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One of the most authentic dishes you can find in Gent is our Waterzooi. It's a hearty dish, almost a soup, that should keep you warm especially during the cold winter days. Although many Belgian family's prepare Waterzooi at home, it is actually quite difficult to find in a restaurant.
Chicken or Fish?
Chicken or Fish?
Like many other European food, Waterzooi was originally a dish of the poor. The medieval Ghenthians would prepare fish that they caught in the rivers, combine it with local vegetables, and cook it all together into a hearty soup. But as our rivers became polluted in the Industrial Era, the fish dissapeared. And people started preparing Waterzooi with chicken instead of fish.
Today, most locals still prepare Waterzooi with chicken. But we're also adding more modern ingredients like cooking cream and occasionally some white wine. With so many people becoming vegetarians, I even try making my Waterzooi with tofu sometimes!
Where to eat Waterzooi?
Where to eat Waterzooi?
Finding a restaurant that serves Waterzooi is not so easy. The dish is rather niche. And honestly I wouldn't recommend it over other Belgian classics like Flemish stew, mussels or shrimp croquettes. Don't get me wrong, it's certainly a tasty dish! Here are some places that still serve it:
Brasserie 't Vosken on Saint-Bavo's square serves some classic Belgian dishes, including the Waterzooi. Great place for a small lunch after a visit to the cathedral.
Brasserie Du Progress on the Korenmarkt square
Savarin
Aba-Jour in the Oudburg street has many classics on their menu, but also a nice selection of Ghent beers.
Hopefully you'll like this Ghent specialty. If you want to learn more about my city through food, take a look at my Beer & Food Tasting tour.
About Arn
About Arn
Hey! My name is Arn and I'm a professional tour guide in Ghent, Belgium. Are you visiting Ghent and would you like to really understand the city? Together, we can discover the story of Ghent.
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