If you travel to the northern part of Belgium (also known as Flanders), you simply have to try the national dish: Stoverij (also known as Flemish stew or Flemish carbonade in English). Flemish stew is a dish that is loved and celebrated all over Flanders. You will often find it in Brussels and the south as well, under the name Carbonade Flamande.

What is Flemish Stew? 

Virtually every nationality has some form of stew. Often it's made with local ingredients, spices, etc. This is of course the same with Flemish stew. You start with onions, carrots, beef or pork cheeks. But the secret ingredient that makes our stew different from others is of course: beer. Typically a dark brown beer that gives the stew a caramelized flavour. 

Everyone has their own family recipe. In Ghent many people will add more local specialties such as peperkoek (spice cake) and the famous Tierentyn mustard. 

And if you want to go full Belgian style: add some mayonaise to top it all off! 

Where to get it?

You will be able to find Flemish stew on the menu of most Belgian restaurants in Ghent. But here's my personal suggestions:

• Mémé Gusta is situated about 100m from the Gravensteen castle. It's a bit more hip and trendy, and they serve classic Belgian cuisine, but always with a modern twist. Besides stoverij they also serve a great Vol-au-Vent, North sea shrimp croquettes, etc. Definitely high on my list!

• Bompa is located in Oudburg, a street with more than 20 restaurants next to each other. Bompa is a typical Dutch word for grandfather. They serve all kinds of Belgian dishes. 

• Abajour is another option if you go to Oudburg. 

But going to a restaurant is only one option. The other: going to the Frituur. A frituur is basically a snackbar specialised in fries. They're loved and praised in Belgian culture and a true Belgian goes to a Frituur about once a week. And the best thing is: they also sell Flemish stew. 

• Frituur Filip is one of the most authentic and popular spots in the city center. Filip has been running his frituur for almost 40 years now (and is soon going to retire). Although this place may look a bit shad, he sells a great stew at a very affordable price. Warning: skip this one if you're a vegan, because he bakes his fries in animal fat. Old school! 

• Frituur Tartaar is a modern frituur close by the Belfry. It has a trendy interior and they use vegetable oil for baking their fries, so it's safe for vegans. 

Where can I find vegetarian Flemish stew?

Ghent is a very young and hip city, so you can easily find vegetarian restaurants all over the city. You can find vegetarian stew in these businesses:

• Mémé Gusta (restaurant): they have a vegan version and also a gluten-free Flemish stew.

• De Stokerij (restaurant)

• Frituur Tartaar

• De Frietketel (frituur)

• Chasse Patat (frituur)

So I hope you will love our most beloved dish just as much as the Ghentians. Eet smakelijk - and don't forget to add your big spoon of mayonaise!