Discovering Belgium’s Best Chocolate Shops

Belgium is renowned worldwide for its exquisite chocolate, and for good reason. With a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and a deep love for chocolate, Belgium offers an unparalleled chocolate experience. Whether you are a seasoned chocolate lover or a first-time taster, a journey through Belgium’s best chocolate shops will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Here’s a guide to some of the top chocolate shops you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Belgium.

1. Neuhaus: The Inventors of the Praline

Founded in 1857, Neuhaus is one of Belgium’s oldest and most iconic chocolate brands. It’s famous for inventing the praline, a chocolate with a creamy filling, which has since become a beloved treat worldwide. Neuhaus’s elegant shops, especially those in Brussels, are a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the very best of Belgian chocolate.

The Neuhaus flagship store in Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a particularly luxurious spot to explore, where you can sample a wide range of pralines, truffles, and chocolate bars. For a truly special experience, you can also try their Belgian chocolate-covered fruit, or indulge in one of their decadent hot chocolate drinks. Don’t forget to take home a box of their signature pralines, beautifully packaged and perfect for gifts.

2. Godiva: A Global Chocolate Icon

While Godiva is now an international brand, its roots are firmly planted in Belgium, where it was founded in 1926 in Brussels. Known for its high-end chocolate products, Godiva combines Belgian tradition with luxurious flavors and exquisite presentation. The company’s signature Godiva truffles are a heavenly treat, but the brand also offers an impressive variety of chocolate bars, pralines, and seasonal delights.

You’ll find Godiva boutiques in major Belgian cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges. The Godiva chocolate café in Brussels is an excellent stop, where you can enjoy Belgian waffles topped with chocolate or a classic hot chocolate made with their premium cocoa. For a treat you can’t miss, try the Godiva chocolate-dipped strawberries, a truly indulgent experience.

3. Pierre Marcolini: Artisanal Chocolate at Its Finest

Pierre Marcolini is a Belgian chocolatier whose creations are considered some of the finest examples of artisanal chocolate. Founded by Pierre Marcolini in 1995, his brand has become synonymous with innovation and high-quality ingredients. What sets Pierre Marcolini apart is his commitment to using single-origin chocolate, meaning that the cocoa beans are sourced from specific regions known for their unique flavors.

The Pierre Marcolini boutique in Brussels is a must-visit for those looking for a sophisticated chocolate experience. The store offers a wide array of pralines, ganaches, and chocolate bars, all crafted with the utmost care. Be sure to try his famous ganache-filled chocolates, as well as the signature macarons, which are beautifully paired with his signature chocolate.

4. The Chocolate Line: Bold and Creative Flavors

For chocolate lovers who want to try something a bit more adventurous, The Chocolate Line in Antwerp is the place to be. Founded by chocolatier Dominique Persoone, The Chocolate Line is known for its bold and experimental approach to chocolate-making. With unique flavors like bacon, wasabi, black pepper, and rose, The Chocolate Line challenges the traditional boundaries of Belgian chocolate.

Their chocolates are crafted using the finest ingredients, and you can often find limited edition creations inspired by current events or new trends. If you’re feeling daring, don’t miss the chance to try their chocolate and chili combination or their marzipan with balsamic vinegar chocolates. The shop itself is stylish and modern, making it a fun stop for adventurous chocolate lovers.

5. Chocolate Village: A Sweet Experience for the Whole Family

Located in Brussels, Chocolate Village offers a fun and interactive experience that takes you through the process of chocolate-making from bean to bar. This charming chocolate museum is perfect for those who want to learn more about the history of Belgian chocolate and see how it’s made.

At Chocolate Village, you can take guided tours where you’ll discover the origins of chocolate, the production techniques, and the cultural significance of Belgian chocolate. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences, such as making their own chocolates, or attend workshops to master the art of praline-making. Be sure to grab a box of their chocolates, which are handmade on-site with the finest Belgian ingredients.

6. Del Rey: A Traditional Belgian Chocolate Shop

Located in the heart of Brussels, Del Rey is a traditional Belgian chocolate shop known for its high-quality chocolate creations. Established in 1957, Del Rey focuses on maintaining a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, creating a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary techniques.

Del Rey’s chocolates are often characterized by their rich, smooth textures and unique fillings, making them a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss their signature pistachio pralines or the Del Rey truffles, which are made with the finest cocoa and melt-in-your-mouth fillings. The store itself has an intimate, boutique feel, offering a truly personal chocolate experience.

7. Chocolaterie Jean-Philippe Darcis: The Epitome of Belgian Excellence

Jean-Philippe Darcis is a celebrated Belgian chocolatier who has garnered international acclaim for his exquisite chocolate creations. Darcis’s chocolates are known for their finesse and delicate flavors, with a particular focus on high-end, luxurious ingredients. His shop in Verviers is a chocolate lover’s paradise, offering a range of pralines, truffles, and chocolate bars.

Jean-Philippe Darcis is also famous for his chocolate sculptures, which are works of art in their own right. The shop’s chocolates are beautifully crafted and taste as good as they look, with rich ganaches and velvety fillings that showcase the chocolatier’s dedication to quality. His signature pistachio pralines and coffee-flavored ganaches are a must-try.

8. Chocopolis: A Chocolate Paradise in Brussels

Located in Brussels, Chocopolis is a charming and vibrant chocolate shop known for its creative and delicious offerings. The shop specializes in handmade, high-quality chocolates that are perfect for gifting or indulgence. Chocopolis prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, and its chocolates are available in a variety of flavors, including caramel, hazelnut, and chili.

In addition to classic pralines, Chocopolis also offers chocolate bars, hot chocolate, and chocolate-covered fruits. The shop has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to stop for a treat and learn more about the art of Belgian chocolate-making.

Conclusion

Belgium is a chocolate lover’s dream destination, offering an array of world-class chocolate shops that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you prefer traditional pralines or enjoy exploring bold new flavors, Belgium’s chocolate scene has something for everyone. With a rich history of craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and innovative chocolatiers, a chocolate tour through Belgium will be an experience you’ll never forget.