Where to enjoy the best chocolate in Belgium
Belgium is undoubtedly the home of chocolate, with 12 factories, 16 museums and more than 2,100 shops throughout the country. Whichever part of Belgium you visit on a city break, you’re never too far away from some of the best cocoa products in the world, especially if you head to the capital, Brussels. Classified by its strict 30%+ cocoa content, Belgian chocolate is renowned across the globe for being at the pinnacle of luxury confectionary. But with so much to choose from, how do you know which is truly ‘the best’?
Thankfully, there’s a range of Belgian chocolate for any occasion and any budget, so whichever part of the country you visit, you can feel assured that you’re getting the chance to try some of the best chocolate in the world.
For those of you who wish to try the Belgian offerings but prefer to keep to a strict price tag, the products sold by the infamous Godiva and Leonidas chains are ideal. Compared to the likes of Starbucks in America, these shops can be found on most streets throughout the country, and for the lowly price of £8 you can enjoy a delicious bag of milk chocolate truffles.
If you’re looking to indulge a little more and forget the budget, Mary Chocolatier, on rue Royale in Brussels is the place for you. Mary’s infamous ‘manons’, which consist of smooth sugar cream and walnuts, flavoured with vanilla, coffee, or chocolate, cost £35 for a one-kilo box. It may seem expensive but Mary’s chocolates are regarded as the best you can get.
If you’re not heading to Brussels but don’t want to miss out on the chocolate, every month, Antwerp’s Burie Chocolatier displays a new chocolate and marzipan sculpture in its window. Or, if you’re staying further south, the delightful town or Erezee is home to the Defroidmont Artisan Chocolate Factory. Here you can learn the history of the product and why Belgian chocolate is extra special.
Whichever part of the country you visit on a Belgium city break with Superbreak, make sure you try the tradition and iconic offerings that the ‘chocolate nation’ has to offer.
Guest post from Victoria who is a passionate travel writer with great experience of European destinations. Her recent adventures have included Amsterdam, Portugal and Paris, but the real dream is to venture further afield and travel around New Zealand