Ghent: Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting

Beer and waffles in Ghent, that sounds right. In this 90-minute workshop you start with a guided beer tasting and then roll up your sleeves to bake waffles from scratch. I love how the hosts treat the beer like a story, not a lecture, and how the waffle method is straightforward enough that you feel confident fast, with instructors like Reuben and Thomas showing up as genuinely fun, hands-on teachers.

My favorite part is the choice you get in the process. You taste multiple Belgian beers, pick one you want, and use that beer in your batter, then finish with a spread of toppings like chocolate sauce and speculoos, plus plenty of waffle time so you can keep eating what you bake. One drawback to think about: the alcohol part is only for participants 18+, and if you’re counting on gluten-free beer or exact swaps, you should ask ahead because substitutions can depend on what’s available.

Key Moments That Make This Workshop Worth It

• Three Belgian beers first, with clear explanations and a relaxed pace before you cook
• Pick your favorite beer to flavor your batter, or choose a non-alcoholic or gluten-free alternative
• Hands-on waffle stations with step-by-step guidance and time to rest and bake
• Unlimited waffles you make, plus a topping buffet (chocolate, speculoos, cream, and more)
• Take-home goodies, including a secret recipe, a graduation certificate, and leftover waffles
• Hosts who keep it lively, including examples like Reuben, Luk, Anna, and Patty who made the session feel fun and easy

Entering The Workshop: The Big Green Door in Ghent

The meeting point is easy to miss if you walk fast. Look for a tall white building with a big green wooden door. Usually the green front door is open; if it isn’t, push it, or tap one of the left-side windows and the host will come open the entrance for you.

Once you get inside, take the small steps upstairs. The workshop space entrance is the first door on the left, and the host is there waiting. This layout matters because it keeps the start simple, and you avoid the common “where do I go?” stress that can derail a food experience.

The Beer Tasting Part That Actually Helps You Cook

Your session starts with a beer-tasting journey. You’ll sample three Belgian specialty beers and learn what makes each one different, including the character and history behind them. Then comes the practical twist: you choose your favorite brew to use in your waffle batter, so the tasting isn’t just about sipping, it’s about deciding flavor.

I like that the tasting feels structured without feeling stuffy. In multiple accounts, hosts explain the beers in a way that’s easy to follow, and the group never gets pressured to drink. One person even noted that when they did not want beer, the host offered alternatives like coffee, tea, or juices.

Also, watch for a small “timing bonus.” During the batter resting or prep stage, you may get a video about the beer-making process, which helps the flavors make more sense while you wait for your dough to set up.

Beer-Infused (Or Not) Waffle Batter, Step by Step

After tasting, you move to the cooking part. You team up with a partner and work at the cooking stations, where the host guides you through the process. You’ll typically decide whether you want to use your chosen beer for batter, or go with a non-alcoholic or gluten-free alternative if that’s your need.

The key here is clarity. The workshop is built around step-by-step instruction, and the hosts are there to answer questions as you go, not after the fact. That matters, because waffle batter is one of those things where small mistakes can make results inconsistent.

One detail worth noting if you’re gluten-free: in at least one experience, gluten-free beer wasn’t available immediately on arrival, and the guide worked to fix it and reimburse the participant after sourcing an alternative. I wouldn’t count on every substitute being ready at the exact moment you arrive, so if gluten-free is critical for you, it’s smart to message in advance.

Baking Your Waffles and Eating As You Go

Now for the fun part: baking. You’ll cook your Belgian waffles until they come out properly, then you eat what you make. A big reason this workshop gets such high marks is the amount of waffle time. You’re not limited to one serving. You eat as many waffles as you want, and you can pile on toppings that include things like chocolate sauce, speculoos, and whipped cream.

The topping spread is a real part of the experience. You can keep it classic or go dessert mode, and because you bake more than once, you get to try different combinations without feeling like you’re wasting food. One participant even mentioned there were lots of waffle toppings to decorate with, and that getting to add plenty of toppings made the whole process feel generous.

If you’re traveling with a group, this part also keeps everyone involved. People naturally drift into conversations while they’re waiting for the iron, tasting, and decorating, so the session often feels social rather than chaotic.

Taking Home the Secret Recipe, Leftovers, and a Certificate

You don’t leave empty-handed. The workshop includes a secret recipe and a graduation certificate, plus your leftovers. That last part is genuinely useful because it turns the experience into something you can repeat back home. Belgian waffle irons and ingredients aren’t always easy to get, but having the method and recipe matters.

Some people also mentioned leaving with a keepsake like an apron, which can make the workshop feel more like a personalized class than a quick stop. Even if you don’t get extra extras, the recipe plus leftovers still gives you a clear payoff.

And if you like sharing food, leftovers help. You can bring them back to your hotel or rental, grab a bite later, and keep the memory going.

Price and Value: What $55 Buys You in Real Time

At $55 per person for about 90 minutes, this workshop isn’t the cheapest thing in Ghent. But it’s also not trying to be. You’re paying for hands-on instruction, ingredients, beer tastings, and the ability to eat as much waffle as you can make during the session.

Here’s the value logic that makes sense: you’re basically buying (1) beer education, (2) a guided cooking class, and (3) a built-in meal that you control. If you like food experiences, it often compares well against paying for a meal plus a separate tour, because this bundles both into one timed activity.

It also helps that the experience is reported as relaxed, not rushed. When a class moves at the right speed, you actually learn the steps and end up with waffles you’re proud to eat, not just something you survived.

Who This Workshop Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want something interactive in Ghent. You’ll learn, you’ll eat, and you’ll come away with a recipe you can use again. It’s also a strong choice for couples and small groups, since the partner-based station setup keeps you busy and gives you something to do together.

It’s also workable for people who don’t want beer, as long as you’re okay with non-alcoholic alternatives. Multiple accounts mention the host checked preferences and offered options like coffee, tea, and juices.

Families can be part of the mix too, with limits. Children under 3 aren’t suitable, and children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis. Alcohol service follows the 18+ rule, so younger kids get non-alcoholic drinks.

If you’re the type who wants passive sightseeing, you might find a cooking class too active. But if you enjoy hands-on travel, this one is hard to beat.

Should You Book Waffles n Beer in Ghent?

I think you should book this if you want a single activity that delivers both Belgian food and Belgian beer in a way you can actually recreate later. The best sign is that hosts like Reuben, Thomas, Anna, Luk, and Patty consistently get praise for clear guidance plus a fun atmosphere, and the waffle portion is generous enough to feel like a real meal.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very sensitive to allergens and need guaranteed gluten-free beer and ingredients at the exact moment you arrive, since substitutions may require adjustment. Otherwise, this is a solid, practical, high-payoff way to spend 90 minutes in Ghent.

FAQ

How long is the workshop?

The workshop lasts 90 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

You taste 3 Belgian specialty beers, learn to make and bake Belgian waffles, get all ingredients and cooking materials, and you can eat as many waffles as you want that you bake during the session.

Is there alcohol if I am under 18?

Alcoholic drinks are served only to participants aged 18 and above. If you are under 18, you will be served non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I choose a non-alcoholic or gluten-free option?

Yes. The workshop states you can opt for a non-alcoholic or gluten-free alternative if you prefer.

Where do I meet the host?

Meet at a tall white building with a big green wooden door. Normally the door is open. If not, push it or tap a window on the left, then the host will open the entrance. Once inside, take the small steps upstairs, and enter the first door on the left.

What do I take home at the end?

You receive a secret recipe, a graduation certificate, and you can take home your leftovers.