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Any other chocolate fanatics out there? If you’ve dreamed of making your own chocolate treats from scratch, taking a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels is a great way to turn that dream into reality. It’s as amazing (and tasty) as it sounds.
The Belgians really know their stuff when it comes to chocolate. With a chocolatier guided class, and an opportunity for some real hands on experience, you’ll even have some handmade souvenirs to eat on the way home…if they last that long.
Whether you’re a full-on chocoholic or just in it for the snacks, this is a unique way to experience a bit of Belgian culture firsthand.
What Makes Belgian Chocolate So Special?
While a lot of the specifics around what makes a good chocolate might be hotly debated, Belgium remains one of the top chocolate making countries in the world.
So, what makes Belgian chocolate so special? Tradition, quality, and craftsmanship top the list. Belgian chocolate uses high-quality cocoa beans and the country has had a law in place since the 1880s stating a minimum 35% cocoa must be used.
The pure cocoa butter used creates a rich, intense flavor in every bite. One of the reasons why I stock up on chocolate every time I’ve been to Belgium. Don’t tell the Swiss, but I actually prefer Belgian chocolate.
How Much Is A Belgian Chocolate Workshop In Brussels?
Chocolate workshops aren’t as cheap as just purchasing a regular bar of chocolate, but they do give you more of a full experience. And maybe something to impress your friends with by saying “I made that” – unless your skills let you down on the day, of course. But how much is a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels?
You’ll probably find a variety of options, but most cost at least 35€ for a 1.5-2.5 hour class. Prices can go up to around 65€ for a workshop, so it’s worth shopping around before you commit.
You may want to consider how much chocolate you actually walk away with, and whether this is a real chocolatier teaching you or just someone to watch over the class.
The workshop I took in Brussels was around 55€ and was with a professional chocolatier. In the class we made a full size bar of chocolate, a small bag of truffle chocolates, and a good sized bag of decorated chocolate mendiants. Plus we got a few tastings during the workshop.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Pricing in Brussels seems to be a little higher than if you were to take a chocolate workshop in somewhere like Bruges. So take a look at options in other cities if you’re in Belgium for a longer visit. Not interested in a workshop? Try a chocolate tasting walking tour instead.
Why Take A Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Brussels
It’s going to be way cheaper to walk into a chocolate shop in Belgium, buy what you want and leave happy. But taking a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels will provide you with three additional things:
- A hands on tutorial from a chocolate expert – including history of chocolate making in Belgium and some valuable tips and techniques
- An opportunity to create your own chocolates from scratch with unique designs – which will be fresher than most chocolate in the souvenir shops
- A fun activity to spend a couple of hours – perfect for out of season travel when you might run into rainy or colder weather
Since I’d visited Belgium before, I was looking to do something different on my last visit. But whether you’ve been to Brussels already, or it’s your first time here, this is a great way to connect more to the country’s chocolate history.
If you’re a chocoholic like me, you’ll probably find a chocolate workshop fascinating and a good excuse to indulge in more of your favorite treat.
Do I Need Any Experience To Take A Class?
Absolutely not. These classes are super easy, and a lot of fun. It’s the perfect couples or family activity. And as a solo traveler it’s a great way to meet new people and bond over your shared love of chocolate.
Although I love cooking and baking, I had zero experience with anything chocolate related. This is therefore a great introduction. Plus, you’ll get to work with expertly tempered chocolate that is kept in a constant liquid state, making it easier to work with. At home, without the right equipment, you might battle with your chocolicious creations before the chocolate sets as a beginner.
What You Need To Know About A Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Brussels
Get ready to have your taste buds tested in the very best way possible. Sampling chocolate and making chocolate bars – you might be wondering where you can sign up. Attending a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels, however, is more than just a delicious experience – it’s a behind-the-scenes look into one of Belgium’s yummiest traditions. Keep reading for a little more on what you can expect.
CLOTHING AND SAFETY
Don’t worry too much about what to wear. The workshop will be kept at a reasonable temperature – not too warm that the chocolate melts, not too cold that the chocolate cools too quickly. Given this is a food preparation area it will be recommended to wear closed toe shoes.
