One smell of waffle batter and you’re in. This Ghent workshop pairs a hands-on waffle lesson with a focused Belgian beer tasting, led by hosts like Reuben, Thomas, Luk, and Anna who keep things lively and clear while you learn what you’re drinking.

What I like most is how it starts with a real beer tasting (you sample three) before you cook, so you’re not just “drinking beer,” you’re choosing one beer to flavor your batter. The second big win is the food part: you make waffles from scratch and you can eat as many as you want from what you bake.

One possible drawback: toppings and add-ons can feel a bit basic depending on the day (some guests wanted more variety), and if you need gluten-free on the alcohol side, you’ll want to double-check ahead of time.

Key highlights worth your time

• Three-beer tasting with background on flavors and history, paced without pressure
• Beer-infused batter as an option, plus non-alcoholic and gluten-free alternatives
• Partner cooking stations with step-by-step guidance for batter, baking, and decorating
• Unlimited waffles from your own baking, plus take-home leftovers
• Toppings bar featuring chocolate sauce, speculoos, whipped cream, and more

Why Ghent is the right place to learn waffle craft

Ghent already feels like the kind of place that rewards slow, food-focused wandering. This workshop turns that energy into something practical: you leave with a method you can repeat at home, not just a snack and a photo.

The format matters. You’re not stuck watching someone cook. You’re mixing batter, learning when it needs to rest, baking your waffles, then building your own ideal combination with toppings like chocolate sauce and Belgian speculoos. It’s a straight shot into two Belgian staples that work together better than you might expect.

And the hosts make the difference. The experience stays upbeat, with instructors named in reviews ranging from Reuben to Patty to Fabien, and the teaching style is consistently friendly and organized. If you like your travel with a bit of hands-on silliness, this one fits.

Beer tasting first: the lesson you actually use at the waffle station

The tasting is the opening act, and it’s not random. You sample three Belgian specialty beers, learning what makes each one different and why that matters for flavor.

Here’s why I think this part is genuinely valuable: after the tasting, you choose your favorite beer to flavor your waffle batter. That means the beer lesson has a payoff. You’re not just trying different drinks; you’re making a decision that shows up in the waffle itself.

Hosts also keep it relaxed. Reviews mention that the beers are introduced with stories and facts, and that guests aren’t pushed into drinking. If you’re not drinking beer, the experience includes alternatives like coffee, tea, or juices, and non-alcoholic drinks are available.

One extra detail that stood out from guest accounts: you may watch a video about how beer is made while your batter sets. It’s quick and practical, and it helps the tasting feel connected to the cooking instead of feeling like two separate activities.

From batter to waffles: how the 90 minutes stay doable

The workshop runs about 90 minutes, and the pacing is designed for beginners. You’ll get instructions for the batter and for using the waffle iron, then you cook at the station with help from the host.

A few practical things to expect:

• You’ll work with a partner at the cooking setup, which keeps the work moving and makes it less intimidating if you’re new to cooking.
• You’ll have a choice in your batter approach: beer-infused is one option, while non-alcoholic or gluten-free alternatives can also be used depending on what you need.
• There’s a rest step while things set, and that’s where the class fills in with info (including that beer-making video).

Even better, multiple reviews describe the process as easy to follow, with the host walking people through each stage and answering questions. You’re not expected to already know waffle terms or baking timing. The goal is that by the time you’re ready to eat, you feel proud you made it yourself.

Do note one small caution from a less-perfect review: one guest felt the step-by-step flow could be more structured. That doesn’t sound like the norm, but it’s worth knowing if you’re the type who wants very strict sequencing. If you’re unsure, ask the host to confirm the next step before you start mixing or baking.

Toppings that turn one waffle into your own creation

Once your waffles are baked, the toppings bar is where everyone gets creative. You can add the classics and the Belgian favorites, including chocolate sauce, Belgian speculoos (like Biscoff), and whipped cream, plus other options such as icing sugar and squeezable chocolate sauce noted by guests.

The “eat as many as you want” part matters here. It changes the whole vibe from a tight tasting meal into a real snack-and-satisfy session. You can experiment: one waffle with chocolate and speculoos, another with whipped cream, then one more with your personal combo.

