Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local

If you’re traveling to Belgium and want more than just sightseeing, trying a local cooking experience can be a real highlight. This private tour offers a chance to step into a Ghent home and learn how to make classic Belgian dishes alongside a local host, Suzy. It’s not a commercial kitchen class; instead, it’s more like visiting a friend’s house where you get to cook, chat, and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are its genuine warmth and the chance to see a real Belgian home, complete with art and beautiful gardens. Plus, the food itself is a real treat—imagine learning to make hearty stoverij (beef stewed in beer) or Belgian endives with cheese and ham. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience lasts about four hours, so it’s a leisurely commitment. It’s best suited for those curious about local culture, food lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of Belgian life.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience in a Ghent home with a warm host
• Learn to cook traditional Belgian dishes like stoverij and witloof
• Enjoy a full meal with drinks, created from locally sourced ingredients
• Beautiful setting with a lush garden and art-filled home
• Flexible schedule and seasonally varied menu
• Ideal for travelers craving authentic local culture and cuisine

A Honest Look at the Experience

When considering a culinary tour like this, it’s helpful to understand what you’re signing up for. This isn’t a commercial cooking class full of large groups and standardized recipes. Instead, it’s a private, intimate experience where you get to see behind the scenes in a Belgian home, learn about local ingredients, and share a meal with your hosts, Suzy and Bob. It’s designed to be warm, engaging, and informative, perfect for those who enjoy a more personal touch.

Meeting Your Hosts and Setting

The experience begins in Wondelgem, a neighborhood in Ghent, where Suzy’s home provides a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Her house is described as a beautiful, art-filled haven, decorated with Flemish art inherited from her family, which adds a sense of history and personality to the setting. Surrounded by gardens with various fruit trees and herbs, the environment already hints at fresh, homegrown ingredients that you’ll likely use during the class.

Suzy’s hospitality gets glowing reviews. One reviewer called her “an incredibly warm, wonderful, and delightful host with a lovely sense of humor,” which sets a relaxed tone from the start. Her garden walk before cooking offers a nice touch—being able to pick herbs and see fruit trees brings a fresh, farm-to-table feeling to the lesson.

What You’ll Cook and Why It Matters

The menu varies with the season, but you can expect to prepare a starter or soup, a main course such as stoverij, and a dessert. The focus is on local ingredients of high quality, which makes the dishes taste authentic and flavorful. Suzy’s approach is to teach you techniques and share stories behind the dishes, so you come away not just with recipes but with a better understanding of Belgian cuisine.

One of the standout dishes mentioned is stoverij, a hearty beef stew traditionally cooked in beer—an essential Belgian comfort food. Preparing this dish offers insight into Belgium’s love of beer and slow-cooking techniques. Witloof (Belgian endives with cheese and ham) is another popular option, showcasing simple ingredients elevated through thoughtful preparation.

The Meal and Beverages

After two hours of hands-on cooking, the group sits down to enjoy the fruits of their labor. You’ll eat around Suzy’s dining table, which is a warm, friendly space filled with engaging conversation. The meal is accompanied by beer or wine, highlighting Belgium’s renowned brewing culture. Several reviews mention how delicious and satisfying the food was, with one noting, “the food was interesting and enjoyable,” and another praising the “delightful conversations” that made the experience feel like dining with friends.

The Value of the Experience

At $99 per person, this experience offers good value for a personalized cooking session and a full, home-cooked meal. It’s a chance to not only learn recipes but to also gain cultural insights and stories from Suzy about growing up in Belgium. Many reviews highlight how much guests appreciated Suzy and Bob’s warmth and the opportunity to “peek into a Belgian home,” making this more than just a cooking class—it’s a cultural exchange.

Practical Considerations

The experience lasts about four hours, making it suitable for those who want a leisurely, in-depth activity rather than a quick demo. The meeting point is in Wondelgem, and transportation is not included, so plan accordingly. It’s near public transportation, which makes getting there manageable for most travelers.

If you or anyone in your group has dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s best to communicate these when booking, as the menu varies seasonally and might include parts that need several hours of cooking.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently praise the warmth of Suzy and Bob, with one reviewer saying, “They were warm and friendly hosts, and I learned a lot about Belgium, Flanders, and regional cuisine.” Another found the experience “a fun and memorable time,” appreciating the chance to escape typical tourist activities and instead enjoy authentic food and conversation.

Some also mention how the setting—Suzy’s beautiful home and peaceful gardens—made the experience feel special. The opportunity to share a meal in a real Belgian home, with stories and local ingredients, is what makes this tour stand out.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy food, learning about local culture, and relaxed, personalized experiences. It’s ideal for those who want to go beyond sightseeing and truly connect with Belgian life through its cuisine. It’s not suited for anyone expecting a professional cooking class or a fast-paced activity—this is about savoring the process, the flavors, and the company.

Given its private nature, it’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a tailored experience. It’s also a good choice for foodies curious about Belgian dishes or travelers who appreciate local stories behind their meals.

FAQs

How long does the experience last?
It runs about four hours, including the cooking and dining time, providing a relaxed pace to enjoy each part.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in Wondelgem, Ghent, Belgium, at Suzy’s home, which is accessible by public transportation.

Is this experience suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, but you should inform the hosts of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences when booking, as the menu varies seasonally.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, all ingredients, tools, and beverages are included. Just bring your appetite and curiosity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund, making it flexible enough to plan around travel changes.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family activity, it’s suitable for food-loving travelers who enjoy a calm, cultural experience in a home setting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine taste of Belgian life, this cooking experience in Ghent offers more than just recipes—it’s a window into local culture, hospitality, and tradition. With a warm host, a beautiful home, and a delicious meal, it’s easy to see why visitors give it a perfect rating. The private setting and personalized approach make it particularly appealing for those seeking something authentic and meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about Belgian cuisine, this experience provides a memorable, flavorful journey that’s well worth the time and money.