The Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop in Ghent Centre

If you’re craving a unique taste of Belgium beyond the typical sightseeing, the Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop in Ghent offers a charming, interactive experience that combines two of the country’s most iconic treats. With a perfect balance of fun, flavor, and facts, this workshop promises a memorable culinary adventure.

What we love about this experience is how it expertly blends guided beer tastings, the art of waffle making, and the opportunity to enjoy your creations paired with your favorite beer. Plus, it’s small enough to feel personalized, with a maximum of 18 travelers, which means you’ll get plenty of attention from the host. That said, it’s worth noting that, at around 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s a relatively short session — so if you’re after a more extensive experience, this might feel like just a tasty teaser.

This activity suits travelers who appreciate authentic food experiences, are curious about Belgian culture, or simply want a fun, social activity during a visit to Ghent. It’s especially great for couples, groups of friends, or families with older children who can appreciate the tasting and baking.

Good To Know

• Authentic Belgian flavors: Combines beer tasting and waffle baking for a true taste of Belgium.
• Expert-guided experience: Friendly hosts and detailed storytelling enhance the learning and tasting process.
• Interactive and hands-on: You get to make your own waffles with your preferred beer, then enjoy them fresh.
• Flexible and social: Perfect for small groups, with a maximum of 18 travelers, fostering a welcoming vibe.
• Good value: At $68.25 per person, it offers a memorable, multi-sensory experience that blends education with indulgence.
• Convenient location: Starts in Ghent’s city center, close to public transportation, making it easy to access.

What to Expect from the Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop

This experience is carefully designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Belgian cuisine, with a focus on beer and waffles, two staples that define Belgian gastronomy. It kicks off with a Belgian beer tasting session where you’ll learn about three different beers, each with its own story and brewing background. The host, often praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, will guide you through the history and nuances of each brew, helping you develop a palate for Belgian beers. Many reviews mention how engaging and friendly the guides are, with one reviewer calling Thomas “absolutely amazing, super friendly, knowledgeable,” and another emphasizing his storytelling skills about the beers’ history.

Following the tasting, you’ll move on to the waffle baking segment. This isn’t just a quick demonstration — you’re actively involved, learning how to make waffles from scratch using your favorite beer in the batter. The instructions are straightforward, and the experience is designed to be relaxed and fun. Reviewers like Lynette describe their host as “exceptional,” sharing stories and patiently guiding everyone through the process. The result? Waffles that turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, ready to be topped and devoured.

The final part of the workshop is the tasting of your own creations. You can pile on toppings, choose your preferred beer to complement the waffle, and indulge in as many as you like. Many participants appreciate the abundance of waffles and toppings, with one reviewer mentioning “they tasted amazing and I was surprised at some of the ingredients!” It’s a self-indulgent finale that combines culinary skill, taste, and a bit of fun.

The Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The Beer Tasting (Approx. 30 Minutes)

Your adventure begins at Onderbergen 4A in the heart of Ghent, where the host welcomes you into a cozy, friendly setting. Here, you’re introduced to three Belgian beers, each explained with stories about their origins, brewing process, and flavor profiles. Expect to sample a variety of beers—some reviewers mention trying three beers plus a couple of bonus ones—offering a good range of flavors from hoppy to malty.

This part is more than just drinking; it’s educational. Many reviewers appreciate the detailed explanations, with one praising the host for sharing “wonderful stories and history.” This segment sets the tone for a deeper appreciation of Belgian beer culture and primes your palate for the next steps.

Waffle Making (Approx. 45 Minutes)

Once inspired and informed, you’ll roll up your sleeves to create your own Belgian waffles. The guide walks you through the recipe, emphasizing simplicity and fun. You’ll learn how to infuse your waffles with your chosen beer, adjusting ingredients and techniques as needed. Reviewers frequently praise the friendly guidance of the hosts, highlighting their patience and enthusiasm. The tactile process of mixing batter, pouring, and cooking is often described as a highlight, especially for those who love a hands-on experience.

