12 Cheap Eats in Ghent – You Need to Try

Want to know the best thing about cheap eats in Ghent? You genuinely do not have to spend a fortune to eat incredibly well.

Having grown up in Belgium, I can tell you this city has always had a special place in my heart – and its affordable food scene is a huge part of that.

Whether you’re after fresh homemade soup, proper Flemish comfort food that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it, Michelin-level fries that will ruin all other fries for you forever, or Lebanese food so authentic it’ll stop you in your tracks – Ghent has got it all, and at prices that make the whole thing feel almost too good to be true.

These are the places I’d send my best friend to. No fluff, no filler – just genuinely great budget restaurants, hidden gems and affordable eats in Ghent that make sense. Let’s get into it.

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Cheap Eats in Ghent: Quick Overview

Note: to see the place details and pictures, click on the icons.

1) Soup’r

Tucked away on Sint-Niklaasstraat, Soup’r keeps things simple and does it really well – fresh homemade soups made completely from scratch every day, no weird additives or thickeners, just loads of fresh vegetables and creative spice combinations that hit different every time.

Fair warning though – this place is absolutely bumping at lunchtime and the queue can wrap around the small dining area, so if it’s full when you arrive, come back a little later. Totally worth the wait.

The menu rotates weekly with six different recipes to choose from – godly international varieties that’ll take your taste buds on a proper world tour. We’re talking Thai coconut and chicken, Malaysian curry soup with rice, Mexican pumpkin sweet potato, tomato soup with meatballs – so much flavor packed into every single bowl.

And the best part? You get to customize your soup with toppings like crispy onions, fresh cilantro or croutons on top. Bread and butter come on the side as a complimentary extra – a really lovely touch that just makes the whole experience feel complete.

Not a soup person? They’ve got seriously tasty sandwiches too – the Serrano ham, mozzarella and tomato baguette is out of this world and the gouda baguette with egg mayo is another solid option worth trying. Prices are super wallet-friendly at €1–10, two people can eat incredibly well for around €18. Unreal value.

Staff are super friendly and will sort you out with an English menu no problem. You order first then grab a seat or take it to go if you’re in a rush. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Just go. You won’t regret it.

• Rating: 4.8 (1238 reviews)
• Location: Sint-Niklaasstraat 9, 9000 Gent, Belgium

2) Mémé Gusta

Mémé Gusta on Burgstraat is without a doubt one of the best Flemish comfort food spots in Ghent – and honestly, calling it one of the best restaurants in all of Belgium is not an overstatement.

This cozy spot has been serving up classic Belgian dishes since 2016 and the warm, tastefully decorated atmosphere makes you feel right at home the moment you walk through the door.

The menu is where things get really exciting – traditional Flemish classics with a modern twist that’ll absolutely blow you away. The duck croquettes are something else – crispy skin on the outside, perfectly moist duck meat inside, served with a marmalade dipping sauce that just takes it to another level entirely.

The pork stew (stoofvlees) is melt-in-your-mouth incredible, slightly fruity aroma, rich and deeply flavourful with a side of apple that perfectly lights up the whole dish. The rabbit leg is meaty, tender and packed with flavor.

Even the vegetarian seitan stew is incredible – definitely not an afterthought. And do not sleep on the vol-au-vent, the crème brûlée or the mushroom toast – all absolutely worth ordering.

Portion sizes are very generous, prices range from €20-40 which is seriously reasonable for this quality, and the service is outstanding – staff speak multiple languages and make everyone feel genuinely taken care of from start to finish. Located just steps from the castle, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the city too.

Reservation is strongly recommended as this place gets full fast – book ahead through their website or give them a call. Also worth noting – card only, so leave the cash at home.

Open for lunch Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12-2 PM, plus dinner most nights.

• Rating: 4.5 (2148 reviews)
• Location: Burgstraat 19, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +32 9 398 23 93

3) Souplounge

Souplounge is a must when you’re exploring Ghent and need a warm, filling meal without spending too much. Sitting right alongside the river near the city center, it’s a lovely spot to stop and recharge – and don’t let the name fool you, they do way more than just soup.

Sandwiches, brownies and fruit salad are on the menu too, but honestly the soup is the reason people keep coming back.

The concept is simple and it works really well – pick your soup, choose your size (kids, medium or large) and load it up with toppings like croutons, cheese or parsley. Every bowl comes with fresh bread and an apple on the side, which makes it a proper filling meal.

