Waffles and beer, both taught in 90 minutes. This Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop in Ghent turns a classic snack into a hands-on experience, with a 3-beer tasting that helps you understand what you’re sipping before you cook. I especially like how the beer tasting connects to the next step, and I love that you can choose your favorite brew to use in your waffle batter.

One thing to consider: if you’re gluten-free, confirm what’s actually included for you (especially the gluten-free beer), because alternatives may not always be ready on arrival.

Beer Stories + Fresh Waffles: The Best Part of Ghent in 90 Minutes

The vibe here is simple: learn, taste, make, eat. You start with three Belgian specialty beers, get the stories behind them, then move to the waffle stations and bake your own Belgian waffles. It’s a fun pace for Ghent because you stop “just looking at food” and start doing food.

This is also one of those activities that works even if your travel group has different priorities. If you want beer, you get beer. If you’re not sure about beer, you still get the cooking, and the hosts can provide non-alcoholic alternatives (including coffee, tea, and juices, where available).

And yes, you eat as many waffles as you make. That matters. Too many classes give you two bites and call it dinner. Here, the leftovers are part of the deal too.

Key Points You’ll Care About Before You Go

Three beers at the start so you’re tasting before you batter.

Beer choice affects your waffle batter if you want the full waffle-with-a-twist effect.

Partner cooking stations keep the class social without feeling like chaos.

Unlimited waffle eating while you’re there plus you can take leftovers away.

Hosts in English with friendly explanations for an international group.

Beer rules are strict on age (18+ for alcoholic drinks; non-alcoholic options for younger participants).

Finding the Workshop: The White Building and Green Door

Plan for an easy arrival. Your meeting point is a tall white building with a big green wooden door. If the green door is open, go straight in. If not, push the door or tap a window on the left side of the front door, and the host will open up.

Once inside, take the small steps upstairs. The workshop space entrance is the first door on the left, and the host should be waiting there.

Practical tip: wear shoes you don’t mind cooking in. You’ll be standing near stations for parts of the session, and you’ll want to move comfortably when it’s time to bake and decorate.

The 90-Minute Rhythm: How the Session Flows

This is a tight 90 minutes, and the best part is how clearly it moves from tasting to cooking.

First, you do the beer tasting, sampling three Belgian beers while you learn what makes each one different. Next comes the waffle-making portion. You team up with a partner at the cooking stations and follow the steps for mixing batter and getting it ready to bake.

Then the class shifts into the part most people came for: baking and decorating. You’ll cook waffles to perfection with the batter you made, and there’s time for toppings so you can go classic or go loud.

Expect a relaxed, not-rushed feel. Multiple instructors (I’ve seen names like Reuben, Thomas, Luk, Luc, Anna, Patty, and Fabien pop up in past sessions) run the class with personality, and that matters because it helps beginners feel comfortable fast.

The Beer Tasting: 3 Styles, Real Reasoning, No Snobbery

The beer tasting is more than just sampling. You learn about the beers’ unique characteristics and some history behind them. The point is to give you enough context to make a decision when you later pick your beer for the batter.

In practice, you’ll taste three Belgian specialty beers, and the host guides you through what to look for—how the beer feels, tastes, and differs from the others. Some classes even include a short video about how beer is made while you’re waiting for batter to rest.

If you don’t want alcohol, you’re not stuck out of the experience. The hosts can offer alternative drinks such as coffee, tea, and juices. The key is that the cooking part still stays the focus.

Beer-Infused Batter: The Part That Makes This Class Feel Worth It

Here’s the clever bit: you choose a beer and use it in your waffle batter (if you’re doing the alcoholic option). That choice turns the session from a generic cooking class into something more like a small culinary experiment.

You’ll work at stations with step-by-step guidance—mix batter, then let it rest. Resting time is part science and part patience. While you wait, you may learn more about beer making, and it keeps the class from feeling like a long wait with no payoff.

You also have options built in. If you want a non-alcoholic or gluten-free alternative, the class setup supports that. If you’re gluten-free, though, do yourself a favor: confirm what’s available ahead of time for both the flour and any beer used for the recipe, so there are no last-minute surprises.

Baking Your Belgian Waffles: Easy Steps, Real Hands-On Work

Once your batter is ready, you move into the baking stage. This is where the workshop earns its keep: you actually make the waffles, not just watch someone else do it.

The equipment does the heavy lifting, but you’re the one doing the mixing and placing batter. The host walks you through the process so you don’t feel lost, even if Belgian waffles are new to you.

Because it’s a 90-minute class, timing matters. Batter needs time to rest; waffles need time to bake; toppings need time to be fun. The host keeps everything moving at a pace that works for both beginners and foodies.

Toppings Bar: Chocolate, Speculoos, Whipped Cream, and More

Belgian waffles are a blank canvas, and this class leans into that. You’ll have toppings including chocolate sauce, Belgian speculoos, whipped cream, and more.

