I'm quite sure it is impossible to find this brand in Brussels, however it is my "favorite (sic) chocolate brand".

Another one in Antwerp, known for his special window displays (and good chocolate!), is Chocolatier Burie at Korte Gasthuisstraat.

Leonidas is probably not the best, but for sure the cheapest brand of chocolates, and all over. Godiva and Neuhaus are the more upmarket 'chains', but the best chocolates are indeed probably from the small shops, with Wittamer and Marcolini being of the most famous.

As for 'plain' chocolate in bars, which Belgians consume at huge quantities, the most famous brands would be Cote d'Or, Callebaut and Meurisse.

The hazelnut filling which some love and others don't like at all, is called 'praliné', so ask to take more/less with this filling when they assort a box for you.

Is praline really synonymous with hazelnut? I thought praline was a creamy nut filling, usually almond or pecan in my limited experience. I am not a big chocolate person, actually. I like a nice little piece of dark choc once in a while. I just had a little piece form Brugge. Mmm.

I've bought chocolates from Marcolini in Brussels (y expensive, nice shop right on Place du Grand Sablon) and from Dumon in Brugge (tiny shop in the street called Eiermarkt, right near the center of town).

Of the two, Dumon was in my opinion by far the better value -- delicious, and very reasonably priced. Fewer really unusual-looking items than Marcolini, but I doubt those would travel well anyway.

i was born in bruxelles so i just have to say that..EVERY chocolate made in Belgium is DIVINE :). Neuhaus isn't your everyday chocolate, just for special occasions because it is expensive but quite worth it..I love Leonidas because it is everyday chocolate but w/o the skimping on quality and taste.

Ok, so I am back in the States for 6 weeks, and I am down to my last 2 pieces of Belgian chocolate, having made gifts of most of my booty. I am going through withdrawal. So any suggestions in what I should buy here to satisfy a craving once in a while? Thanks!

You can certainly order Neuhaus and Godiva on the web and have it delivered to your door. Also, in select stores, code d'or bars are available. That's what I do!

OK, I'm probably not going to be able to spell this correctly and am trying to lose 3 lbs. so am not going to get some to check it out, but it's Lintz...I believe it's made in Belgium and France and maybe some even in the U.S.

Do you mean Lindt, the swiss chocolatier?

Yes, that's it, but I've noticed that it's also made in other places, including Belgium, France, and the U.S. I'd go and check again at the store, but it's too tempting...

great to know, I didnt realize that. I may have to go check now!

Hershey's.


haha j/k

As mai says, all Belgium chocolates are devine. (And such the amazing shapes)

True, all devine, like the restaurants, and beer, but there are favorites that remain tried and true, and good value to boot.

And it's easy to be overwhelmed by all of the above.

artlover- thanks. I don't care for Lindt. And the "hersheys" might have been a joke, but I like their special dark. The Belgian choc is just a totally different silky creamy experience. Of course, I love Godiva- once I get past the "it's too pretty to eat". My last 2 Brugge pieces are a conch shell and a frog! Ok, I already bit his left leg off (no "tastes like chicken" jokes, please!)

How much would I have to spend to get a box of Belgian chocolate to bring back for my office mates to share (about 10 people)

Aside from Neuhaus, I like Galler chocolates. They used to make small chocolate bars that were sold in the local grocery store, but in recent years have opened shops. I don't know if there's one in Brussels, but there is in Brugge.

The manons at Leonidas are still one of my favorites... but only a few at a time.

Godiva used to be wonderful, but since it was bought by Campbell's Soup in the late 80's it hasn't been the same at all.

Pierre Marcolini sadly didn't stick to beautiful and delicious handmade chocolates... now most of them are what we call "industrial" - made in a factory like frozen baguettes. Overpriced, but I guess he had to pay for that new store on the Sablon.

To illusion321-
Don't knock it-- on several BLIND taste tests in Europe and the US, Hershey's has come out consistenly high in taste preference. It has come out number one in many of those tests. Oh well, the grass is always greener---.

As far as Belgian chocolate goes, my preference is for the Guylian shells, but that's mostly a sentimental thing/what I grew up with (whenever my dad came back from business trips in Europe, he'd bring a box home, so it's a pleasant memory, him being back and all).