Classics in Brussels: Belgian Chocolate and Waffles

Belgium is known for chocolate, mussels, and waffles. Naturally on my visit to Brussels I had to taste all of these Belgian classics. It was interesting to find out how the city had certain areas focused on one thing, especially the chocolatiers were centred around the Grand Sablon square. The square is next to Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon Church - a Gothic style church from the 15th century.

This beautiful square has houses from the 16th to the 19th century and it is rounded with antiques shops, restaurants and many many chocolatiers. For all chocolate lovers this is the place to go. Here you find Wittamer, Chocolaterier Pierre Marcolini, Patrick Roger, Godiva, Neuhaus and others all on the same square. The selection of pralines available on this square is like nowhere else!

My choice for coffee and cake was Wittamer - a bakery, chocolatier and a café dating back to 1910. Wittamer has been awarded the title of Certified Royal Warrant Holder of Belgium. Maybe it was my imagination but I also felt like Royalty when having a cappuccino and a delicious coffee flavour cake on their sunny terrace while enjoying the architecture of the square.

One great chocolatier you don’t find on the Grand Sablon square but is definite forth visiting is Chocolatier Frederic Blondeel located on the Brussels' Fish Market (metro Sainte Catherine). At the Fish Market area there are a variety of great restaurants offering fresh fish dishes and those famous mussels. Frederic Blondeel’s café and chocolate shop was a perfect place for dessert after having mussels. I ordered the Belgian waffles with whipped cream and a cappuccino. The waffles were made from the beginning after my order (unlike in many touristic places on the shopping street). I had to wait for my waffles for a while but it was definitely worth the wait – it was the best waffles I have ever had! The taste and texture of the waffle were amazing – so soft and crispy at the same time. They also have wonderful ice-creams and a large selection of chocolates available.Naturally I was not able resist their super delicious pralines – I bought a box or two :)

Wittamer

 Place du Grand Sablon, 

Brussels, Belgium

Frederic Blondeel

Quai aux Briques 24

Brussels, Belgium