Which Chocolates to Try in Brussels And Where To Try: A Must-Taste Guide for Chocolate Lovers
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9 Mind-Blowing Belgian Chocolates You Must Try in Brussels
As a Chocolate lover you know brussels is heaven for us that’s why you are here to explore. To help you navigate this delicious journey, here are some iconic and unique Belgian chocolates and treats you must taste while you’re in the heaven of chocolate:
1. Neuhaus Pralines: The Original Belgian Classic
As the birthplace of the praline, Neuhaus offers some of the best pralines you can find. Known for their quality and range of flavors, Neuhaus pralines feature creamy ganaches, caramels, and nut-based fillings in delicate chocolate shells. A must-try is their classic Manon praline, a white chocolate delight filled with coffee-flavored buttercream and a roasted hazelnut. For a more adventurous option, try their Caprice praline, a soft vanilla cream with caramel enrobed in dark chocolate.
Where to Try: Neuhaus boutiques are located throughout Brussels, with one of their flagship stores near the Grand Place.
2. Pierre Marcolini’s Haute Chocolate Collection
Pierre Marcolini is known for his luxury, high-end approach to chocolate. His chocolates are crafted with premium single-origin cocoa beans sourced from around the world, giving each piece unique flavor notes. His collection includes chocolates infused with exotic flavors like passionfruit, matcha, and pink peppercorn. For those who want to taste the essence of cacao itself, try his Pure Origin Collection with chocolate sourced from regions like Madagascar and Venezuela. Each piece offers a nuanced, distinct flavor that chocolate connoisseurs will love.
Where to Try: Visit Pierre Marcolini’s store in the Sablon neighborhood, a chocolate lover’s paradise.
3. Godiva’s Truffles and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Godiva, one of Belgium’s most famous chocolate brands, is loved worldwide for its truffles and creamy chocolate treats. While Godiva offers a wide range of chocolates, their Belgian truffles are particularly beloved. Made with a mix of white, dark, and milk chocolate and available in a variety of flavors, they offer a creamy texture and rich taste. Godiva is also known for its fresh, chocolate-covered strawberries, which are a simple yet elegant treat and a favorite among visitors.
Where to Try: Godiva shops are scattered throughout Brussels, with one located in the heart of the city at the Grand Place.
4. Mary’s Artisanal Pralines
Mary Chocolatier, founded in 1919, is a royal family favorite and a recipient of the Royal Warrant. Known for their elegance and artisanal touch, Mary’s chocolates come in beautiful boxes, making them ideal souvenirs. Try their caramel pralines and nougat pralines, which combine rich flavors with finely crafted designs. Mary also offers unique creations with subtle floral notes and sophisticated fruit infusions, catering to those with refined tastes.
Where to Try: Mary Chocolatier has a few locations around Brussels, including a beautifully decorated store near the Sablon.
5. Wittamer’s Dark Chocolate Ganache and Chocolate Macarons
Wittamer, another high-end chocolatier in the Sablon area, offers some of the best chocolate ganaches and macarons in the city. Their dark chocolate ganache is silky, smooth, and has a deep, intense cocoa flavor. Wittamer also combines chocolate with other delicacies, such as in their famous chocolate macarons. These macarons have a delicate shell with a rich, creamy filling, blending the best of French pastry and Belgian chocolate.
Where to Try: Wittamer’s flagship store is located on the Sablon, next to other top chocolate shops, making it easy to explore several chocolatiers in one trip.
6. Leonidas: The Classic Belgian Praline
Leonidas is known for offering high-quality, affordable chocolates, making it a great option for sampling traditional Belgian pralines without breaking the bank. Their pralines come in a variety of flavors, with fillings ranging from creamy caramel to crunchy nougat and marzipan. For a true classic, try their Manon Blanc praline, which features a white chocolate shell with a coffee-flavored filling and hazelnut.
Where to Try: Leonidas has locations all over Brussels, so it’s an easy stop for a quick chocolate fix wherever you are.
7. Chocolatier Elisabeth’s Chocolate-Covered Speculoos
Chocolatier Elisabeth is known for combining traditional Belgian flavors with chocolate, and one of their most popular treats is chocolate-covered speculoos. Speculoos is a traditional Belgian spiced biscuit, and when dipped in rich Belgian chocolate, it creates a blend of crunchy and creamy textures with warm spices and cocoa. This treat offers a taste of both Belgian tradition and innovation.
Where to Try: Chocolatier Elisabeth has a shop near the Grand Place, where you can also find other unique chocolate-covered treats.
8. Benoit Nihant’s Single-Origin Bars and Exotic Infusions
Benoit Nihant is a bean-to-bar chocolatier who takes chocolate to a new level by personally sourcing cocoa beans from sustainable plantations worldwide. His single-origin bars offer a tasting journey through different cacao-growing regions, with unique flavor profiles based on origin. For those who enjoy complex flavors, Benoit Nihant also infuses his chocolates with ingredients like yuzu, basil, and black pepper, creating sophisticated and intriguing flavor combinations.
Where to Try: You can find Benoit Nihant chocolates in select locations throughout Brussels, especially in specialty chocolate shops.
9. Frederic Blondeel’s Hot Chocolate
For a truly indulgent experience, try Frederic Blondeel’s hot chocolate, known for its rich, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor. Blondeel uses premium cocoa beans to make his hot chocolate, ensuring a deep, satisfying taste. Unlike many hot chocolates that are overly sweet, Blondeel’s version allows the true flavors of cocoa to shine. This cozy drink is perfect on a chilly day in Brussels, offering an experience as memorable as any praline or truffle.
Where to Try: Visit Frederic Blondeel’s shop in Brussels for the hot chocolate as well as a selection of unique chocolate bars and truffles.
Final Thoughts: Embark on a Chocolate Tasting Journey
Brussels is a paradise for chocolate lovers, with each chocolatier offering a unique take on Belgian chocolate traditions. From the classic pralines of Neuhaus and Godiva to the exotic creations of Pierre Marcolini and Benoit Nihant, every bite reveals a new layer of flavor and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a fan of creamy ganaches, single-origin bars, or rich hot chocolate, the best way to experience Brussels’ chocolate scene is to explore, taste, and discover the variety of chocolates that make this city a true heaven for chocolate lovers.
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