Ghent: Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Beer Tasting

If you’re ever in Ghent and feeling like indulging in some sweet and savory experiences, this Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Beer Tasting offers a pretty irresistible combo. While I haven’t personally taken this class, it’s one of those activities that seem like a great way to connect with Belgium’s legendary culinary scene in a hands-on, memorable way. What I love about it? First, how you get to create your own Belgian pralines from scratch — a skill you can actually impress friends with back home. Second, the beer tasting adds that authentic Belgian flavor, making it feel both fun and genuinely local.

On the flip side, a small consideration is that the workshop lasts just two hours, so while it’s packed with activity, it’s also relatively quick. It’s probably best suited for travelers who want a taste of Belgian culture without a huge time commitment. If you’re someone who enjoys combining food, craft, and local drinks in a relaxed setting, this experience could be a wonderful fit for you.

Key Points

• Hands-on chocolate making lets you craft Belgian pralines from scratch.
• Includes beer tasting, giving you a genuine taste of Belgium’s brewing tradition.
• Expert guidance ensures you learn the secrets of chocolate craftsmanship.
• Take home your chocolates as tasty souvenirs and show-stopping treats.
• Flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Shared stations mean a more intimate, interactive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Workshop

This isn’t just a demonstration — it’s an interactive session that encourages your creativity. You’ll meet your expert chocolatier guide in Ghent’s charming workshop space, which is located at a recognizable green-fronted building. Once inside, you’ll be guided upstairs where the activity begins. The setup is friendly and relaxed, perfect whether you’re a total novice or already have a sweet tooth.

You start by learning the art of Belgian chocolate making, focusing on creating praline shells using dark Callebaut chocolate and filling them with luscious ganache made from milk chocolate. The ingredients are provided, so all you need to do is bring your enthusiasm. The process is explained clearly, and the host keeps it light-hearted and fun, making it accessible for everyone.

While you work on your chocolates, you’ll also get to enjoy a Belgian beer tasting — a key element of the experience. The beers are authentic, and the guide explains a bit about their origins and brewing techniques, adding a layer of cultural insight. It’s a nice balance: crafting chocolates with the lively, social vibe of tasting Belgian beers.

The Crafting Experience

The highlight is definitely creating your own personalized pralines. The process involves melting, shaping, and filling chocolates, which is surprisingly straightforward with guidance. Many reviews highlight how people of all skill levels find the experience enjoyable, with some noting, “It was so much fun to make chocolates from scratch and then see how they turned out.” The chocolates you make are yours to take home, making this a fantastic souvenir or gift for friends and family.

It’s worth noting that each chocolate station is shared by two participants, fostering a friendly, social atmosphere. You might find it encourages a bit of conversation and camaraderie among fellow travelers, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

The Beer Tasting

Belgium’s beer culture is famous worldwide, and this workshop captures that spirit. The tasting includes authentic Belgian beers, and the guide explains their background and what makes them special. You might find the beers complement the chocolates well, adding a layered sensory experience. For those under 18, non-alcoholic drinks are served, making it accessible for families or younger participants.

Practical Details & Group Dynamics

The workshop lasts about two hours, which is a good duration — not too long, but enough to fully enjoy the process without feeling rushed. The group size tends to be small, allowing for personalized attention from the guide. The cost covers all materials, the expert guidance, the tasting, and your handmade chocolates to take home.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity. This is handy if you’re trying to keep plans flexible. Just note that the workshop doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to get yourself there.

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Is It Worth It?

When considering value, think about the skill you’ll gain and the souvenirs you’ll get. Creating your own chocolates is an engaging experience that’s not only fun but also leaves you with a tangible reminder of your trip. The added beer tasting injects a lively, authentic touch that enriches the overall experience.

Reviews have praised the knowledgeable hosts and the relaxed environment, making it suitable whether you’re alone, with friends, or even with family (as long as everyone is of age or accompanied).

Who Will Love This?

This workshop is perfect for food lovers, curious travelers wanting a hands-on activity, or those interested in Belgian culture beyond just sightseeing. If you enjoy craft workshops, tasting sessions, or want a memorable story to share, you’ll likely find this a highlight of your trip. It’s also a good choice for anyone looking for a short but engaging cultural experience in Ghent.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a fun, practical way to connect with Belgian tradition, this chocolate-making and beer-tasting combo hits the mark. It offers a playful mix of learning new skills, tasting authentic products, and taking home a sweet souvenir. The relaxed atmosphere and expert guidance make it accessible to most, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about Belgian chocolates and beers.

While it’s a quick experience, it’s packed with memorable moments and genuine cultural insights. It works best for travelers who want a taste of local craftsmanship without a long commitment but still crave an engaging, hands-on activity. If you’re exploring Ghent and want to add a flavorful, interactive stop to your itinerary, this workshop is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
The workshop is for participants aged 12 and older. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 basis, making it a family-friendly activity if everyone meets the age requirement.

Are there vegetarian or allergy considerations?
You should inform the organizers in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. The workshop uses dark Callebaut chocolate for shells and milk chocolate for ganache, so allergies related to these ingredients should be disclosed.

What language is the workshop conducted in?
The activity is in English, but hosts can translate some parts if needed, making it accessible for international participants.

How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including the chocolate-making session and beer tasting.

Is the workshop physically demanding?
Not at all. It involves some hands-on chocolate crafting and tasting, but nothing strenuous. It’s suitable for most levels of ability.

Do I get to take home my chocolates?
Yes, each participant leaves with their own handmade chocolates, which is a lovely souvenir of the experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Do I need transportation to the meeting point?
No, you’re responsible for reaching the starting location, which is marked by a tall white building with a big green door. The activity ends back at the same point.

If you’re visiting Ghent and want a creative, tasty activity that lets you learn about Belgian chocolate and beer in a friendly setting, this workshop is an experience worth considering. It’s a charming way to spend a couple of hours, gaining new skills and sweet souvenirs to remember your trip by.

You can check availability for your dates here: