Ghent: Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting

The clever part of this Ghent workshop is that the beer tasting is not just a warm-up. You choose a favorite Belgian beer and use it in your waffle batter, then cook, decorate, and eat as many waffles as you can manage. It is a relaxed way to sample Belgium’s two great food traditions in one sitting.

I like the friendly, funny instruction, with hosts such as Thomas, Anna, Luc, and Reuben making the class easy to follow. I also like the practical extras: the secret recipe, graduation certificate, leftovers, and, according to some sessions, an apron to take home. The one drawback is value. At $55 per person, it is not the cheapest snack in Ghent, and gluten-free beer availability may vary.

Key points

• Three Belgian beers: Taste three specialty beers and hear about their styles, brewing, and background.
• Beer in the batter: Pick a favorite beer for your waffles, or use a non-alcoholic or gluten-free alternative.
• Hands-on cooking: Mix the batter, rest it, cook your waffles, and learn directly from the host.
• Unlimited waffles: Make and eat as many of your own waffles as you want, with leftovers to take away.
• Generous toppings: Finish with chocolate sauce, speculoos, whipped cream, icing sugar, and other choices.
• Central Ghent setting: Find the tall white building with the large green wooden door, then go upstairs to the first door on the left.

A Belgian breakfast with a beer in the mixing bowl

Belgian beer and Belgian waffles can feel like tourist shorthand, but this class gives both a bit of substance. You do not simply receive a waffle and a drink. You learn how different beers taste, choose one for the batter, and take part in the cooking.

The workshop lasts 90 minutes, which is a useful length. It is long enough for three tastings, a lesson, cooking, and a proper meal, but short enough to fit neatly between sightseeing in Ghent. I would schedule it as a late morning activity or an afternoon break rather than as a formal dinner replacement.

The class is taught in English because participants come from many countries. The hosts can translate parts of the explanation when needed, but you should expect the main instruction to remain in English.

Finding the green door in central Ghent

The meeting point is easy to describe once you are there: look for a tall white building with a large green wooden door. The front door is normally open. If it is closed, you can push it open or tap on one of the windows to the left, and the host will let you in.

Inside, take the small stairs upstairs. The workshop entrance is the first door on the left, where the host will be waiting. Transport is not included, so you make your own way to the meeting point.

The location is close to one of Ghent’s attractive central areas, about five minutes from one of the city’s well-known scenic spots according to one participant. That makes this a sensible activity to pair with a walk through the historic center. Still, allow enough time to find the building, especially if you are unfamiliar with Ghent or arriving with children.

Three beers, three different starting points

The session usually begins with three Belgian specialty beers. The exact selection can vary, so think of this as a guided introduction rather than a fixed tasting menu.

You taste each beer while the host explains its character and background. The hosts have a knack for keeping this part light rather than turning it into a technical lecture. Reuben was singled out for his strong grasp of Belgian beer, while Thomas and Anna were also praised for making the beer stories clear and entertaining.

Some sessions have included four or even five beers, but the stated program promises three. You may also be offered more beer during the batter-making and cooking portion. The amount can depend on the session and the host, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed five-beer flight.

This tasting is useful even if you already know Belgian beer. You get a quick look at different flavors before choosing the beer that will go into your waffles. If you are new to Belgian beer, the host’s explanations give you a simple way to compare the drinks without needing prior knowledge.

The workshop does not pressure you to drink alcohol. Non-drinkers can receive coffee, tea, juice, or other non-alcoholic drinks. Participants under 18 are served non-alcoholic beverages, and alcohol is reserved for those aged 18 and older.

Choosing your batter and working as a pair

After the tasting, you move to the waffle-making part. You generally work with a partner at the cooking stations, which makes the activity social and keeps the preparation moving.

You mix the batter from scratch, following the host’s instructions. A video about beer production has been used during the resting period in some sessions, giving you something to watch while the mixture settles. This is also when you can continue chatting, sample another drink, and compare your chosen beer with the other options.

The beer is not there as a gimmick. It adds a distinct twist to the batter and connects the two halves of the class. You can choose the beer you liked best, so your waffle has a flavor that feels personal rather than preselected.

Non-alcoholic and gluten-free batter options are available. This is a major plus for families and mixed groups, but you should clarify the details when booking if you need gluten-free beer as well as gluten-free flour. One participant was told gluten-free beer was available, then found it was not supplied on arrival. The host solved the problem kindly, but it is better to confirm this before the class.

Cooking waffles without needing kitchen skills

The cooking is designed for beginners. The host takes you through the process, and the basic method is simple enough that you can focus on having fun instead of worrying about getting every step perfect.

You cook your own waffles at the stations, then make more if you want. The portions are generous. Several people had enough left over to take back to their accommodation, which makes the $55 price easier to justify.

This is also where the class earns its social character. You are mixing, waiting, cooking, and comparing results with people from different countries. It is an easy setting for conversation, particularly if you are traveling as a couple or small group and want an activity that is more interactive than another guided walk.

The instruction style can depend on the host. Thomas, Anna, Reuben, Luc, Patty, and others have all been praised for being warm and engaging. One participant felt the steps could have been presented more slowly and in a more structured order, so do not expect a formal culinary-school lesson. You may need to follow the printed recipe and ask questions as you go.

