Beer and waffles in Ghent? It’s a winning combo. This workshop pairs a friendly Belgian beer tasting with hands-on waffle baking, so you’re not just watching history—you’re making it edible. I especially like how the class links the beer to the batter, and how the host turns the session into something lively and easy to follow; the possible drawback is that it’s very beer-focused, so if you don’t drink, you may find the experience a bit less fun than for adults.

Over about 90 minutes, you’ll taste multiple beers, pick your favorite to use in the waffle recipe, then keep baking and eating as long as you’re hungry. I also like that the vibe works for mixed groups, including families, because you still get a guided structure even if you’re there with kids. One thing to consider: the space is set up for a workshop style with stools, so if you use a wheelchair and need specific height or access support, you’ll want to check how comfortable the stations feel for you.

Key moments worth circling

• Beer tasting first, with history and brewing basics tied to what you’ll bake
• Choose one beer to bake with, so your waffles taste like your pick
• Hands-on Brussels-style waffle making, step-by-step with an encouraging host
• Refills on drinks, plus plenty of waffles while you’re in the kitchen
• Small group limit (max 18), so you’re not lost in a crowd
• English-led session, with hosts able to translate some parts if needed

Why a beer-and-waffle workshop is a smart Ghent plan

Ghent can be all churches, canals, and wandering. That’s great. But after a day of sightseeing, I love when a town gives you an edible break—something social, quick, and very local in spirit.

This workshop hits three sweet spots at once. You get Belgian beer tasting, you learn how to bake Belgian-style waffles, and you finish with the payoff: toppings, pairing, and eating what you made. The timing matters too. At roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s short enough to fit around dinner plans, but long enough that you’ll feel like you actually did something—not just sampled and left.

Because it’s capped at 18 participants, the atmosphere tends to stay personal. Plus, it’s offered in English, which makes it easier for international visitors to jump in without needing a crash-course in Belgian food culture.

Finding the workshop at Onderbergen 4 (and what to expect when you arrive)

You’ll meet at Onderbergen 4, 9000 Gent. The activity ends back there, so you don’t have to track a second location later. The format is straightforward: a mobile ticket and then you show up and start tasting and baking.

It’s also described as being near public transportation, which is a big deal in a place like Ghent where you may arrive by tram/bus and don’t want a long hike with a growling stomach.

If you’re traveling with kids, the rules are clear: children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis. And for alcohol, the workshop only serves alcoholic drinks to participants 18+—minors get non-alcoholic drinks. That’s helpful because it keeps the evening from feeling awkward or overly adult-only.

Finally, bring your appetite. This is not a tiny tasting plate moment. You’re meant to bake and eat as many waffles as you want.

Beer tasting in Ghent: your guide to what makes Belgian beer work (and taste) in waffles

The first part is the Belgian beer tasting, and it’s designed to do more than just fill cups. You’ll learn about the history and brewing process behind 3 Belgian beers, then you’ll be invited to pick your favorite. That choice becomes part of your waffles, since you’ll use that beer in the batter later.

I like this approach because it explains the why. Beer isn’t just a drink here; it’s an ingredient. When the host connects styles and flavors—sweet, tart, malty, fruity—you start tasting with purpose. You’re not just sampling; you’re selecting.

The tasting is typically taught by an engaging host. Reviews mention hosts such as Thomas, Tina, Fabian, and Stijn, and they’re described as enthusiastic and patient when moving people through the steps. The vibe you want in a class like this is exactly what those names suggest: the kind of energy that makes you pay attention without making you feel tested.

What you can take away from the tasting, even if you’re not a beer expert:

• You’ll understand the basic style differences among the beers you try.
• You’ll learn how those flavors might show up in the final waffle.
• You’ll get enough context to choose a beer that fits your taste, not just whatever sounds fun.

One practical note: a couple of people said the beers were good but not mind-blowing. That makes sense because you’re tasting 3 beers in one block—so this isn’t a multi-hour beer pilgrimage. Think of it as a smart, fun introduction that leads directly into baking.

Baking Brussels-style waffles with your chosen beer

Then you move from sipping to mixing. During the Belgian waffle baking class, the host guides you through the recipe and baking process, step by step.

Here’s what I think is the most valuable part: you’re not following a vague set of instructions. The class structure is built around you actively doing the work, including the key flavor twist—using your chosen beer in the batter.

Multiple reviews point out that the waffles come out fluffy, and that the process is easy to follow. A few people also mention that the class runs smoothly with practical guidance—exactly what you want if you’re cooking for the first time or if you’re teaching kids in the same room.

A common setup is working in small groups, and at least one review mentions teams of 2 following instructions to make waffles. That matters because it keeps the pace from turning chaotic. You’ll get time to ask questions and get help without feeling like you’re behind the rest of the group.

