When in Belgium, eat chocolate

Like France’s love affair with cheese, Belgium’s obsession with chocolate is eternal. They are connoisseurs of chocolate, and rightly so – as it is an integral part of their economy. Walk along any street in the country and you’ll be awe-struck with the sheer choice. Yes, Belgians have a lot to offer, and making a decision on what to eat and carry back with you can be a challenge. Moreover, choosing to abstain is out of the question.

While you will find world class chocolate all over Belgium, we can’t have you running helter-skelter, can we? Here are the best stores that you can find along only two streets:

The brand Godiva is synonymous with Belgian chocolate, and putting one in your mouth can only be described as floating up to seventh heaven. Although Godiva is now owned by a Turkish company, stop by Grand Palace (number 22) and visit their first ever establishment that was started in 1937.A few doors away (number 27) has a store called Neuhas – who claim to be the inventor of Praline! Established in 1957, the owner, Jean Neuhas, invented praline to mask the taste of the medicine he sold. Today, they don’t sell medicine – but you can find the cure to your sweet tooth when you bite into the hard chocolate shell and the soft filling fills your mouth.

Once you are done exploring the magnificent Grand Palace structure, head over to Rue au Beurre. Galler is a homier and less famous chocolate brand because it doesn’t export. This family run chocolate company is a high-end choice of the elite. Their most famous variety is called “Buck 85” which is made of 85percent pure chocolate without the sweetness. Yes, it’s dark and not sugary – but worth a bite or three.

Cost conscious folks in Belgium usually make their way a couple of doors down from Galler at Number 34 at the Rue au Beurre. White chocolate is their speciality and although their quality is a little lower than its dark chocolate counterpart, you can almost triple the quantity you buy with the same money.

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Jade D’Sa

Food & Travel blogger

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Located in between on the rue de Buerre is a store called Darci’s. How Jane Austin of them! The owner, Jean Philippe Darcis defines himself as the “happiness maker” or “createur de bonnheur.” The bestseller is the macaroon, rather than the chocolate. But don’t miss the Belgian Owl – a milk chocolate praline flavoured with whisky. You will also find two of their stores located near the Grand Palace.

Wittamer opened its doors more than a hundred years ago, and it can best be described as a modern-bakery at the Sablon. The fact that they made the wedding cake of Philippe and Mathilde, now King and Queen of Belgium, show how successful their mouth watering creations have been. What sets them apart is although they have a long history and have earned a glorious reputation, they never fail to experiment. From pepper pralines to those decorated with a gold cricket (yes, the insect), they continue to amaze.

While sampling these world famous treats is a must-do, don’t forget to step into the lesser known family run chocolate stores. Who knows what you may discover?