Belgium is famous for its grand palaces, cathedrals, and museums. But when you're coming to this European country, you better try its chocolates. You can find chocolate shops across the country, but there are a few that stand out. These shops offer the best chocolate in Belgium.
So, whenever you get a chance, visit these places, and enjoy the best chocolates. In this article, learn about the best places to find high-quality chocolates in Belgium.
What's Special About Belgian Chocolate?
Belgium has a rich tradition of chocolate making. From raw chocolate to milk chocolate to truffles, you're going to find distinctiveness.
In terms of taste, Belgian chocolate is more buttery with medium bitterness than chocolates of other countries. They aren't excessively sweet either. The dark chocolate will characterize an earthy flavor with no sourness.
The reason why Belgian chocolate is famous is that it's comforting. The cocoas come from West Africa. Belgian chocolate companies have set up their farms and bring high-quality cocoa for processing in their country.
When you're in Belgium, you can find these chocolates at many places where seasoned chocolatiers give their inventive flavor. But the ones recommended below offer the best. So do take out some time from your tour to try these delicacies.
Wittamer
If you're in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, then you cannot afford to miss Wittamer. You'll always find a big crowd in the store waiting in line for the delicious chocolate.
The chocolates are so good that it has a fanbase inside the Belgian royal palace. They supply chocolates for every palace party.
Try truffles filled with champagne, among other options.
Neuhaus Chocolates
Neuhaus Belgian Chocolatier is one of the oldest and renowned chocolate shops in Belgium. They were the ones who introduced the famous chocolate rectangle box design back in 1915. Neuhaus also invented the Ballotin boxes that were made specifically to hold delicate pralines.
Just like Wittamer, Neuhaus is a royal warrant holder. So also visit Neuhaus when in Brussels.
Pierre Marcolini
Pierre Marcolini is located at a place that has rows and rows of chocolate counters. And yet, it stands out. This testifies the quality of the chocolate Pierre offers.
They procure rare cocoa beans to produce high-quality chocolates. These chocolates are marketed in the premier range. Try all the different flavors and get some for your friends back home.
Even if the products are in the premium range, Pierre Marcolini donated its surplus chocolate to hospitals in Brussels, Paris, and London.
Chocolatier Mary
Another famous chocolate shop in Brussels (and also holding the royal warrant), Artisan Chocolatier Mary, first opened in 1919.
You can visit the original studio at Rue Royale to get your hands on pralines and hand-rolled truffles.
Frederic Blondeel
Known in Belgium as one of the most innovative chocolatiers of recent times, Frederic Blondeel creates its products from scratch.
From roasting cocoa beans at the store to packaging, you'll get some of the best versions of truffles and pralines. There are three stores across Brussels.
Brussels is filled with chocolates and independent stores. You can find the best chocolate in Belgium with a bit of research. Ask the locals, and they'll guide you to the best ones in town.