Many reviewers mention how tasty their waffles turned out, with one saying, “the waffles tasted amazing and I was surprised at some of the ingredients!” This suggests that the workshop also offers some surprises in the ingredients or toppings, making it an educational as well as a flavorful experience.

Food Pairing and Tasting (Final 15-20 Minutes)

Your freshly baked waffles are then topped with an array of toppings—think fresh fruit, syrups, whipped cream, and chocolate—alongside the beer used in the batter. It’s a delightful moment of tasting your own creation, often accompanied by a toast with your favorite beer. Guests continually express satisfaction with the quality and flavor combinations.

According to reviews, you can bake and eat as many waffles as you want, making this part both generous and fun. Many attendees comment on how delicious everything was, with one reviewer mentioning, “the waffles and toppings were delish,” and another saying, “the waffles tasted amazing.” This is an ideal ending for a relaxed, social, and flavorful experience.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Book

Location & Accessibility

The workshop starts at Onderbergen 4A, conveniently located in Ghent’s city center. The venue is near public transportation, which makes it easy to reach from different parts of the city. One reviewer appreciated that the building was wheelchair accessible, though the stations are not ideal for those who are not ambulatory.

Duration & Group Size

The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes — perfect for a relaxed yet engaging activity. With a maximum of 18 travelers, it’s intimate enough to feel personalized but lively enough to meet fellow foodies.

Price & Value

At $68.25 per person, this workshop offers good value for a multi-sensory experience. You’re not only sampling and learning but also baking and tasting your own waffles, which many reviews highlight as a generous and worthwhile part of the experience.

Booking & Cancellation

Most travelers book about 28 days in advance, indicating its popularity. The booking process is straightforward, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the session, adding flexibility for your travel plans.

Age Restrictions & Drinks

The workshop is in English and suitable for those 18 and above for alcoholic drinks. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis, which makes it family-friendly in some cases.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable hosts, particularly highlighting Thomas and Stijn for their engaging storytelling and patience. One reviewer summarized, “Thomas was an amazing host, instructor, and storyteller,” emphasizing the personal touch and expertise that make this experience stand out.

Participants also loved the delicious waffles and beer pairings. Descriptions like “scrumptious waffles” and “great beer tasting” appear often, reinforcing the idea that this activity satisfies both the taste buds and cultural curiosity.

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, friendly, and fun. Whether it’s a small group enjoying the process or meeting fellow travelers, many mention the lively, welcoming vibe that makes this workshop memorable.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re visiting Ghent and want a culinary activity that’s interactive, educational, and seriously delicious, this workshop ticks all the boxes. The combination of expert guidance, the chance to make your own waffles, and enjoy Belgian beers makes it an excellent choice for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and social travelers alike.

It’s particularly suited for couples seeking a fun date activity, friends wanting a shared experience, or families with older children eager to learn and indulge. The relatively short duration fits well into a busy sightseeing schedule, and the intimate group setting ensures you get plenty of personalized attention.

While the price might seem high compared to some casual tastings, the quality, authenticity, and hands-on nature make it a highly worthwhile expense. Plus, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to recreate these pairings at home—transforming a fun afternoon into a lasting culinary memory.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis, as the activity involves alcohol for those 18 and over, but non-alcoholic options are available for minors.

How long does the workshop last?
The entire experience is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, providing enough time to taste, learn, bake, and enjoy.

Where does the activity take place?
It starts at Onderbergen 4A in Ghent’s city center, close to public transportation.

Can I cancel my booking if needed?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, with full refunds.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers guided beer tasting, waffle making, and unlimited toppings, plus the waffles you bake to enjoy on site.

Are drinks served to minors?
For participants under 18, non-alcoholic drinks are served, while those 18+ can enjoy Belgian beers.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
The building is accessible, but stations may not be ideal for those not ambulatory.

In summary, this workshop in Ghent offers a delightful blend of tasting, hands-on cooking, and cultural storytelling that truly captures the essence of Belgian cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie, a beer lover, or just looking for a memorable activity, it’s an experience that’s well worth considering.