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

Flanders , Belgium

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

Active

(23 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join Suzy in her modern kitchen and learn to cook three Belgian dishes that might include a soup or dessert, appetizer and main. You can expect the cooking experience to last two hours before you sit down and share the meal you helped prepare with Suzy and Bob.

You might try stoverij (juicy chunks of beef stewed in beer), vol au vent (chicken and mushrooms in a bechamel sauce), witloof (Belgian endive with cheese and ham) or Suzy's creation roast chicken with fresh garden vegetables and homemade bread. Suzy is particular about cooking with high quality ingredients - she gets her meat from a local butcher that personally sources from a local farm. Beer or wine is included in your experience!

This is a wonderful opportunity to peek into a Belgian home and learn about the country, its locals and their cuisine!

Available options

Cooking class and lunch

Cooking class and dinner

What's included

Private cooking class + meal with your host Suzy

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Alcoholic Beverages

Lunch

Dinner

Gratuities

Beverages

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR NL

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Menu varies depending on the season - some parts of the dishes need to cook for several hours and may be cooked in advance to save time during the lesson.

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking

Private, personalized experience

Please note, this is not a commercial cooking class, rather this experience is a visit into a Ghent home to meet a local who is an expert cook, and share Belgian culture and cuisine together.

Meeting point

Meet Suzy at her home in Wondelgem neighborhood of Ghent. Please check the 'Before you go' section on your voucher for the exact address, the above only offers neighbourhood details, and not the exact address. Exact address and contact information can be found in your ticket upon confirmation.

Important notes

Host name: Suzy Louwers
Phone: +32 (0) 478 34 58 16
Email: louwers.suzy@gmail.com
Address: Knotwilgenlaan 4, Wondelgem, Ghent, Belgium 9032

Meeting Instructions: Meet your host Suzy at her home located in the northeast of Ghent.

STARTING FROM SINT-PIETERS STATION: (the main Gent Station): take Bus 9b to Wondelgem Station (buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes) It takes approximately 45 minutes. – Wondelgem Station is the terminal. More information: https://www.delijn.be/en/routeplanner/ There is also an hourly train From Sint-Pieters Station to Wondelgem Station (it takes app 25 min)
Check the departure times on https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/wondelgem-to-gent-sint-pieters - It’s a 5 minutes’ walk from Wondelgem Station to our house. Coming out of the station, go to he right and take the Vierweegse Straat. At the traffic lights turn right into Evergemse Steenweg. Take the 1st street on the left (Haagbeuklaan)(a veterinarian practice on the corner), follow the bend to the right. Knotwilgenlaan 4 is in the 2nd bend.

STARTING FROM THE CITY CENTRE: take Bus 5a – at ‘Bij St Jacobs’ (just off Vrijdagsmarkt (Friday Market) (or the end of Belfort Straat) – platform 1 towards Wondelgem. Get off at Vledermuisstraat. ASK THE DRIVER! Cross the street and take Haagbeuklaan. (a veterinarian practice on the corner), follow the bend to the right. Knotwilgenlaan 4 is in the 2nd bend.It’s a 3 minutes’ walk. More information: https://www.delijn.be/en/routeplanner/

Please call Suzy if you need help with directions.

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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

About Flanders

Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern region of Belgium, renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant art scene, and picturesque countryside. This region is home to historic cities like Bruges and Ghent, as well as the bustling capital of Brussels, offering a rich blend of culture, history, and modern attractions.

Top Attractions

Grand Place, Brussels

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Place is the central square of Brussels, surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall. It's a must-visit for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore the square; museum entry fees apply

Belfry of Bruges

The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Climbing the 366 steps to the top is a rewarding experience for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Historical 1-2 hours €12

Gravensteen, Ghent

The Gravensteen is a well-preserved medieval castle in Ghent, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history. The castle houses a museum with exhibits on medieval life and torture devices.

Historical 1-2 hours €12

Antwerp Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in the world, Antwerp Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful botanical gardens. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.

Nature 2-3 hours €26.50

Grote Markt, Antwerp

The Grote Markt is the central square of Antwerp, surrounded by historic buildings and the impressive Brabo Fountain. It's a lively area with numerous cafes and restaurants.

Historical 1 hour Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stoofvlees

A traditional Flemish beef stew cooked in beer and served with fries or mashed potatoes.

Dinner Contains beef and beer.

Carbonade Flamande

A slow-cooked beef and onion stew made with Belgian beer, served with fries or bread.

Dinner Contains beef and beer.

Moules-Frites

Steamed mussels served with a side of crispy fries, often cooked in white wine, cream, or beer.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and may contain dairy or alcohol.

Waffles

Belgian waffles are a sweet treat, often topped with whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit. They come in two main varieties: Brussels waffles and Liège waffles.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian, but may contain dairy or sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Ardennes Cycling through the Flemish countryside Boat tours along the canals of Bruges Spa and wellness treatments in Antwerp Visiting museums and historic sites in Ghent Attending festivals and events in Brussels Boat tours along the canals of Bruges and Ghent Beach trips to the Belgian coast

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak season offers warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the countryside. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: French, English, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Flanders is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on a price or use a meter before starting your journey
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or distractions, as these can be a common scam

Getting there

By air

Brussels Airport • 12 km from Brussels city center
Antwerp International Airport • 4 km from Antwerp city center

By train

Brussels Central Station, Antwerp Central Station

By bus

Brussels North Bus Station, Antwerp Bus Station, Ghent Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are efficient and comfortable, offering frequent services between major cities and towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sint-Jans-Molenbeek Sint-Anna Patershol Zurenborg Rupel

Day trips

Brugge

95 km from Brussels • Full day

Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque medieval city known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. It offers a charming and romantic atmosphere, with numerous museums, historic sites, and local shops.

Gent

55 km from Brussels • Full day

Ghent is a vibrant city with a rich history, known for its medieval architecture, universities, and lively cultural scene. It offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and modern attractions, as well as a thriving food and nightlife scene.

Antwerpen

45 km from Brussels • Full day

Antwerp is a dynamic city known for its fashion, diamond district, and rich artistic heritage. It offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and modern attractions, as well as a thriving food and shopping scene.

Festivals

Brussels Pride • Late May to early June Ghent Festivities • Mid-July Antwerp International Film Festival • Late June to early July

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Dutch, as it is the official language and can help you connect with locals
Try local specialties, such as stoofvlees, carbonade flamande, and moules-frites, as well as Belgian beer, chocolate, and waffles
Visit smaller towns and rural areas for a more authentic and less touristy experience
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around, as Flanders has an excellent public transport network and is very bike-friendly
Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, as pickpocketing can be a problem