The Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop in Ghent Centre

Ghent’s best food experiences often mix a local specialty with good company, and this one adds a clever twist: you taste three Belgian beers, choose your favorite, then use it in your own waffle batter. The result is part cooking class, part tasting, and part relaxed social evening.

I like the hands-on recipe, which is easy enough for children but still interesting for adults. I also like the generous food: you can bake and eat as many waffles as you want, with toppings to finish them. The main consideration is alcohol. Adults get beer, while children receive non-alcoholic drinks, and the 90-minute session may feel short if you want a serious cooking lesson rather than a fun introduction.

Key points

• Three Belgian beers come first: You learn about each beer’s brewing process and background before picking one for your batter.
• Your chosen beer goes into the waffles: This makes the tasting practical, not just a sample flight.
• Unlimited waffles are included: You have enough batter for several large waffles, with toppings available at the end.
• English is the working language: Hosts can translate some parts when needed, and the international group format encourages conversation.
• The workshop stays small: The maximum group size is 18 people, with pairs often working together.
• Families and friend groups fit well: Children under 16 need a one-to-one adult companion, and participants under 18 receive non-alcoholic drinks.

Why Beer and Waffles Make Sense in Ghent

Belgium is famous for both its beer and its waffles, but they are usually treated as separate pleasures. This workshop puts them together in a way that gives you something to do with what you taste.

The first part introduces three Belgian beers. The selection can include contrasting styles, such as cherry Kriek, peach beer, and Gulden Draak. That range matters. You are not simply comparing three similar pale ales. You get a chance to notice how fruit, sweetness, strength, and bitterness affect your choice.

Then comes the useful part: you select the beer you prefer and add it to your waffle mixture. This turns the tasting into a decision with a delicious payoff. If you prefer a fruit beer, the batter takes on a different character than it would with a darker or stronger beer.

I like this format because it gives you a small piece of Belgian food culture without pretending to be a formal culinary course. You learn enough to understand the pairing, then get straight to cooking and eating.

Starting at Onderbergen 4 in Central Ghent

The workshop begins at Onderbergen 4, 9000 Gent, and ends at the same location. The central setting makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing, though you should allow enough time to find the address and arrive ready to begin.

The activity lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That is a good length for a break between museums, canals, churches, and city walks. It is long enough for three tastings, a demonstration, hands-on baking, and a meal-sized serving of waffles, but it does not take over half your day.

Because the maximum group size is 18, you should expect a shared class rather than a private lesson. That is part of the appeal. You may be paired with another person or work with your own companion, and the workshop creates a natural chance to meet people from different countries.

If you want a quiet, highly customized cooking session, this may not be the right fit. If you like a little conversation and laughter while you cook, the group format works in your favor.

Three Belgian Beers Before the Oven

The beer tasting opens the workshop. Your host explains the background and brewing process of three Belgian beers, with tasting tips to help you notice the differences.

The hosts are a major part of the experience. Thomas is often praised for combining beer facts, stories, and patient instruction. Tina, Fabian, Anna, and Stijn have also led sessions, with the emphasis consistently on friendly guidance and an easy pace.

You do not need to arrive with specialist beer knowledge. The point is to learn how Belgian brewing can cover a wide range of flavors. A cherry beer may taste sweet and fruity, while a peach beer offers another kind of fruit character. Gulden Draak brings a different profile altogether. The exact selection can vary, so do not book expecting one fixed three-beer menu.

The tasting is also a useful introduction for people who are unsure about Belgian beer. You can compare styles before committing to one in your waffle batter. If you already know Belgian beer well, the value lies less in rare bottles and more in the pairing and the stories around them.

Refills are available during the workshop, which helps keep the session social. Still, pace yourself. The activity combines alcohol with a generous amount of food, and the goal is to enjoy the flavors rather than rush through the glasses.

Participants under 18 receive non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks are served only to people aged 18 and above.

Choosing the Beer for Your Waffle Batter

After tasting, you choose the beer that will flavor your waffles. This is the workshop’s most memorable idea because it gives you control over the final dish.

The recipe produces Brussels-style waffles, which are light and fluffy rather than dense and heavy. You follow the host’s instructions as a pair or small team, then pour the batter into the waffle maker and learn the basic baking process.

The recipe is designed to be easy to follow. Several hosts are praised for being patient and clear, which matters when a group is working at different speeds. You do not need advanced cooking skills, and children can take part with an adult beside them.

The beer does not turn the class into a difficult experiment. Instead, it adds a small variation to a familiar recipe. You may notice a gentle difference in flavor depending on the beer you select, but the main pleasure comes from making the waffles yourself and eating them warm.

One practical detail: you should expect a lot of food. One serving of batter can produce about four very large waffles, and the class allows you to bake and eat as many as you want. That makes this more than a small demonstration with one sample bite. Come hungry.

Baking, Toppings, and the Best Part

Once the batter is mixed, the workshop moves into baking. You work through the steps with guidance from the host, then wait for the waffles to cook.

This is where the activity feels most social. You are not sitting silently through a lecture. You are handling the batter, watching the waffle maker, and deciding how to finish the result. The hands-on work also gives children a clear role, though younger participants need close adult supervision.

