A Sweet and Savory Adventure in Ghent: Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Beer Tasting
When searching for a way to truly connect with Belgian culture, a chocolate workshop combined with beer tasting in Ghent offers an engaging, delicious experience. This tour, offered by Waffles ‘n Beer, promises participants the chance to craft their own pralines from scratch while enjoying some of Belgium’s finest brews. It’s a perfect fit for those who love sweet treats, authentic local flavors, and hands-on activities that offer both fun and education.
Two things that stand out about this experience are the opportunity to learn traditional Belgian chocolate techniques under the guidance of an expert chocolatier and the tasting of authentic Belgian beers. These elements add a genuine, immersive layer to your visit. That said, a potential consideration is the group size, as each chocolate station is shared between two participants, which might limit some individual space.
This tour suits travelers with a curious palate, a sweet tooth, or a desire to understand Belgium’s renowned culinary craft. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can get creative and take home some tasty souvenirs.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Hands-on experience: Create your own Belgian pralines from scratch with expert guidance.
- Authentic tastings: Enjoy a tasting of genuine Belgian beers, adding a savory dimension to your visit.
- Memorable souvenirs: Take home your handmade chocolates as tasty keepsakes or gifts.
- Educational value: Learn the secrets behind Belgian chocolate-making in a relaxed environment.
- Age and dietary considerations: Suitable for ages 12 and up, with accommodations for dietary restrictions if informed in advance.
- Convenient and flexible: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ghent.
The Experience in Detail
The Meeting Point and Arrival
Your sweet journey begins at a tall white building with a big green wooden door in Ghent. The door is usually open, but if not, a quick tap on the window will do the trick. The host awaits upstairs, where the workshop space is located—first door on the left. This straightforward setup makes it easy to find your way, especially after a day of sightseeing.
The Workshop Setup
Once inside, you’ll settle into a cozy, well-equipped space designed for creativity. Each chocolate station, or “chocolatière,” is shared by two participants. This means you’ll work closely with your partner or fellow traveler, which often results in shared laughs and new friends. The host, often fluent in English and able to translate some parts if needed, guides you through each step of the process.
More Great Tours NearbyCrafting Belgian Pralines
The core of this experience is learning how to make traditional Belgian pralines. The workshop uses Callebaut dark chocolate for the shells and milk chocolate for the ganache filling, ensuring you work with premium ingredients. You’ll learn how to form the delicate shells, fill them with creamy ganache, and finish your chocolates with a professional touch.
Participants report that the process is fun and educational. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the host explained the techniques in a simple, engaging manner,” and another noted, “Creating the pralines was surprisingly easy and very satisfying.” The result is a perfect blend of hands-on activity and the thrill of making something delicious from scratch.
Beer Tasting Component
While the chocolates are cooling or setting, you’ll indulge in a tasting of authentic Belgian beers. This part of the experience adds a savory, adult-only dimension that balances the sweetness of the chocolates. Beers are served only to those 18 and older, with non-alcoholic options available for minors or those who prefer them. Several reviews highlight that the beer tasting was a nice complement to the workshop, offering a genuine taste of Belgium’s brewing heritage.
Taking Your Creations Home
At the end of the workshop, you’ll receive a box of your handmade chocolates, perfect for sharing or keeping as a tasty souvenir. Many participants mention how proud they felt of their creations, which turned out to be both beautiful and delicious.
The Practical Side
Duration and Schedule
The workshop lasts about 2 hours, with start times varying based on availability. It’s best to check ahead for current schedules. Since it’s a relatively short activity, it fits well into a busy sightseeing day in Ghent, and the flexible booking options—reserve now, pay later—allow you to plan confidently.
Cost and Value
While the price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of expert guidance, all ingredients, a tasting, and your handmade chocolates makes for a good value—especially considering the quality of ingredients and the hands-on nature of the experience. You get a memorable activity and skills to impress friends and family, making it a worthwhile addition to your Ghent itinerary.
Group Size and Atmosphere
With each station shared by two participants, the setting fosters a friendly, intimate vibe that’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers. The relaxed environment encourages creativity and conversation, making it more of a social event than a formal class.
Accessibility and Restrictions
This experience is suitable for ages 12 and above, with minors needing to be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis. All participants should inform the host of any dietary restrictions or allergies beforehand, ensuring a safe and enjoyable session.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?
This Belgian chocolate and beer experience is a winning choice for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone interested in authentic Belgian treats. It’s especially appealing if you want a fun, interactive activity that ends with delicious souvenirs to take home. The opportunity to learn a new skill while enjoying local flavors offers a genuine taste of Ghent’s culinary tradition.
Travelers who value quality ingredients, a relaxed atmosphere, and a bit of hands-on fun will find this workshop to be a highlight. It’s also an excellent option for those seeking a cultural experience that’s both educational and tasty.
If you’re seeking a memorable, uniquely Belgian activity that combines craftsmanship with tasting, this workshop is hard to beat. Just remember to check availability and be ready to get a little messy—and very, very indulgent.
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, the workshop is for participants aged 12 and older. Minors under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis.
Do I need to know how to cook or make chocolates?
Not at all. The workshop is designed for all skill levels—beginners and chocolate enthusiasts alike will enjoy learning new techniques in a friendly setting.
What ingredients are used?
Premium dark Callebaut chocolate is used for the shells, and milk chocolate for the ganache filling. You can inform the host of any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.
Are the beers included in the price?
The tasting of Belgian beers is part of the experience. Beers are served only to those 18 and older, with non-alcoholic drinks available for minors or non-drinkers.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Where exactly do I meet the guide?
Look for a tall white building with a green door. The door is usually open, and the host awaits upstairs, first door on the left. If you need help, just tap on the window, and someone will open the door.
This Ghent workshop offers a delightful mix of learning, tasting, and creating—perfect for anyone looking to add a little sweetness to their Belgian adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned chocolatier or just eager to try your hand at crafting pralines, this experience promises fun, flavor, and a tasty souvenir to remember your trip by.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Drinking Tours in Ghent
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- Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a Young Local
- Belgian Wines Tasting in a UNESCO Heritage Home in Ghent
- Dinants Riverside, Castle and Beer Monastery Expedition
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