You can build your own combinations. It’s common to see toppings like squeezable chocolate sauce, icing sugar, and speculoos/Biscoff-style spreads. There are also options such as jam and squirty cream, depending on what’s set up that day.

A quick reality check: if you’re hoping for lots of fresh fruit or specific brands like Nutella, you might find the topping lineup is more “Belgian spreads and sauces” than “modern brunch fruit bowl.” If toppings variety is your top priority, I’d arrive ready for sweet, spiced, and creamy flavors rather than fresh berries.

Eating as Many Waffles as You Want (Plus Taking Leftovers Home)

The food part here is generous. You eat as many waffles as you want while you’re in the workshop, and you also get to take some away. Some past participants even described bringing home plenty—enough to make the class feel like a meal you can extend later.

That leftover component is also good value. You’re not paying just for the lesson; you’re paying for ingredients, cooking, and a satisfying output.

Expect decorations to happen while you’re waiting for baked waffles to come off the iron. The class keeps it social, and it’s a nice break from the “run from sight to sight” schedule that can make city days feel rushed.

The Take-Home Stuff: Recipe, Certificate, and Proof You Did Something

You leave with a secret recipe and a graduation certificate. That turns the experience into something you can repeat later at home.

And because the workshop gives you leftovers, you’re also leaving with something immediate: food for later, not just a piece of paper.

If you like souvenirs that aren’t junk, this is one of the better options. A recipe you can actually use beats a fridge magnet every time.

Price and Value: Is $55 a Smart Spend?

At $55 per person for 90 minutes, you’re paying for three main things: instruction, ingredients, and beer. That’s the difference between a snack and a real class.

A few reasons it can feel like good value:

• You’re not just tasting beer; you’re learning it, then using it in your waffle batter.
• All ingredients and cooking materials are included, which saves you the hassle and cost of sourcing items later.
• You eat what you make, plus you may take leftovers away.
• You get take-home materials (secret recipe and certificate), so it’s not a one-and-done ticket.

Of course, if you’re a strict budget traveler and you don’t drink beer or don’t care about cooking, you might ask whether the class fits your priorities. But if you like food experiences with a hands-on payoff, this price can pencil out well.

Who This Workshop Is Best For in Ghent

This is an easy fit if you’re one of these:

• Couples looking for a shared activity that isn’t another long line.
• Friends who want something interactive and fun.
• Food lovers who like learning what makes a dish “work.”
• Beer fans who enjoy stories and tasting, not just drinking.

It also works for mixed groups. The class can accommodate non-alcoholic participants, and the focus stays on waffle making even if you skip alcohol.

If you’re traveling with kids, note the age rules. The workshop isn’t suitable for children under 3. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis. Alcoholic drinks are served only to participants 18 and up, with non-alcoholic drinks for minors.

Practical Tips: How to Get the Most Out of It

Bring a snack mindset. Even if you’re hungry, pacing here helps—start with the beer tasting, then keep your appetite for the waffles. If you’re undecided about beer, tell the host early. The session includes alternative drinks.

If you’re gluten-free, don’t assume everything will automatically line up. The workshop notes gluten-free alternatives, but I’d still confirm the gluten-free beer and the flour/ingredients ahead of time so you can enjoy the batter step without stress.

Finally, come with curiosity about toppings. Speculoos fans will feel right at home. Chocolate and whipped cream lovers too. And if you’re the type who likes trying flavors, this workshop gives you permission to experiment.

Should You Book It?

Book the Waffles ’n Beer Workshop in Ghent if you want a 90-minute, hands-on Belgian food experience that includes a guided beer tasting, real cooking steps, and plenty of eating. It’s especially good when you’re tired of “just walking and photos” and want a memory you can replicate at home with the secret recipe.

Skip or rethink it if:

• You need a very strict, rigid step-by-step class structure at every moment.
• You have gluten-free needs and haven’t confirmed exactly what will be available.
• Your budget is tight and you’d rather spend on independent tastings and meals.

For most people, the best part is simple: you leave with waffles in your stomach and a recipe in your hand.

FAQ

How many beers do you taste during the workshop?

You taste 3 Belgian specialty beers during the beer-tasting portion.

How long is the workshop?

The workshop lasts 90 minutes.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

The workshop is not suitable for children under 3. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis. Alcoholic drinks are only for participants 18 and above, and minors are served non-alcoholic drinks.

What if I don’t want alcoholic beer?

Alcoholic drinks are served to participants 18+ only. If you’re under 18, you’ll be served non-alcoholic drinks. The hosts can also provide alternative drinks such as coffee, tea, and juices.

What do you take home at the end?

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

Where do we meet for the workshop?

Meet at a tall white building with a big green wooden door. The workshop entrance is upstairs: after you enter, take the small steps upstairs and use the first door on the left for the workshop space.