Tissue engineering is an emerging discipline that combines engineering principles and the biological sciences toward the development of functional replacement tissue. Virtually every tissue in the body has been investigated and tremendous advances have been made in many areas. This article focuses on the gastrointestinal tract and reviews the current status of bioengineering gastrointestinal tissues, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. Although progress has been achieved, there continues to be significant challenges that need to be addressed.