Tierenteyn-Verlent Shop, Ghent

Tierenteyn-Verlent is an iconic mustard shop located in the heart of Ghent, renowned for selling the city’s traditional mustard made according to an original recipe dating back to 1790. As a specialty store, Tierenteyn-Verlent offers only this signature mustard, a product deeply intertwined with Ghent’s culinary heritage. Housed on Groentenmarkt since 1867, the shop is a heritage site that has preserved its original design, resembling a tall glass cabinet. Customers can purchase mustard in specially filled jars and are even provided with a wooden spoon to enjoy this natural, tangy delight.

The Tierenteyn brand has historical roots that trace back to the early 19th century when Petrus Tierenteyn (1788-1857), the first mustard producer in the family, started the business. According to local legend, Petrus was inspired to begin making mustard after overhearing a conversation between Napoleon and one of his soldiers, although it is more plausible that the influence came from the French presence in the region, known for their love of mustard. By 1840, Petrus Tierenteyn was already listed in the archives of mustard makers in Ghent.

The shop, situated in the historic house known as "La Demi Lune," showcases architectural features from the 18th and 19th centuries, including a Romanesque cellar where the mustard is produced. The building and its interior have been protected since 1995, cementing its status as a unique and enduring part of Ghent’s cultural and historical landscape. For both locals and tourists, Tierenteyn-Verlent is a beloved destination, offering a taste of tradition in every jar.