The soups rotate regularly so there’s always something different to try – cauliflower, tomato, spinach, mushroom, red pepper, broccoli – and you can even mix two together if you can’t decide. Fresh, tasty and genuinely comforting, especially on a cold day.

Prices are seriously budget-friendly – a medium bowl with bread and fruit comes in around €7-8. For that price and that quality, it’s pretty hard to beat. You can even head upstairs for a nice view over the street while you eat, which is a lovely touch. Staff are sweet and welcoming and the whole vibe just feels relaxed and easy.

Closed Mondays but open every other day from 10 AM to 7 PM – late breakfast, lunch or early dinner, whenever that soup craving hits.

• Rating: 4.5 (1896 reviews)
• Location: Zuivelbrugstraat 4, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +32 9 223 62 03

4) Lokaal

Tucked along Brabantdam, Lokaal is one of those hidden gems you stumble upon and immediately want to tell everyone about.

This cozy cooperative restaurant is built entirely around fresh, organic and local ingredients – they actually harvest most of their vegetables themselves from a pick farm in Heusden. You can genuinely taste the difference.

The vibe inside is warm and homey – vintage décor, a record player spinning vinyl in the background and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like eating at a friend’s place. Small and intimate with just a few tables, so booking ahead is a smart move.

They have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, making it a great spot for plant-based eaters, but there’s honestly something for everyone here.

For lunch the options are seriously good value – savory lentil waffles with toppings at €14, seasonal lasagne at €16, a local salad packed with fresh ingredients at €18, or just a bowl of soup for €4-6.

The specialty teas are also an absolute must-try and pair perfectly with whatever you’re eating.

Dinner is a proper experience – a five course sharing menu at €35 per person that changes regularly depending on what’s seasonal and fresh. Every couple of weeks something new appears on the menu, so there’s always a reason to come back. Dessert is not included but absolutely worth ordering separately.

• Closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Lunch Wednesday through Saturday, dinner Thursday through Saturday with two shifts – early (5:30-7:30 PM) or late (7:30-9:30 PM).
• Rating: 4.8 (366 reviews)
• Location: Brabantdam 100, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +32 477 19 95 44

5) De Frietketel

If you want authentic Belgian fries done right, De Frietketel on Papegaaistraat is your spot. No frills, no gimmicks – just crispy golden fries that are perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside, served in portions so generous you’ll question your life choices in the best way possible. Fair warning – the extra large is not a joke, it’s a challenge.

The menu goes well beyond fries too. Traditional Belgian snacks like bitterballen, krokets and cheese croquettes are all worth ordering, and there’s a solid selection of burgers as well – the Bicky Burger in particular is juicy, flavourful and way better than you’d expect.

Good news for plant-based eaters too – they’ve got vegan and vegetarian options across the menu, including vegan burgers, snacks and sauces, and the fries themselves are cooked in vegetable oil. The sauces are where things really shine – andalouse, samurai, stoofvlees – all the Belgian classics.

Prices are seriously good value, sitting between €8-20 depending on what you order. Three burgers, three drinks, sauces and a mountain of fries for €28 – hard to argue with that. Seating is available upstairs, though the stairs are quite steep, and they give you a buzzer when your order is ready for collection.

A little bit of a walk from the main center but absolutely worth it.

• Closed Saturdays, open for lunch from 11:30 AM to 2 PM and dinner from 5 PM, with late night hours until 11 PM on Fridays.
• Rating: 4.5 (1603 reviews)
• Location: Papegaaistraat 89, 9000 Gent, Belgium Contact: +32 9 329 40 22

6) Frites Atelier

You might think fries are fries, but Frites Atelier will prove you wrong. Created by three-Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, these aren’t your average Belgian frites. He spent almost two years finding the perfect potato and six more years perfecting every single detail – and honestly, you can taste it.

The fries are golden, crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside, served hot and never greasy. What makes it even better is the sauce selection – all homemade and genuinely outstanding. The basil sauce with parmesan on top is a fan favourite, but the truffle mayo, andalouse and tartar are all worth trying.

You can mix and match to your heart’s content. Beyond fries, the menu includes gourmet burgers, shrimp croquettes and loaded fries options that are fun to work through. Veggie and vegan options are available too, including seasonal specials that rotate regularly.

