Ghent has a food culture that rewards a guide, from the sweet cuberdons, the purple cone-shaped sweets that are the city's signature, to waffles, chocolate, cheese and local beer. This gastronomic walking tour is a well reviewed way to taste your way through the centre with a local, with tasters included so that you can try a range of specialities without ordering a full meal at each stop. It is a good first activity because it gives you a feel for the city's layout and its history while you eat, and the guide can recommend restaurants for the rest of your stay. The tour is walking-based, so dress for the weather. Afterwards, the cobbled lanes of Patershol, the old medieval quarter, are a pleasant place to find a table for a longer dinner.
Flemish food is hearty and generous, and Ghent adds its own touches: the cuberdon sweets, mustard from the nearby Tierenteyn shop, waterzooi, the creamy stew of chicken or fish that originated here, and a lively modern food scene fed by the large student population. A food tour is a good way to sample several of these in a short time. The guide leads you between stops on foot, tells the stories of the places and the dishes and helps you pick up the thread of the city's history on the way.
The tour is rated 4. 8 from nearly three hundred reviews on the Ghent page of the booking site, which is a strong sign, though details of the route and the exact tastings are best confirmed on when you choose a date. Come hungry, tell the guide about any allergies or dietary needs ahead of time and wear comfortable shoes, since the tour is on foot over cobbles.
If you like to plan your own meals as well, the Patershol quarter, just behind the castle, is known for its small restaurants in old merchant houses, and the area around the Vrijdagmarkt and the Korenmarkt has plenty of cafes and snack counters. Book restaurants ahead on weekends. For a food-themed day, you could combine the tour with a canal boat ride and a beer tasting on a separate evening, and finish with a stroll along the quays after dark.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of the centre with tasters of local food and drink included.
Best time
Late morning or early afternoon, so you arrive hungry and can follow it with a lazy lunch or a walk.
How long
Plan on two to three hours; confirm the exact length on the booking page.
Tips
Arrive hungry, tell the guide about any dietary needs in advance and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who want a local guide to the city's specialities.
- Families
- A good choice for older children who like to try new foods.
- Couples
- A fun, shared way to learn the city and find a dinner spot.
- Pair with
- A canal boat tour and dinner in Patershol.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day for the tour and a relaxed meal.
Good questions
What will I taste?+
Local specialities and small plates, with tasters included. The exact list varies, so check the booking page and tell the guide about allergies.
How long is the tour?+
About two to three hours, on foot. Confirm the exact length when you choose a date.
Can I do it in winter?+
Yes, it is a walking tour that can run in cold weather, so wear a warm coat and comfortable shoes. Check the available dates when you book.
What is Patershol?+
A small medieval quarter of cobbled lanes behind Gravensteen, now known for its restaurants. It is a good place to eat after the tour.
What are the Ghent specialities?+
Cuberdon sweets, waterzooi stew, local mustard and Belgian waffles, chocolate and beer. A guide can point you to the best places for each.
