, or even just dreaming about one, here’s a personal list of food spots and dishes I loved as a local.

The Bakery & Joost Arijs, Ghent’s Morning Gems

When you think of bread and pastry, your mind probably jumps to France. A croissant, a baguette, or other baked goods with that distinct pronunciation and all the flair. But I guarantee you: Ghent has one of the best bakeries I’ve ever known, and it’s simply called The Bakery.

My personal favorites were the plain croissant, the praline croissant, and the cruffin citroen. Sometimes, they even had palmier, which I loved the most. As for the bread, trust me, no matter what kind you like, The Bakery delivers.

I used to go at 8 a.m., and it wasn’t unusual to see a line of locals already waiting. That says everything.

Right next door, you’ll find Joost Arijs, a boutique chocolate shop owned by the same people. Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and this place is where you’ll understand why.

It is located near Korenmarkt, close enough to tourist spots, but easy to miss if you’re just following guidebooks. Don’t skip it.

Belgian Fries, The Fritkot Tradition

“French fries” might be the common term, but there’s an ongoing debate in Belgium about where fries actually come from. What’s not debatable is this: Belgians know how to make fries properly.

Fries here are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and served at fritkots, small local stands with their own sauce menus. And I’m not talking two or three sauces, most have around 30.

My favorite sauce is Joppie Sauce with tangy, slightly sweet, curry-mayo blend while my favorite side snacks are lucifer (a spicy meat stick) and kipkorn (a crispy chicken stick)

Where to Go:

• Chasse Patat, a cycling-themed (Belgian’s favorite sport), friendly, and always busy for a reason
• Frituur Marcel, for crisp, perfectly fried fries and a local vibe.

Le Bal Infernal For Book Lovers and Quiet Moments

If you’re a book lover, visiting a book café is probably on your list, and in Ghent, Le Bal Infernal is the one.

One wall is stacked with books, and even more sit around the bar, tempting you to pick one up. The atmosphere is cozy and very welcoming. The food and drinks are genuinely good, so you can come to enjoy what they serve, not just there for the vibes.

It’s been recommended by multiple travel platforms as one of Europe’s top book cafés, and it completely deserves the attention.

Tush For Burger Lovers

If you’re craving a burger, skip the fast-food chains. You can have those anywhere. Instead, head to Tush.

This place serves some of the best burgers and baos I’ve ever had, and I’m not saying that lightly. Their Fried Chicken Burger is delicious: crispy, juicy, everything you want it to be. But my personal obsession is the Bao Fried Chicken. Nothing I’ve tried elsewhere has topped it.

Unfortunately, they open only at dinner time, so make sure it fits with your itinerary.

Nub Serves Perfectly-Sized Burger Bites

If you’re craving a burger outside of dinner time, you can try Nub, which is already open from lunchtime. At Nub, you don’t just get one big burger, you get two smaller ones, perfectly portioned and packed with flavor and crispiness.

I loved this idea, especially on days when I didn’t want to feel overly full. They’re located in the Korenmarkt, making it a great spot to stop by while taking in the magnificent views of Ghent.

Smørbrød, Brunch, Bread, and (If You’re Lucky) Babka

This was my favorite brunch spot: quiet, cozy, and open earlier than most places in Ghent. Their bread is excellent, and the atmosphere feels warm and Scandinavian.

Sometimes, they had babka in the display and every time they did, I bought one. It was that good. After I moved away, I even taught myself to bake babka just to recreate that memory.

If you see one there during your visit, don’t hesitate to try it.

Kapsalon, The Wildest Comfort Food (Done Right)

Kapsalon is a uniquely indulgent dish mostly found in the Netherlands and Belgium. It originated in the Netherlands and has since become a beloved guilty pleasure.

Here’s what’s in it: a layer of fries, topped with shawarma and melted cheese, baked until gooey, then covered in salad and a generous drizzle of sauces.

But be warned: not every kapsalon is a good kapsalon. The wrong spot will drown your food in sauce or use low-quality ingredients, and you’ll end up with a soggy, disappointing mess.

That’s why I recommend Metropol in Ghent.

It’s a quiet, no-fuss place that’s been around for nearly 20 years. Their kapsalon is everything it should be: crispy, balanced, not too greasy, and topped with fresh veggies. Bonus: it won’t leave your jacket smelling like fried meat.

Soup’r, A Cozy Escape on Cold Days

If you find yourself in Ghent during the winter months, Soup’r is the perfect little spot to warm up.

It’s right in the city center, close to major tourist spots, and serves seasonal soups and comfort food. My favorite was their tomato soup. It is basic in name, but full of flavor. Just what you want after walking through chilly cobblestone streets.

Corner City, Big Portions, Great Veggies

There were days I just didn’t want to cook and Corner City was my go-to to order in food delivery app.

Their portions are huge. One order of fried rice was enough for several meals. But what really made me love this place was how they treated vegetables. They were always cooked just right: fresh, still crunchy, and never bland.

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Ghent has a lot to offer, and its food scene deserves way more attention than it gets. These places were part of my daily life, and some of my best memories are tied to the smells, tastes, and quiet joy of a good meal in this city.

I hope this guide helps you discover the kind of spots you’d miss otherwise. And if you do end up trying any of these, let me know. I’d love to hear what you think.