Ghent: Food Walking Tour with Tastings & Gruut Beer

Summary

Walk Ghent’s old streets tasting fries chocolate waffles & beer

On this Ghent food walking tour you’ll taste hot fries at Frituur Tartaar, sample Ganda ham and local sweets at Ooost, enjoy handmade chocolate pralines and crisp waffles, then finish with a glass of Gruut beer. Expect laughter with your guide and real moments between bites — plus plenty of stories behind every flavor.

What’s the experience like?

You know that first whiff when you step outside and something’s already frying? That’s how we started — right outside Hostel Upperlink, the air thick with the smell of potatoes and rain on cobblestones. Our guide, Pieter, was already joking about how Belgians get touchy if you call them “French” fries. We wandered over to Frituur Tartaar for our first taste. The fries were hot enough to burn your tongue if you weren’t careful (I wasn’t), and Pieter told us about the whole potato-frying tradition — apparently there’s a secret to the double fry. Still thinking about that crunch, honestly.

After that, we ducked into Ooost where it felt like everyone knew each other — lots of nods and quick hellos in Dutch. There was this slice of Ganda ham, salty and thin as paper, plus a weird little candy I’d never seen before (Pieter said locals try to keep it secret). I tried to ask what was in it but just got a shrug and a grin. The rain had stopped by then so everything outside looked extra shiny; I kept getting distracted by the way the light bounced off the canals.

The chocolate stop was next — pralines shaped like Jan van Eyck’s lamb. It sounds fancy but really, it just melted instantly on my tongue. Someone in our group tried to say “praline” in Flemish and totally butchered it; everyone laughed (including Pieter). Then came waffles — not those big fluffy ones from fairs back home but thin, crisp-edged things that tasted almost caramelized at the corners. I probably could’ve eaten three more if I’d had the chance.

We finished with tickets for Gruut beer at this brewery nearby. The place didn’t open until afternoon so we hung around outside for a bit, talking about which snack was best (no one agreed). The city felt quieter suddenly — maybe just that post-lunch lull or maybe it was the beer kicking in early. Anyway, I left with sticky fingers and a new respect for Belgian snacks. If you’re into food tours or just want an excuse to wander Ghent eating every half hour… yeah, this is your thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taste Belgian specialties in Ghent

• Meet at Hostel Upperlink
• Taste fries at Frituur Tartaar
• Visit Ooost for Ganda ham and candy
• Try handmade chocolate praline
• Sample traditional waffles
• Enjoy a free glass of Gruut beer

Top questions

Where does the Ghent food walking tour start?

The tour starts at Hostel Upperlink in Ghent.

Are all food tastings included in the price?

Yes, all tastings including fries, ham, chocolate, waffles, and beer are included.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

The reference content does not specify vegetarian options.

How long does the tour last?

The exact duration is not listed in the reference content.

Is Gruut beer included for everyone?

Gruut beer is included only for participants over 18 years old.

Is this Ghent food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join this walking food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; service animals are allowed too.

What local foods will I try on this tour?

You’ll try Belgian fries at Frituur Tartaar, Ganda ham and candy at Ooost, handmade chocolate pralines, waffles, and Gruut beer.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of Belgian fries at Frituur Tartaar, samples of Ganda ham and secret local candy at Ooost, handmade chocolate pralines shaped like Jan van Eyck’s lamb, crisp medieval-style waffles along the way, plus a ticket for a glass of Gruut beer (for those over 18) after the tour finishes near the brewery — all led by a local guide who shares stories behind each bite.