Vacations are meant to be the duration of indulgence, involve in adventure travels, relish the ecstasy of Mother Nature or revel in wine tours. Luxuriating in a chocolate tourism is an infrequent pursuit. However, catching on to the idea of chocolate travel involves fascinating adventures. So, indulge your sweet tooth with savouring Belgian chocolate at some of its best confectioners and chocolate makers with Belgium visa.

On this Belgian chocolate tour, let us learn about why this city has such deep chocolate roots, where chocolate comes from, how is it made, and the best ways to savour this crave-worthy confection.

Belgian chocolate- History

Belgium’s association with chocolate dates back in the 17th century, when the country was ruled by the Spanish. Explorers introduced the Cocoa beans brought from South America to the Belgian community. During that period, chocolate was recognized as an epitome of luxury & was mostly consumed by the nobility in the form of hot chocolate.

In the early 20th century, Belgium colonized the Congo, an African colony and found a large surplus of cocoa beans. Since then, chocolate was no longer exclusive to the rich and famous. Moreover, in the 1960s, Belgium began to export more chocolate than it imported. Hence, since 1980, exports of Belgian chocolates grew exponentially.

Top Belgium Chocolate Brands:

Belgium has myriad of top chocolate brands made by the world’s finest chocolatiers. The best of these are:

Belvas: Characterised for its ecological truffles and chocolates, Belvas is one of the first organic chocolatiers in northern Europe. Belvas exquisite chocolates are organic, gluten free, and even sugar free. Besides being healthy, these chocolates are lip smacking.

Godiva: It is one of the most exquisite chocolate brands in the world. This brand initiated in a small boutique near the Grand Place, in 1926. Since then, the franchise has spread its wings in Belgium &across the world. Godiva Belgian chocolate is synonymous with sophistication & innovation. These chocolates come in many amazing flavours &fine textures.

Mary: This renowned chocolate brand is named after the chocolatier, Mary Delluc, the first woman to pioneer Belgian chocolates. Established in 1919, Mary’s chocolates are recognized for:

Pursued excellence and quality in terms of taste.

Extraordinary refinement in terms of presentation & window displays.

Mary was honoured with the title of Certified Royal Warrant Holder of Belgium three times in 1942, 1990 & 1994. She is one of four chocolatiers in Belgium to have earned this privilege.

Leonidas: Offering an assortment of over 100 varieties, Leonidas is a renowned brand with more than 1,250 chocolate shops spread across 50 countries. These chocolates are made using pure cocoa butter & 100% natural ingredients. The best part of Leonidas chocolates is that, these are pocket friendly & hence accessible to all.

Neuhaus: Neuhaus chocolates are made from top quality ingredients & are recognized for excellent craftsmanship. The history of these chocolates dates back to 150 years when Jean Neuhaus, in order to mask the unpleasant taste of his medicines, covered them in a layer of chocolate. This led to the invention of praline, the most popular form of chocolates in 1912, where hard chocolate shell is filled with a softer chocolate filling. These chocolates are also famous for their elegant wrapping.

Chocolate has become a vital part of the Belgium experience. To discover Belgium’s rich chocolate history, savour its healthy yet delectable chocolates; apply for visa to Belgium now!