How to set up a Websta profile as a chef or caterer in Belgium

What your Websta profile should contain

Your profile page acts as a simple website for your catering or private chef business. Start with a clear description of what you offer: do you prepare meals for private dinners, corporate events, weddings, or everyday meal delivery. Clients in Belgium search for chefs and caterers by location and service type, so be specific about the areas you cover - whether you work in Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels, or across multiple regions.

Add photos of your finished dishes and your work setup. Food photography matters because people decide quickly based on what they see. Include images that show the style and quality you deliver, whether that is plated fine dining, family-style service, or buffet presentation.

List the services you provide as separate entries: private dinner preparation, event catering, menu consultation, dietary specialisation (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), or meal prep packages. Each service can have its own description and booking or quote request option. This makes it easier for clients to find exactly what they need.

Booking and quote requests

Websta offers two ways for clients to connect with you: online booking for services with a set scope, or a contact form for quote requests. Most chefs and caterers in Belgium use quote requests because each job is different - the number of guests, event type, dietary requirements, and location all change the scope of work.

Set up a quote request form so clients can tell you what they need: date, number of guests, event type, location, and any special requests. You then review the details and respond with a custom offer. This workflow matches how catering clients actually work.

Languages to publish in

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Brussels and parts of Flanders speak Dutch and French. Most of Flanders speaks Dutch. Most of Wallonia speaks French. A small area near the German border speaks German.

At minimum, publish your profile in Dutch and French so you reach clients across the country. If you work near the German-speaking cantons or Brussels, consider adding German or English as well. You can set up separate versions of your profile for each language on Websta.

How clients search for chefs and caterers in Belgium

People in Belgium find catering services through the Websta marketplace by searching for 'chef' or 'caterer' and filtering by their town or region. The marketplace also allows customers to post a task describing their event - date, location, guest count, and what they need - and providers can make offers on it.

When you set up your profile, you specify the towns and regions where you work. Clients near those areas will see your profile when they search. A chef based in Antwerp who travels to Brussels for events should list both locations.

Business registration and tax in Belgium

As a self-employed chef or caterer in Belgium, you must register with the social security system for the self-employed (RSI). The exact rules differ slightly between regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels), so check the local business authority in your region for current requirements and registration fees.

You will need to handle VAT (value added tax) if your turnover exceeds the threshold; below that threshold, you may operate without VAT registration but you cannot reclaim VAT on your inputs. Food handling regulations and any kitchen certifications may also apply depending on whether you cook in a commercial kitchen, your own licensed kitchen, or at client sites. Check with your regional health and safety authority to confirm what you need.

Payments and payouts

Websta uses Stripe to process card payments from customers. When a client books or pays through your profile, the money goes to your own bank account - you control your pricing and set your own rates for each service. You receive payouts directly to your Belgian bank account.

What to write in your first hour

Start by writing a 2-3 sentence description of your main service: 'I am a private chef specialising in French cuisine for intimate dinners and small events across Brussels and Flanders' or 'I provide full-service catering for weddings and corporate events in Wallonia, from menu design to service.' Be direct and specific about what you do and where you work.

Add a summary of each service you offer: what it includes, how far in advance clients should book, and any other details they need to know. Write in the language of your region (or both Dutch and French if you serve multiple areas).

Upload 3-5 photos of your best work - finished dishes, a plated meal, a buffet setup, or an event in progress. Avoid generic stock images; real photos of your own work build trust.

Add your contact details and set up a quote request form so clients can describe their event and ask for a custom price. Do not list fixed prices if your services vary by event; quote requests work better for catering.