The location right on Groentenmarkt makes it super convenient when you’re exploring the city center, just steps from the Gravensteen castle. It does get busy and the line can be long during peak hours, but it moves quickly and the staff keeps things running smoothly. If you want to grab a seat inside, going before noon is a smart move.

Prices sit between €6-20 depending on what you order – not the cheapest eat in town but genuinely worth every cent for the quality you’re getting.

• Rating: 4.5 (7,928 reviews)
• Location: Groentenmarkt 20, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +31 85 876 9838 

7) AYWA

If you’re craving Middle Eastern food in Ghent, AYWA is the place to go. This Lebanese restaurant has built a serious reputation for authentic flavours, warm hospitality and food that genuinely feels homemade. Lebanese natives have called it the most authentic Lebanese restaurant in Europe – and after one visit you’ll understand why.

The menu is packed with classics done really well. The shawarma wraps are generously filled and full of flavour, the falafel is perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside, and the halloumi is worth every cent.

The hummus, tabbouleh and batata harra with garlic sauce are all outstanding, and the bread comes free with your meal which is a nice touch. If you’re coming with a group, the sharing platters are a great way to try a bit of everything. There are plenty of vegetarian options alongside the meat dishes, so everyone is covered.

The atmosphere is cozy and warm, the staff are friendly and welcoming and the owner Elie is known for going out of his way to make guests feel at home. On busy nights there can be a wait, but they’ve been known to bring out complimentary lemonade and falafel while you wait – which says a lot about the place.

Prices are reasonable for the quality, most dishes sitting between €10-23. Worth knowing – they don’t offer tap water and it’s cash only, so come prepared.

• Open Tuesday to Thursday for dinner only (5–10 pm), with lunch service added on Friday and Saturday (12–2 pm). Closed Sunday and Monday. Worth booking ahead on their Facebook page for weekend lunch as it fills up fast.
• Rating: 4.6 (892 reviews)
• Location:  Lammerstraat 12, 9000 Ghent, Belgium 

8) ‘t Oud Clooster

Tucked away on Zwartezustersstraat, ‘t Oud Clooster is the kind of place locals love and visitors stumble upon by happy accident – sometimes literally, as the entrance can be easy to walk past!

But once you’re inside, the historic medieval setting, cozy atmosphere and beautiful back terrace make it immediately clear why this place has such a loyal following.

The food is honest, well-prepared Belgian cooking at its best. The beef stew is rich and deeply flavourful, the duck breast and grilled sole are crowd favourites, and the brochettes – skewers of grilled beef and pork with a warm tomato dipping sauce – are absolutely worth ordering.

The menu also has solid vegetarian options and the kitchen is notably allergy-aware, with clearly marked gluten free dishes and staff who understand cross contamination. Portions are generous across the board. A nice touch – they bring out complimentary buttery popcorn while you wait for your main.

The beer list is where things get really interesting. Over 20 Belgian beers to choose from, ranging from Trappist classics like Westmalle, Chimay and Orval to more unusual finds.

The Moeder Overste at €5 is a real crowd-pleaser with its complex fruity and sweet character, and if you want something lighter, the Sportzot at just 0.4% alcohol is full of flavour without the kick.

One thing to be aware of – it gets busy and reservations are strongly recommended, even at lunch. Service can slow down during peak times but the food is worth the wait.

• Open Tuesday to Monday (closed Sunday) for both lunch (11:30 am – 2:30 pm) and dinner (6:00 pm – 10:15 pm).
• Rating: 4.4 (1,989 reviews)
• Location: Zwartezustersstraat 5, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +32 9 233 78 02

9) Le Botaniste

Le Botaniste on Hoornstraat is a game-changer for healthy eating in Ghent. The whole concept is completely plant-based and organic, but even if that’s not usually your thing, the flavours here will genuinely win you over.

After one visit, people have seriously considered becoming vegetarian – that’s how good it is.

The menu is built around gorgeous organic bowls packed with grains, roasted vegetables and house-made sauces. The three-bean chilli and Moroccan stew are consistent crowd favourites, the stroganoff is worth trying, and the build-your-own bowl option lets you customise exactly what you want.

The veggie balls are their own thing entirely – not just a falafel equivalent – and the sauces, particularly the basil and spicy options, are a real highlight. For something lighter there’s vegan sushi, cold Asian noodles with peanut sauce and fresh salads.