That relaxed style suits most people. If you want exact technical instruction, precise timing, and individual coaching at every stage, this may feel informal. If you want an approachable class with room for jokes and conversation, the format works well.

Toppings turn waffles into a proper meal

Once the waffles are cooked, you decorate them. The standard choices include chocolate sauce, Belgian speculoos, whipped cream, icing sugar, and jam. Speculoos, with its sweet spiced biscuit flavor, is especially fitting in Belgium and gives you something beyond the usual chocolate-and-cream combination.

You can add as much as you like, and the class provides enough topping choices to make several waffles taste different. Some participants would have preferred fresh berries or Nutella, so the spread is generous but not unlimited in variety.

The waffles themselves are the main event. They are described as fluffy and easy to eat, and you can continue baking until you have had enough. This is not a small demonstration portion followed by a quick goodbye. You make the food yourself, eat it fresh, and can carry away what remains.

I would not plan a large meal immediately afterward. The combination of several drinks and a stack of waffles is filling, especially when you take advantage of the unlimited format. A lighter dinner later makes more sense.

Why the 90-minute format works

Ninety minutes sounds short for beer tasting, cooking, eating, and instruction, but the workshop uses the time well. The batter rests while the class shifts between explanation and preparation, so you are not simply standing around waiting for the next step.

The pace is generally brisk without feeling rushed. You get enough time to mix and cook, and the class does not require a full afternoon. That matters in Ghent, where you will want time for the castle, canals, churches, museums, and cafés.

The schedule is also flexible because starting times vary. You need to check availability for the date you want. The activity is offered in English, and the hosts can help with some translation if required.

Wheelchair access is available. Children under three are not suitable for the activity, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one basis. That rule matters for families because one adult cannot supervise several younger children while also handling the cooking stations.

Assessing the $55 price

At $55 per person, the price is fair if you take part fully. You receive three beer tastings, all ingredients and equipment, instruction, unlimited waffles, toppings, the recipe, a graduation certificate, and your leftovers.

The value improves if you count the workshop as both a meal and an activity. You are not paying only for a plate of waffles. You are also paying for the host’s explanations, the social setting, and the chance to prepare the food yourself.

The price is less appealing if you are mainly looking for a cheap snack or if you do not drink and do not enjoy cooking. Non-alcoholic drinks are available, but the beer tasting is one of the main reasons to choose this experience. Someone who wants a quick waffle from a street stand will spend much less.

For couples, the value is strong because you share the preparation and leave with a recipe you can use at home. Families can also get good value, particularly if children are old enough to participate. Keep in mind that younger children need close adult supervision, and under-18 participants receive non-alcoholic drinks.

What you take home after the class

The recipe is the most useful souvenir. You can repeat the waffles at home and use the same basic method with a beer you enjoy, or choose a non-alcoholic version.

You also receive a graduation certificate. It is a small keepsake rather than a serious culinary qualification, but it adds a playful finish to the class.

Leftover waffles can be taken away. Some sessions have also included an apron or a small keepsake bag, though you should not assume these extras are part of every booking unless they are confirmed. Bring room in your day bag for food and any paper materials.

Who should book this Ghent workshop?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a hands-on break from sightseeing. It is particularly good for a first visit to Belgium because it introduces two familiar national specialties in a single, easy activity.

It also suits people who like meeting others. The shared stations and relaxed pace naturally create conversation. Solo participants can join in, but the partner-based format may feel more comfortable if you are happy working with someone new.

Beer fans will get the most from the explanations and tastings. Non-drinkers are still welcome, but they should book because they want the waffle lesson and social setting, not because they expect the beer portion to be central to their visit.

People with gluten restrictions can take part with a gluten-free flour option, but confirm the beer arrangements first. Anyone seeking a tightly structured professional cooking class may find the instruction too casual.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your Ghent plans are still shifting, but you still need to select the Ghent location carefully when booking.

Should you book Waffles ’n Beer in Ghent?

Book it if you want a cheerful, filling activity that gives you more than a tasting. The strongest reasons are the beer choice in the batter, the unlimited waffles, the friendly English-speaking hosts, and the recipe you can take home.

Skip it if $55 feels high for a casual food class, if you want a quiet meal, or if you prefer a formal lesson with precise one-step-at-a-time instruction. For most couples and groups, though, the combination of cooking, beer, toppings, and leftovers makes this a memorable 90-minute pause in central Ghent.

FAQ

How long does the Ghent waffle and beer workshop last?

The activity lasts 90 minutes.

How much does the workshop cost?

The price is $55 per person.

How many beers are included?

You taste three Belgian specialty beers. Some sessions may include additional tastings, but three beers are the stated inclusion.

Can I use beer in my waffle batter?

Yes. After tasting the beers, you can choose a favorite to use in the batter.

Are non-alcoholic drinks available?

Yes. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available, including drinks such as coffee, tea, and juice. Participants under 18 receive non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I request a gluten-free waffle?

Yes. A gluten-free flour option is available. If you also need gluten-free beer, confirm its availability before attending because it may not be supplied at every session.

Where is the meeting point?

Look for a tall white building with a large green wooden door. Enter through the front door, go up the small stairs, and find the first door on the left.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Children under three are not suitable for the activity. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one basis.