Belgium is known the world over for its amazing chocolate. The city of Ghent has some of the countries best chocolate shops.
Chocolate Shops
Belgium is perhaps the most famous country for chocolate in the world (though the Swiss might have something to say about that).
In Ghent, you’re spoiled for choice. Several world-class chocolatiers are based in the city. Stop by as many as you can to find your favorite. That’s what I do!
Many shops will offer samples in hopes that a taste will lead to a purchase. For me, one or two little pralines (what North Americans call bon-bons) is enough to satiate my sweet tooth. That is, until we get to the next shop!
Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate pralines are sold in Belgium. They come in all shapes and sizes with different kinds of fillings. I’ve noticed that the chocolate makers in Ghent (as well as the rest of Belgium) are so good that the best way for them to differentiate themselves is by the different flavors of the praline filling, some of which are pretty unusual!
One of the best souvenirs from your trip to Belgium is a box of pralines from your favorite chocolatier. Don’t forget to pick up some extra boxes, they make delicious gifts!
HD Ghent – by Hilde DeVolder Chocolatier
HD Ghent is my favorite chocolate shop in Ghent. It’s a tiny space, but the display case is filled with the most amazing little pralines. These mini treats are adorable, but don’t let the small size fool you. They’re packed with incredible flavor. Two of my favorites are the Scotch Whisky and the Lavender praline. The Lavender is even decorated with a Lavender blossom!
HD Ghent also has the very best selection of single origin chocolate bars in Ghent. They have offerings from Africa, Asia, and Central America. They even have a bar from somewhere you’ll never see in a chocolate shop in the United States; Cuba! Highly recommended.
Neuhaus
In 1857, Jean Neuhaus opened his first chocolate shop in Brussels. 55 years later, his grandson, Jean Neuhaus II invented the praline. In 1999, the first Neuhaus chocolate shop opened in NYC. Today, Neuhaus Chocolate’s upscale confections are available worldwide.
In Ghent, there are 3 Neuhaus locations where you can get your praline fix. I do like their pralines, but if you see the little candy shaped like an ice cream cone, get that! It’s filled with chocolate hazelnut ganache and it’s delicious.
Chocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke
Making chocolate for over 40 years, Chocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke is another fantastic high-end chocolate shop in Ghent. In addition to expected pralines like chocolate hazelnut, Luc Van Hoorebeke experiments with unusual flavors like lemongrass.
The shop also has a wide range of other chocolate products including bars, clusters, chocolate covered orange slices, and chocolate covered coffee beans.
Confiserie Temmerman
Temmerman’s has a wider range of offerings than the other shops. Not just focused on pralines, Temmerman’s also has a several kinds of cookies, gumballs and sugar coated jellies as well as teas and jams.
My favorite might be their dark chocolate covered marshmallow. So much better than any factory produced marshmallow!
Getting to Ghent
Belgium is a small country so getting most places is easy on the efficient train system. From the capital of Brussels, it’s just 36 minutes to Ghent by train (both the bus and driving take longer). Popular Bruges is 41 minutes by train and Antwerp takes 46 minutes.
About the Author
Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel Truffle Hunt (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection That Bird. He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides to cities around the world on Destination Eat Drink, including an in-depth eating and drinking guide to Portugal. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms.