You’ll be given an apron to help protect your clothing, and most likely a sexy hairnet so you don’t get your hair into your delightful creations. Hand washing is a must, and your instructors will make sure everyone keeps themselves, and their work spaces clean.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN A CLASS
The class I took consisted of around a dozen people ranging in ages, including two children. Although most classes don’t allow children under 6-8 years old so check your class in advance if you want to bring little ones.
Since you’ll be using chocolate bar molds and other equipment, you may need to share with other people in the class. Participants will be organized around the work stations – make sure to get to know your neighbour.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, a plant that grows in tropical climates such as Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Ghana. But chocolate itself started in Latin America. Before you begin creating your own chocolate bars you’ll likely get to see the raw ingredient.
Cocoa beans are fermented, dried, roasted and ground to make chocolate. In your class you’ll probably get to taste cacao beans or cacao nibs – beware they are quite bitter until milk or sugar is added.
CHOCOLATE DEMONSTRATIONS
Before you get into making your own chocolate bars and products, a good class will give a demonstration. See how the chocolate is tempered and how the professionals work with such a delicate ingredient.
Before each item you make – bars, truffles, mendiants – you should get a demonstration of what to do. Most of it is fairly easy to follow, but having a professional chocolatier walk you through it will help the confidence level.
MAKE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE BAR
You’ve seen where it starts, and how it comes to be the delicious product you know and love. Now it’s time to get your creative cap on and design your own chocolate.
Every Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels I saw at least let you create a chocolate bar. This is by far the most fun. You’ll get your rich melted chocolate which you get to pour into a chocolate bar mold. Maybe taking a little melted chocolate sample along the way. Then decorate it with whatever toppings you like.
In the workshop I took we had about a dozen different toppings to choose from including nuts, dried fruit, candies, pretzels, coconut, and my personal favorite – speculoos biscuit (anyone else out there love Biscoff cookies?).
TOP CHOCOLATE MAKING TIP: Be sure to work fast before your chocolate starts to set, and press your toppings into your chocolate slightly to avoid them falling off like a lot of mine did.
OTHER BELGIAN CHOCOLATE ITEMS
As well as a chocolate bar, the Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels I took gave us a chance to make truffles and mendiants. I chose the class specifically to make a little more than just a chocolate bar.
The truffle fillings are pre-made, although you get to learn how they are done from the instructor. You’ll then get to dip them in chocolate and roll them in a topping – usually either powdered cocoa, or coconut.
The mendiants are really easy. They’re usually little discs of chocolate, although here’s your chance to really get creative. With a piping bag of chocolate try a few different designs – learn how to make little chocolate hearts, or spell out your name or initials. Then top the mendiants in the same way the chocolate bars are decorated.
CHOCOLATE GIFT BAGS
End your class by wrapping your chocolate products to take home. If you manage to do a really good job you could probably gift them to someone back home. Since mine were neither super professional looking, nor did I want to share, mine didn’t last too long.
CHOCOLATE TASTING – THE BEST PART OF THE CLASS
Don’t think that by wrapping everything up to take home you won’t get to try anything. There will be a few opportunities to try chocolate along the way.
As well as trying the cocoa beans, you may get to try some cocoa liqueur and some of the finished product. The color of chocolate varies depending on the cocoa to milk ratio. During the class you’ll get to try different varieties such as golden chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. This will set you up nicely for heading into the gift shop which most chocolate workshops will have.
Is A Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Brussels Worth It?
Absolutely, especially if you’re a chocolate fanatic like me. If you’re visiting Belgium, a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels is a must-do experience. It’s not just about tasting world-class chocolate (though that’s definitely a good reason for me); it’s a good chance to learn more about a big part of Belgian culture in a fun, interactive way.
Shop around for different classes, as you may not want to spend as much as I did. But I appreciated the extra tuition and the chance to make more than one chocolate product.
Either way, you’ll leave with new skills, sweet souvenirs, and a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into chocolate making. Including wondering how they make it look so good if your end results are as questionable as mine.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels is a unique activity for your time in the city. And at the very least you’ve got a snack for the plane/train ride home.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you taken a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels or anywhere else? How do you think your skills would shape up?