Save room for dessert too – the brownie and raw raspberry passion fruit cake are both outstanding.

The nature-inspired interior is cozy and welcoming, and there’s a lovely veranda out back with plenty of extra seating, even for larger groups. No reservations needed – there’s usually space inside and outside. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely want you to have a good experience.

If you’re a matcha lover, Le Botaniste is also one of the best spots in Ghent for a proper organic matcha. Prices sit between €10-20, which some find on the higher side, but the quality and portion sizes are hard to argue with.

• Open every day from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
• Rating: 4.5 (1,336 reviews)
• Location: Hoornstraat 13, 9000 Gent, Belgium Contact: +32 9 233 45 35 

10) Libanese Snack

Don’t let the name or the modest exterior fool you – Libanese Snack on Rodelijvekensstraat is one of the best Lebanese spots in Ghent and locals know it. The place is regularly packed, and for good reason.

The flavours are bold, generous and deeply authentic, and the owner is warm and hospitable in a way that makes the whole experience feel genuinely welcoming.

The food is the star of the show. The hummus is consistently praised as some of the best in the city, the kibbe is outstanding, and the moutabal – eggplant puree with sesame paste and pomegranate – is a must-order starter.

The falafel is among the best you’ll find in Belgium, and the mixed grill with lamb, minced lamb and chicken served with rice and veggies is a solid main. If you’re in the mood for lamb, the shoukaf with grape leaves and pomegranate salad is worth every cent.

Vegetarian options are plentiful too – the makalee with fried eggplant, potatoes and cauliflower, stuffed grape leaves and the ajem herb and egg burgers are all delicious. Portions are seriously generous throughout, and a top tip from regulars – load up on the appetizers, you could easily skip the mains entirely and leave completely satisfied.

Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes falling between €12-17, a beer around €4 and a glass of house wine at just €3.50. The house wine is good quality for the price.

Worth noting – service can be slow when it’s busy and the style is fairly informal, so if you need plates cleared or a bill brought to you, it’s best to be proactive about asking. Reservations are recommended as walk-ins can be turned away.

• Closed Mondays. Takeout available.
• Rating: 4.4 (650 reviews)
• Location: Rodelijvekensstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +32 489 37 16 96

11) ‘t Koningshuis

Tucked away on Oudburg, ‘t Koningshuis is a hidden gem that locals have clearly already discovered – booking ahead through their website is strongly recommended.

The deep red walls, warm lighting, high ceilings and quirky cow head sconces give the place a cozy, characterful atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a relaxed dinner with friends.

The grilled meats are the undisputed stars here. The côte à l’os is juicy, soft and beautifully seasoned, the filet pur melts in your mouth, and the ribs are – according to more than a few regulars – some of the best they’ve ever had.

The all-you-can-eat pork ribs option is a serious undertaking, arriving smoking hot straight from the kitchen rack after rack. The burgers are equally impressive – the raclette burger and pulled rib burger both get rave reviews, and they come loaded with sauce in the best possible way.

Portions are generous throughout and everything comes with fries and a selection of sauces. Worth noting – the fries here are fried in beef fat, which gives them an incredible depth of flavour that people keep coming back for.

Service is generally friendly and prompt, though it can get stretched when the restaurant is at full capacity and wait times can creep up. Tables near the entrance can get a cold draught, so worth mentioning if you’d prefer a warmer spot when booking.

Prices sit between €30-40, which reflects the quality of the meat and the overall experience.

• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Opens at 5:30 PM on other days, with later closing on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Rating: 4.6 (1,018 reviews)
• Location: Oudburg 39, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +32 468 02 05 84

12) Yaki Noodle

For authentic Chinese noodles at genuinely affordable prices, Yaki Noodle on Vlaanderenstraat is hard to beat. The portions are enormous – regularly enough for two people – and everything falls in the €10-20 range, making it easy to come back again and again.

The noodles are the undisputed star. The Hong Kong style fried egg noodles with beef or chicken are delicious, the bami dishes are a firm favourite with regulars who have visited over 30 times and never left disappointed, and the beef noodle bowl is worth getting in the large size with a generous helping of the homemade hot sauce – just ask your server.

The soups are comforting and warming, with wonton soup and duck noodle soup both popular choices, though the broths can be on the lighter side so don’t hesitate to add the soy sauce and chilli oil provided on the table. The dim sum is excellent – the hakau, Sui Gao and mini lumpia are all worth ordering – and the Vietnamese egg rolls come out perfectly crispy.