Also, you’re not limited to one round. Since you can bake and eat as many waffles as you want, the baking portion feels more like a cooking party than a one-and-done demo.

Toppings, pairing, and eating your way through the best part

Once the waffles are ready, it’s the part you came for: eating. The workshop includes food pairing and tasting, with two key ideas.

First, you’ll pair your waffles with a topping of your choice. That gives you control over the final flavor—sweet, fruity, or whatever you prefer.

Second, you’re encouraged to pair with the beer you used in the batter. That’s genuinely satisfying because you can taste the connection between ingredient and result. When your waffle already carries that beer flavor, the pairing isn’t theoretical.

If you’re curious what beers might look like in the lineup, one class example described Kriek (cherry), a peach beer, and Gulden Draak (white bottle). Of course, selection can vary, but it gives you a sense of the style range you might encounter—fruit-forward options, plus more distinctive Belgian characters.

And yes, the amount of food is part of why people love this. Several reviews highlight that you won’t leave hungry. If waffles are your weakness, this class is set up like a responsible way to indulge.

Hosts and group size: why this feels fun instead of stressful

When cooking classes go wrong, it’s usually because the group is too big or the host is trying to move too fast. Here, the workshop is capped at 18 travelers, which helps keep the pacing comfortable.

In reviews, the hosts come across as engaging and patient. Names like Thomas and Stijn pop up again and again, with people calling out story-telling, history-sharing, and supportive teaching. That matters, because beer tasting can turn into a lecture if the host isn’t connecting it to something you care about—in this case, waffles you’re about to bake.

Language is another reason this works. It’s offered in English, and the hosts can translate some parts if necessary. That means you won’t be standing around waiting for translations while your waffle iron heats up.

Price and value: what $71.20 buys you in Ghent

At $71.20 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing to do in Ghent. But it also isn’t a quick snack experience. You’re paying for a full, guided setup that combines three value drivers:

• Instruction time (about 90 minutes): you get hands-on baking guidance, not a pamphlet and a timer.
• Ingredients and drinks included: you’re tasting multiple beers, and you get refills during the session.
• Food payoff: you can bake and eat as many waffles as you want, plus choose toppings.

If you’ve ever bought a beer flight and then separately paid for dessert, the math often feels close. The difference here is that the beer flight and the waffle making aren’t separate activities. They’re linked—your tasting choice becomes your waffle flavor.

For families, it can also be a good trade. You get an activity that’s structured enough to keep kids interested, without turning into a boring museum stop. Just remember the alcohol rule: if a child is under 18, they’ll be served non-alcoholic drinks.

Who should book this workshop (and who might want to skip)

This is a strong pick if you want something:

• Belgian in theme but not overly formal
• Hands-on instead of passive sightseeing
• Social and friendly, especially with friends or family
• English-friendly in a city full of international visitors

It’s also a good “evening break from the grind” when you want to stop walking and start tasting. Several people describe it as an easy, fun switch from typical Ghent sightseeing.

You might consider skipping or tempering expectations if:

• You’re not into beer at all. Even though minors get non-alcoholic options, the whole workshop is built around selecting a beer to bake with.
• You want a long, deep beer seminar. This is a guided tasting plus baking, not a multi-session craft-beer deep dive. The time is short by design.

Quick practical tips before you go

• Come hungry. The workshop is built so you’ll bake and eat plenty of waffles.
• Decide your beer preference during tasting, because that choice shapes your batter.
• Dress comfortably. You’ll be standing and working in a kitchen-style environment.
• If you’re traveling with minors, plan for the 1:1 adult accompaniment for under-16s.
• If you’re 18+, expect alcoholic tastings; if you’re under 18, you’ll get non-alcoholic drinks.
• Service animals are allowed.

Should you book the Waffles ’n Beer Workshop in Ghent?

If you like the idea of Belgian beer plus real cooking, this is an easy yes. The structure is clever: you taste three beers, pick one, and then bake with it. The class is also short enough to fit into a busy Ghent day and small enough (up to 18) to stay fun rather than chaotic.

Book it if you want an active, tasty evening that feels authentically local without being intimidating. Skip it if beer isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a long craft-spirited education session. Otherwise, this is one of those Ghent experiences that turns food into a story you can actually eat.

FAQ

Is the workshop offered in English?

Yes. The workshop is offered in English, and hosts can translate some parts if needed.

How long is the Waffles ’n Beer Workshop in Ghent?

It runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Onderbergen 4, 9000 Gent, Belgium. The experience ends back at this location.

Does the workshop include beer tasting?

Yes. You’ll taste 3 Belgian beers, learn about their history and brewing process, and then choose your favorite to use in the waffle batter.

Can minors participate?

Yes. Only participants 18+ are served alcoholic drinks. Participants under 18 are served non-alcoholic drinks, and children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis.

How many people are in the group?

The workshop has a maximum group size of 18 travelers.