Most visitors to Belgium spend a little time in Brussels and make a beeline to Bruges. But I think it’s a mistake to skip Ghent, my favorite city in Belgium!
Belgium is rightly famous for it’s chocolate, mussels, and fries, all of which you can find in abundance in Ghent. There’s also some other local treats you can’t miss and, surprisingly, an excellent local mustard!
Belgium is perhaps the most famous country for chocolate in the world (though the Swiss might have something to say about that).
In Ghent, you’re spoiled for choice. Several world-class chocolatiers as based in the city. Stop by as many as you can to find your favorite. That’s what I do!
Many shops will offer samples in hopes that a taste will lead to a purchase. For me, one or two little pralines (what North Americans call bon-bons) is enough to satiate my sweet tooth. That is, until we get to the next shop!
Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate pralines are sold in Belgium. They come in all shapes and sizes with different kinds of fillings. I’ve noticed that the chocolate makers in Ghent (as well as the rest of Belgium) are so good that the best way for them to differentiate themselves is by the different flavors of the praline filling, some of which are pretty unusual!