It is a brand-new concept in Brussels ….and one that will certainly “go down a treat” with chocolate lovers.
The idea? A gourmet chocolate walking trail through the shops of the city’s finest artisan chocolatiers.
The new tour also takes in chocolate workshops located just outside the city, with all venues selected by the independent guide, Tartine & Boterham.
The initiative will be launched on March 28/29 when Brussels opens the doors of its most beautiful chocolate shops.
For one weekend, the public is invited to stroll from workshop to shop in the heart of the city, taste exceptional creations, and meet the artisans who keep Brussels’ chocolate pulse beating.
Along the way, visitors will encounter, among others, Laurent Gerbaud, who can proudly boast being Chocolatier of the Year 2021 and who is known for his daring combinations of dried fruits and spices.
Others are Arthur Amblard, barely 25 years old and already a specialist in sugar-free chocolate in the Sablon district, and Plaisirs Chocolatés, where Youssef Amar blends tradition and indulgence, drawing on his roots to create original and generous confections.
Didier Wauters, Alderman for Economic Affairs of the City of Brussels, told this site: “Brussels is brimming with extraordinary chocolate-making talent.
“With this route, we want to give these artisans the visibility they deserve and invite the people of Brussels to rediscover their city through its flavours, while cultivating pride in our local expertise.”
A spokesman said, “It is a great way to (re)discover Brussels in a gourmet light, alone, as a couple, with friends or family, while highlighting the talents that make the capital shine far beyond its border.”
The initiative was conceived by Entreprendre Bruxelles and inspired by the success of Gent Gourmand.
Meanwhile, the city’s best 10 artisan chocolatiers will soon be crowned in a new competition.
After ten years of listing the best artisanal bakeries and pastry shops in Belgium, the independent guide Tartine & Boterham is now turning its attention to chocolate.
Since January, its experts have been scouring the Brussels-Capital Region to discover exceptional artisan chocolatiers.
An independent jury, composed of chocolate specialists, has evaluated the capital’s chocolatiers according to five demanding criteria: taste, craftsmanship, creativity, quality, and commitment. The result will be selection of 10 outstanding artisan chocolatiers.
This will be revealed on 16 March, along with two special awards: the “Award of Honour” and the “Revelation 2026.”
The winners will be announced at the Brussels Stock Exchange.
Photo credit: Arthur Amblard © Arthur Amblard