That said, one review did mention the toppings felt a bit limited and suggested adding things like fresh fruit or Nutella-style options. So if toppings variety is your top priority, you might find it a little less wild than a big dessert buffet. Still, for value and overall satisfaction, most reviews were far more positive than critical.

What you take home: secret recipe, certificate, and leftovers

This is one of the better parts of the workshop because it gives you something more than just a full belly.

You’ll take home:

• A secret recipe (so you can recreate the waffles later)
• A graduation certificate (a fun keepsake, and yes, it’s part of the experience)
• Leftovers from what you bake

Some guests also mentioned a keepsake apron. Even if you don’t count on that, the leftovers and recipe alone make a strong case for booking. You can bring waffle energy back to your lodging and turn the day into a second meal or a shared treat the next morning.

Finding the place in Ghent: the tall white building and green door

Logistics are simple if you know what to look for. The meeting point is a tall white building with a big green wooden door. The green door is normally open.

If it’s not open, you can push it open or tap one of the windows on the left side of the front door. The host will open the main door for you.

Once inside, take the small steps upstairs. The workshop entrance is the first door on the left, where the host will be waiting.

This location detail is worth saving because Ghent streets can have lots of similar-looking building fronts. The green door reference makes it easy.

Price and value: is $55 worth it in Ghent?

At $55 per person for about 90 minutes, this workshop is basically paying for three things: beer education, hands-on cooking, and food you actually keep eating.

Here’s the value math in plain terms:

• You get tasting of three Belgian specialty beers
• You learn to make and bake Belgian waffles from scratch
• You have unlimited waffles from your session, plus leftovers
• You receive a take-home recipe and a certificate

If you’ve ever paid for a beer tasting that ends after a small sample, this feels different. It turns tasting into cooking, then cooking into a full dessert-style meal. That’s why many reviews call it a highlight and point out that it feels generous for the time.

Also, booking is flexible. The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those two features matter if your Ghent days might shift around weather, walking fatigue, or museum lines.

Who should book this waffle and beer workshop in Ghent

This is a great fit for you if:

• You want a low-stress, high-reward food activity
• You like beer, but you also enjoy hands-on cooking
• You travel with a partner or small group and want something more interactive than a tour walk

It also works if you don’t drink beer. The workshop has non-alcoholic options, and hosts can offer alternatives like coffee, tea, or juices. For minors under 18, alcohol is only served to adults; participants under 18 get non-alcoholic drinks.

A key family note: children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis. The workshop is wheelchair accessible, and it’s conducted in English.

Gluten-free is mentioned as an option. In the materials and approach, you can choose a gluten-free alternative. One guest report did include a hiccup with gluten-free beer availability, but the host handled it by letting that guest bring their own and then reimbursing them. If gluten-free is essential for you, treat this as a “ask ahead” situation so you’re comfortable with what will be available.

Should you book this waffle and beer workshop in Ghent?

If you like Belgian food and you want something you can repeat at home, I’d book it. The combination of beer tasting plus waffle making is the point, and the workshop holds together because the beer choice affects your batter.

Book it especially if you value:

• Clear instruction and a relaxed vibe
• Eating what you make (not just sampling one bite)
• Taking home a real recipe and leftovers

Skip it only if you’re highly sensitive to toppings variety or you’re relying on very specific gluten-free alcohol availability and prefer zero uncertainty. Otherwise, this is one of those rare experiences where you leave with skills, souvenirs, and a belly full of waffles.

FAQ

How long is the Ghent waffles and beer workshop?

The workshop lasts about 90 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

You taste three Belgian specialty beers, learn how to make and bake Belgian waffles, get all ingredients and cooking materials, and you can eat as many of your own baked waffles as you want.

Are kids allowed, and what about alcohol?

Participants under 18 are served non-alcoholic drinks. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis, and the workshop isn’t suitable for children under 3.

Is the workshop in English, and is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the instructor speaks English, and the workshop is wheelchair accessible.

Can I choose non-alcoholic or gluten-free options?

Yes. The workshop mentions non-alcoholic and gluten-free alternatives, and you can choose those options when making your batter.

What do I take home at the end?

You take home the secret recipe, a graduation certificate, and your leftovers.

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