The atmosphere is casual and no-frills with an open kitchen, cozy enough for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Staff are friendly and welcoming throughout. One practical note – they don’t accept Visa or Apple Pay, so come with cash or be ready to do a bank transfer.

• Lunch service runs from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 5 to 10:30 PM. Closed Wednesdays.
• Rating: 4.4 (802 reviews)
• Location: Vlaanderenstraat 115, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Contact: +32 9 211 09 88 

Tips For Making The Most Of Your Meal

Ghent is one of those cities where eating well on a budget is genuinely easy – but only if you know how. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of eating my way through this city.

Share Everything

Honestly, the best meals I’ve had in Ghent have been the ones where everyone just ordered a bit of everything and put it in the middle of the table. Most casual spots in the city centre are built for exactly that:

• Cheese boards – local Belgian varieties with bread and jam for around €12–15, easily feeds two or three people
• Snack boards at Belgian pubs – bitterballen, croquettes and fries for €10–12, far better value than ordering individual starters and perfect with a local beer
• Big pasta bowls – places like Kastart serve massive portions for €8–10 that two people can comfortably split
• Rib platters at Amadeus – you can order shared platters outside of the all-you-can-eat deal if you want a lighter option

Go At Lunch – Seriously

This is the one thing most tourists get wrong. They sleep in, do the morning sightseeing, grab a quick snack and then sit down for a big dinner – which is always the most expensive way to eat.

Locals do it differently. Lunch is where the real bargains are. The same restaurants, the same dishes, almost half the price. Most places offer a lunch menu for €8–12 that includes a main plus soup or salad – what you’d pay for just a main at dinner. The quality is identical. The portions are identical. The only difference is the price tag.

Sort Out Your Cash Situation Before You Go Out

This one catches tourists out more than anything else. Several of the best spots on this list – including some of my absolute favourites – are cash only or bank transfer only. Not card. Not contactless. Cash.

My advice: always have €20–30 in cash on you when eating out in Ghent. There is nothing worse than finishing a brilliant meal and realising you can’t pay for it the way you expected. When in doubt, ask before you sit down.

Timing Is Everything

• Go Tuesday to Thursday for dinner – restaurants run their best promotions on slower nights to fill seats. Friday and Saturday evenings are always the most expensive.
• Before 7pm some spots quietly offer early bird prices – worth asking when you book, you can save €3–5 per dish without it being advertised anywhere.
• Avoid eating and drinking right on the main tourist squares – step one street back and prices drop noticeably. The food is often better too.
• Look for “dagschotel” on chalkboards outside restaurants – it means dish of the day and it’s almost always the best value thing on the menu. Locals order it without even looking at the rest.

Getting Around Ghent Won’t Cost You Much Either

Ghent is incredibly compact – most restaurants on this list are within walking distance of each other, so skip the taxi. If you want to cover more ground, rent a bike (as little as €3–4 a day at the train station) or you can do a biking tour, which is super fun, or grab a tram day pass for €7. That’s honestly all you need.

FAQ 

Q: What is the cheapest way to eat in Ghent? The cheapest way to eat well in Ghent is to visit soup bars like Soup’r or Souplounge, where a full meal with bread costs as little as €7-8. Student areas like Overpoort also offer kebabs, pizza slices and Asian noodle dishes for under €6.

Q: Is food expensive in Ghent? Not at all. Ghent is one of the more affordable cities in Belgium for eating out. You can have a filling, high-quality meal for €8-15 per person at many local restaurants and street food spots.

Q: What is the traditional food in Ghent? Ghent is famous for waterzooi (a creamy stew), stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew), vol-au-vent and Belgian frites. Many restaurants on this list serve traditional Flemish dishes at budget-friendly prices.

Q: Are there vegan cheap eats in Ghent? Yes. Le Botaniste, Lokaal and De Frietketel all offer excellent vegan options. Le Botaniste is fully plant-based with organic bowls from €10-20.

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TravelOnQuest

Welcome to TravelOnQuest.Com! I’m Simone, and I am here to help you plan your dream European adventure without breaking the bank. Join me as we uncover hidden gems, must-see attractions, and insider tips for creating unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re exploring solo, with family, or with friends, let’s connect and make your budget-friendly European escapade a reality.