Bruges: Belgian Chocolate Workshop & Beer Tasting Class

Summary

Hands-on chocolate making in bruges with beer and laughter

You’ll dip your hands into real Belgian chocolate making alongside a local chocolatier in Bruges, share laughs over lopsided pralines, sip on Belgian beer during the workshop, and walk away with your own handmade treats. It’s relaxed, messy fun — and you might find yourself thinking about that cocoa smell long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a glossy apron and grinned, “Don’t worry if you mess up — everyone does the first time.” I liked her immediately. The kitchen smelled like warm cocoa, but not the sweet kind from childhood — more bitter, earthy. There were people from everywhere: a couple from Spain, two students from Dublin, even a quiet guy who just nodded when I tried to guess his accent (Polish, maybe?). We paired up at these little stations — chocolatières, Li called them — and she started showing us how to swirl the dark chocolate into molds. It was messier than I’d expected; my fingers were sticky almost instantly.

I didn’t realize how much technique goes into making Belgian pralines until I tried piping the ganache. My partner laughed when my first attempt looked like a lopsided snail. Li came over and said something in Dutch that made everyone chuckle (she translated: “Ugly chocolates taste best”). There was bottled water on hand but honestly, the Belgian beer they passed around went better with the rich smell of melting chocolate. Not sure if it’s just me, but sipping cold beer while working with warm chocolate is… weirdly perfect? The workshop was mostly in English but sometimes someone would ask for a word in French or Spanish and Li just rolled with it. Felt easygoing.

By the end, our tray looked like a wonky art project — some chocolates glossy and perfect, others… well, homemade. We got to taste everything we made (plus some extras), and I packed up a little box to take back through Bruges’ cobbled streets. There’s something about carrying your own sweets past those old brick buildings as dusk falls — I still think about that walk sometimes. If you’re after a day trip in Bruges that’s hands-on but not too serious, this Belgian chocolate workshop is it. Just don’t wear white shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Belgian chocolate making workshop

• Meet expert chocolatier
• Create Belgian pralines
• Taste authentic Belgian beer
• Take home chocolate treats

Top questions

Is this Belgian chocolate workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes, no experience is needed — the host guides everyone step by step.

Are drinks included in the Bruges chocolate class?

Yes, bottled water and Belgian beers are provided during the session.

Can children join the Bruges chocolate making workshop?

Children aged 12 or older can participate if accompanied by an adult (1:1 ratio).

Is there an age limit for drinking beer during the workshop?

Only participants 18 years or older are served alcoholic drinks; younger guests get non-alcoholic options.

Do we get to take home what we make?

Yes, you’ll take home all your handmade Belgian chocolates at the end of the class.

What type of chocolate do we use for pralines?

The shells are made with dark chocolate; milk chocolate is used for ganache filling.

Is the workshop held in English?

The main language is English; hosts can translate some parts if needed.

Are food allergies or dietary restrictions accommodated?

Please inform the host in advance about any allergies or restrictions.

What’s included

Your booking covers all cooking materials for making pralines at shared stations, guidance from an expert chocolatier throughout the session, bottled water to keep you refreshed, authentic Belgian beers for those 18+, plus all your finished chocolates boxed up to take home after class.