I thought it’d only be right to conduct some serious market research ahead of telling you about the best Belgian chocolate brands in town… purely to ensure my knowledge is current and correct, you understand. Certainly not just as an excuse to indulge in all my favourite chocolates (the empty boxes of which are all now staring at me rather accusingly though…!)
But I’m pleased to say – my extensive sampling and research has absolutely proved that the classics remain the best. So it’s with confidence that I can tell you about five of the top Belgian chocolate brands, from the point of view of a Belgian himself, and based not only on my particular preferences but also on the opinions of the majority of my fellow countrymen and women. So without further ado, let’s begin… (cue fanfare, drumrolls, confetti etc.!)
1. Callebaut
You always know you’re onto a good thing when you find a brand that master chocolatiers and artisan pastry chefs consider to be at the very top of their shopping list when it comes to buying chocolate. Callebaut is such a brand, and the range they offer across the spectrum of dark, milk and white chocolate is really quite staggering. You can buy the chocolate in weighty blocks of deliciousness, or as ‘Callets’ which are little droplets of chocolate heaven, ideal for melting, or for using whole as decorations on desserts or cakes, or for use in a delicious chocolate fountain. The precise science behind the art of chocolate is evident in the vast range of cocoa percentages, liquidity ratings and suitable applications for every piece of chocolate produced by Callebaut. There’s also a brilliant selection of recipes available on their website, so if cooking with chocolate and wowing your guests is your thing, then Callebaut is definitely the one for you!
2. Cote d’Or
Do you ever just want to find a straight-up, incredibly delicious, authentic, no-frills but oh-so-amazing bar of chocolate? Well, in that case, allow me to recommend for you another classic Belgian chocolate brand: Cote D’or. Again, you can find a wide range of cocoa percentages (the higher the percentage of cocoa, the darker the chocolate) across their chocolate tablets so there’s a taste to suit every palette. From the intensely dark Noir Puur to the delightfully smooth Lait (milk) and all the way out the other side to the super sweet and creamy BonBonBloc Praline White Chocolate you can absolutely be sure that whatever your preference, Cote D’or will satisfy your taste buds and your chocolate needs! Alongside the chunky chocolate tablets you can also find bitesize treats in the form of Cote D’or Mignonnette or Bouchées… individually wrapped mouthfuls of chocolate heaven that are perfect for sharing (if you can bear to let any go!)
3. Daskalidès
Perhaps slightly less well known, but equally deserving of its place on any chocolate lover’s bucket list, is Daskalidès. Established in 1931 and still headquartered today in Ghent, the range of pralines, truffles and liqueur chocolates on offer is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, even those who “don’t like” chocolate. (Really?? How it is even possible not to like chocolate! At all?!) Anyway, within the world of Daskalidès you’ll find classic milk, dark and white pralines, alongside the most deliciously innovative flavour and texture combinations including fillings like lime ganache, caramel fragments, marzipan, chilli pepper and even whole kirsch liqueur soaked cherries. Their truffles are rich, intense and divine, and their gift boxes are nothing short of beautiful. From individual cylinders containing a handful of chocolates, to heart shaped tins and classic ballotins filled to the brim with chocolate assortments to die for, I challenge anyone to come away empty handed without being tempted by one single thing from this wonderful Belgian chocolate brand!
4. Galler
If you ever happen to find yourself in Belgium (or, in fact, if you have planned to be there and know you won’t just wake up there by mistake!) then I really would recommend making the time to find a Galler boutique. There, you’ll find the most divine pralines, truffles and assorted chocolate tablets, alongside brightly coloured and oh-so delicious macaroons, and even the most fun little milk, dark, white and crunchy cat shaped chocolates. Also within the magical walls of these decadent boutiques you’ll find smooth and creamy chocolate spreads, as well as waffles, milkshakes, brownies and ice cream – and one of my personal favourites, Kaori. These are gorgeously smooth sticks of chocolate that come nestled inside a box with three little pots of seasoning, so you can dip your chocolate sticks to flavour them any way you wish! So much fun! But a little word of warning: if you find and enter a Galler boutique, you may leave several pounds heavier and with a new (or significantly heightened) chocolate addiction…!
5. Godiva
If you’re yet to discover the treasure chest of chocolate delights within Godiva’s chocolate shop then you really are in for a treat! In fact, I’m not even sure where to start! Every chocolate is crafted with the same passion and dedication to perfection as all authentic Belgian chocolate brands, and they’re a feast for your eyes as well as your belly. From the treat-size smooth yet satisfyingly crunchy chocolate pearls and twigs to the towering ballotins of assorted pralines, truffles and ganaches; and from the gloriously snap-able and delightfully decorated biscuit collections to the most sophisticated chocolate hampers overflowing with divine chocolate bars, signature pralines and Carrés, there’s something for every taste, every occasion and every reason!
Of course, this is just a small selection of the many wonderful Belgian chocolate brands that exist (and I must confess, my research extended to many other brands too… as my groaning tummy will confirm!) but any of the above are a great place to start – so I urge you to start exploring, right now!