Bruges: Belgian Chocolate Workshop & Pralines Making

Summary

Belgian chocolate making in bruges with pralines and hot cocoa

You’ll get your hands sticky tempering real Belgian chocolate in Bruges, shape pralines from scratch (not just dipping!), laugh with locals over ganache mishaps, sip rich hot cocoa, and leave with your own golden box packed with handmade treats—plus the recipes to try again at home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — not just sweet, but warm and kind of nutty, drifting out from the kitchen as we walked in. Our instructor, Tom, was already grinning at us over a big bowl of glossy melted chocolate. He had this way of talking about cocoa beans like they were old friends. We paired up (I ended up with a German woman who’d never tempered chocolate either) and Tom showed us how to swirl the chocolate on marble until it cooled just right. I didn’t expect it to feel so… meditative? There’s something about that slow back-and-forth motion that makes you forget you’re surrounded by strangers.

Making the praline shells was trickier than it looked — my first batch came out lopsided, but Tom just laughed and said “Ugly chocolates taste best.” We filled them with ganache (the smell when you crack open the shell is unreal) and tried our hand at mendiants too. I got a little carried away with the toppings; my pistachios kept rolling off. There was this moment where everyone went quiet, just focused on their own creations — except for one guy who accidentally flung melted chocolate onto his shirt. No judgment here.

Somewhere in between filling shells and closing them up, Tom handed out mugs of thick Belgian hot chocolate. It tasted deeper than anything I’ve had before — almost smoky, if that makes sense. We boxed up our 30-something chocolates in these shiny gold boxes (mine slightly sticky), and I caught myself grinning like a kid. Walking back outside into Bruges’ cobbled streets with my box under my arm, I kept thinking about how something as simple as making chocolate can bring people together for an afternoon. Still makes me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chocolate making workshop in Bruges

• Learn tempering process
• Make praline shells
• Prepare ganache filling
• Make mendiants chocolates
• Fill and close praline shells
• Enjoy amazing hot chocolate
• Take home handmade chocolates

Top questions

How many chocolates do you make during the workshop?

You’ll make over 30 pieces per person to take home in a box.

Is this Belgian chocolate workshop suitable for kids?

Kids aged 12 years and up are welcome to join the class.

Do I get to take my chocolates home after the class?

Yes, you’ll receive a golden box to pack your handmade chocolates.

Is everything provided or do I need to bring ingredients?

All ingredients and equipment are provided for you during the workshop.

Can the workshop be made vegan or dairy free?

The workshop can be made dairy free or vegan except for the hot chocolate which contains dairy.

What types of chocolates will we make?

You’ll learn how to make pralines and mendiants from scratch.

Is public transportation available near the location?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

Will we learn how to temper chocolate ourselves?

Yes, you’ll learn tempering hands-on as part of making pralines from scratch.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients and equipment needed to craft more than 30 Belgian chocolates per person—pralines and mendiants—plus a golden box to take them home in and rich hot chocolate served during the session. Recipes are provided so you can recreate everything later on your own.