When the waffles are ready, you add a topping of your choice and pair them with the beer used in the batter. The combination is the point of the class. You taste the beer on its own, use it in the recipe, and then see how it works with a sweet topping.

The topping selection is described as generous, though the exact choices are not specified. You should expect enough variety to customize your waffles, but do not book this as a detailed pastry workshop with a long menu of specialty toppings.

The food portions are one of the strongest reasons to consider the price. You do not leave after a tiny tasting. The waffles are large, fluffy, and plentiful, making the workshop capable of replacing a snack or light meal.

Hosts Who Make the Difference

A simple recipe can become dull with poor instruction. Here, the host’s energy shapes the evening.

Thomas receives particular praise for his beer stories, tasting guidance, waffle instruction, and patient manner. Fabian is described as entertaining and accommodating, while Stijn is repeatedly singled out as a warm and effective host. Tina and Anna are also noted for making the session friendly and easy to follow.

You should think of this as a host-led social workshop, not a rigid school. The best moments come from the mix of beer history, cooking help, and conversation. Hosts can translate some parts when necessary, but the working language is English because the group includes people from around the world.

That makes the workshop a good choice if you want an activity that is easy to join even when you are visiting Ghent independently. You do not need to bring a group of six friends to make it enjoyable.

The host quality can vary from one departure to another because different people lead the sessions. Still, the format gives each host room to be personal, and the repeated praise for patience and enthusiasm is encouraging.

Who Should Book This Workshop

I would recommend this for couples, families, and groups of friends looking for something more active than a restaurant meal.

Families should note the age rules. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one basis. That means one adult should be assigned to each child under 16, rather than assuming one parent can comfortably supervise several young children at the workstations.

The class also works for adults traveling together. You get food, beer, an easy cooking task, and a chance to meet other people without signing up for a long evening tour.

It suits first-time visitors especially well because it introduces two major Belgian food traditions in one sitting. It is also a pleasant change of pace if you have spent the day looking at architecture and want an activity involving your hands and appetite.

I would be more cautious about booking it if you dislike beer, cannot drink alcohol, or want a serious technical baking course. The session is built around the beer tasting, though minors are given non-alcoholic drinks, and the waffle recipe remains the central food activity.

Is $71.20 a Fair Price?

At $71.20 per person, this is not the cheapest way to eat a waffle in Ghent. You can buy a prepared waffle for much less. The price makes sense only if you value the full experience: three beer tastings, instruction, your own baking session, toppings, refills, and unlimited waffles.

The generous portions improve the value. You are not paying for a single waffle and a few sips of beer. The class can provide several large waffles, and the food is substantial enough that you should not plan a large meal immediately afterward.

The price also includes the social side, which is difficult to measure but important. A good host turns a basic recipe into a memorable activity. Names such as Thomas and Stijn are worth noting when you read the available departure details, but you should not assume a particular host will lead your session.

For a visitor who wants a simple food tasting, the cost may feel high. For someone who wants an organized activity in central Ghent with both food and drinks included, it is easier to justify.

The workshop is commonly booked about 31 days ahead, so planning early is sensible, especially if you need a certain date or want to include it in a family schedule.

Practical Details Before You Go

You receive confirmation when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep it on your phone. The activity is offered in English, with some translation available if needed.

The experience is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. The building is accessible for wheelchair users, though the workstations use tall tables and stools, which may not suit someone who cannot transfer from a wheelchair. If that affects you, contact the provider before booking so you can discuss the setup.

Make sure you select the Ghent location when booking. This experience begins and ends in Ghent, not at another Belgian venue.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached and the activity is canceled, you receive a choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should You Book Waffles ‘n Beer?

Book it if you want a relaxed, tasty activity with real participation. The combination of three Belgian beers, a beer-based waffle recipe, plenty of food, and friendly hosts gives you more than a standard tasting.

It is especially good for families with the required adult supervision, couples, and friends who want a shared activity. The food is plentiful, the recipe is approachable, and the class fits neatly into a Ghent sightseeing day.

Skip it if you are looking for an advanced baking lesson, a private tour, or a quiet tasting focused only on rare beers. For most visitors, though, this is a fun way to connect Belgian beer and waffles while taking a welcome break from sightseeing.

FAQ

Where does the Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop take place?

The workshop starts at Onderbergen 4, 9000 Gent, Belgium, in central Ghent. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the workshop last?

The workshop lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What language is the workshop offered in?

The workshop is offered in English because people from around the world take part. Hosts can translate some parts when necessary.

How many beers do you taste?

You taste three Belgian beers and learn about their history and brewing process. You then choose one of them to use in your waffle batter.

Can I bake more than one waffle?

Yes. You can bake and eat as many waffles as you want during the workshop. The batter can produce several large waffles.

Are drinks included for children?

Participants under 18 receive non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks are served only to participants aged 18 and above.

Can children join the workshop?

Yes, children can join, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one basis.

Is the workshop accessible for wheelchair users?

The building is accessible for wheelchair users, but the workstations have tall tables and stools. The setup may not be ideal for someone who cannot transfer from a wheelchair.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.