As a South African, I am all too familiar with hot drinks- coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. A classic South African hot chocolate usually comes in the form of Nestlé powder or a Hug In A Mug sachet. However, in Belgium, hot chocolate takes on a whole new meaning. In this blog, I will be exploring the history of hot chocolate in Belgium and contrasting two of the best chocolatiers in Brussels. If you are visiting Brussels and looking for an authentic hot chocolate experience, this guide is for you!
History of Hot Chocolate in Belgium
In the 16th century, cocoa beans were brought from South America to the Spanish territories, and while under Spanish rule, Belgium received its first cocoa in 1635. In the past, chocolate was considered a luxury item and the drink, hot chocolate, was primarily consumed by nobility. However, from the 19th century onwards, Belgium had a steady supply of cocoa beans from Congo. This made chocolate become more accessible to every household.
This history sets the stage for exploring two renowned chocolate establishments in Brussels: Laurent Gerbaud and Corné Dynastie. One is famous, while the other remains one of Brussels’ best kept secrets.
Laurent Gerbaud
Laurent Gerbaud is a Belgian chocolatier who is very popular in Brussels and was named Brussels’ chocolatier of year in 2021. He creates artisanal chocolates and sells them from his store near Mont Des Arts. Gerbaud’s chocolate philosophy is centered around combining unique flavors inspired by his travels, such as Shanghai orange and Madagascar pepper. Additionally, his chocolate is made with premium raw ingredients and less sugar than usual.
Like most cafés and restaurants in Brussels, Laurent Gerbaud has a stunning terrace where you can sit and enjoy an excellent cup of hot chocolate while taking in the atmosphere of the city center. During my visit to Laurent Gerbaud I sat outside and really enjoyed the pre-spring sunshine. The store offers regular, large and specialty hot chocolate, with the option to add flavoring. The price of the hot chocolate was a very acceptable €4,50. Alongside the hot chocolate comes a small glass of water and a praline of your choice from their display. Ps. the coffee and marzipan praline is delicious.
Serving water with hot beverages is a tradition in Europe as it enhances your drinking experience by cleansing the palate. I highly recommend visiting Laurent Gerbaud- not only for hot chocolate but also to taste their unique pralines and pick up a few chocolate souvenirs.
Corné Dynastie
A hot chocolate spot rich in Belgian heritage, this artisan chocolatier has been a family-run business for five generations and counting. Jean Corné, the owner of Corné Dynastie, was inspired by his great-grandfather to become a chocolatier. According to their website, his great-grandfather was a biscuit maker who wanted to diversify his production of sweets and delicacies. This led all five of his children to pursue careers in chocolate-making. The newest generation, Antoine Corné, Jean’s son, can often be seen working at the family store in Brussels. The family’s philosophy is preserving generational recipes and chocolate-making traditions even in our modern world.
Corné Dynastie is a small corner store located in Woluwé, Brussels. It opened in 1968 and is currently the only store of the brand in Belgium. The shop has a comfortable environment with large windows that are perfect for observing the architecture of Brussels’ Grand Place and the cobblestone side roads.
The store offers three options for hot chocolate: milk, caramel-white, and dark. It is served partially deconstructed, allowing customers to add chocolate beads to steaming milk according to their sweetness preference. It was super fun being able to make my own personal hot chocolate. Alongside the steaming milk are the chocolate beads, a metal whisk and straw and a chocolate praline of the store’s choice. Each time I visit, I am pleasantly surprised by their amazing praline flavors.
The best time to visit Corné Dynastie is in the late afternoon when the gloomy and busy outside world is overcome by the peaceful and radiant charm of this chocolatier.
Comparison and Final Thoughts
Laurent Gerbaud offers a refined and unique experience for €4.50. Here, you will find a darker-tasting and smoother hot chocolate as well as exotic-flavored pralines. Meanwhile, Corné Dynastie offers a cozy and delicious hot chocolate experience in the heart of Brussels for €6. Here, you will find sweet and velvety hot chocolate and traditional praline flavors. Choosing the perfect hot chocolate is a personal experience and depends on your preferences.
As the writer, I would like to share my personal preference with you. It has to be Corné Dynastie. I admire the dedication of their family-run business, and each of my experiences has been nothing short of excellent. This store is truly a hidden gem in Brussels.
I encourage you to add these chocolatiers to your itinerary for Brussels and have a true taste of Belgian history.
Feel free to reach out to me on social media and share your favorite hot chocolate spots!
“Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.”
Psalm 36:5-6