underrated boutique chocolatier in belgium 🍫🇧🇪
I’m back after spending 5 months in uk and europe so I do have some travel itineraries and recommendations to share. 🙂
this one is about chocolate shopping in Belgium — the one thing that’s hard to miss there. 🇧🇪 we stayed in Brussels and took day trips to Ghent and Bruges. the larger brands typically have stores across different cities so not to worry if you don’t have time to shop in Brussels.
1. Chocolaterie Mary
- love the selection + actually tastes high quality and not too sweet
- the tablette brute noir (dark chocolate with hazelnut, pistachios and almonds) is GOOD stuff. we got a piece that’s sold by weight!
- elegant packaging, perfect for gifting
- free chocolate squares with purchase yay
Overall: 8.5/10 ⭐️
2. Leonidas
- one of the most popular chain chocolate store that you can easily find in belgium
- cheaper and more affordable
- but WAY too sweet imo 🫠 even the dark chocolate we got was too sweet.. will not repurchase
Overall: 5/10 ⭐️
3. Atelier Sainte Catherine
- underrated boutique chocolatier
- tastes extremely high quality (love my Amazonas 75%). you will actually know the origin of your chocolate beans (tree to bar!)
- basically my favourite (including the mix and choose selection)
Overall: 10/10 ⭐️
4. Elizabeth Chocolatier
- only got the coffee bean chocolate which is not bad at all
- taste tested their chocolate chunks in stores but wasn’t really impressed (maybe it was too small to tell? 🥲)
Overall: 7/10 ⭐️
i went to Belgium thinking I probably wouldn’t go crazy with the chocolates but of course I ended up buying more than I expected. hopefully this posts help you decide where to spend your $$$!
#travelrecommendation #traveltips #recomendation #MyPOV #mindfulspending
If you’re a true chocolate enthusiast looking beyond the popular big names, Belgium’s boutique chocolatiers like Atelier Sainte Catherine are a must-visit. What sets these smaller shops apart is their dedication to quality and transparency—from bean origin to bar production—which makes each bite a richer experience. When I visited, the staff’s recommendations (like the Amazonas 75% dark chocolate) truly enhanced my tasting journey, offering flavors that are complex yet balanced. While big brands like Leonidas are convenient and well-known, they sometimes lean toward sweeter profiles that might not satisfy dark chocolate purists. I found that seeking out boutiques with a ‘tree to bar’ philosophy allows you to appreciate the true art of chocolate making. Plus, the packaging at places like Chocolaterie Mary is so elegant, making for perfect gifts when you want to bring that Belgian charm home. For a complete chocolate-focused trip, explore cities like Bruges and Ghent where local chocolatiers showcase not only traditional truffles and ganaches but also innovative flavors like hazelnut spreads and coffee bean-infused chocolates. Don’t hesitate to talk to chocolatiers about their creations—the staff are often passionate and knowledgeable, enhancing your experience with stories behind the cacao. Whether you’re on a walking tour or just indulging your sweet tooth, these hidden gems offer a taste of Belgium that’s both authentic and unforgettable.
