ABC… All about Belgian Chocolates

Spain and Italy have their Olive Oil while France is known for its Wine. Belgium is all about its Chocolates and Beers.  Although not an ardent chocoholic, just spent some good time exploring the Belgian chocolate shops in Brussels and Bruges. With beautiful decorations these shop display these products in the best possible way so as to attract even a non enthusiast buyer not to talk about the photographers. I started with a small but nicely decorated chocoleterie just behind the bourse in Brussels named ‘Le Comptoir De Mathilde’ and here as the photographs which explain everything…

Chocolaterie ‘La Comptoir De Mathilde’… an attractive little store near the grand place in Brussels. Sells traditional chocolates. You can have a instant hot chocolate even. Very humble staff to explain you all about the Belgian chocolates… Impressive and must visit

Lots of varieties and flavours in the loose chocolates to select from. You have a choice of multiple selection as all these varieties have same price.

Pamper yourself…..A chocolate with hammer to break it….

Varieties of offerings… With different nuts and different chocolates…

Ideal differential focusing object… ?

Chocolate coated with puffed rice

Truck laden with the sinful delights

While walking around the Bruges town, I selected a store named ‘La Belgique Gourmande’ to explore the confectioneries and chocolates. The shop is located near the central market and the beautiful arrangement of the ever vibrantly colored sweets naturally attracts the visitors attention. Mainly sells Cuberdons, Macaroons, Pearl Chocolates, Cookies etc. The staff was courteous enough to increase my confectionery knowledge to some extent. Following pictures are from this shop….

A chocolate shop in central Bruges, Belgium

They call these as ‘Macaroons’. Sugary treats and heavenly feelings. Could not taste all the flavours…

The displays of Macaroons in the shops resemble something like high end jewelry shops…

Vibrantly colored Macaroon

Conically shapes, Sweet, slightly hard outside but soft inside these delicacies are called ‘Cuberdons’

This one is the orignal Cuberdon…. Red Raspberry. When inquired about the recipe, I was told that its a secret however it takes around a week to take out a perfect Cuberdon due to slow ageing process.

Pineapple flavor. Inexpensive. Handmade. Available in splash of colors and favors. These sweets sure stand tall in popularity among the tourists…

Chocolate coated orange slices in Bruges shop

A paradise for the sweet lovers. ‘La Cure Gourmande’ are one of the renowned french confectioners with branches at Dubai,  Abu Dhabi, Brussels etc. The shop looks like a fairy tale location. Dont hesitate to taste the sample free cookies offered with a smile.

La Cure Gourmande, Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium

Near to the grand place is this famous candy and biscuits shop named ‘La Cure Gourmande’. The shop naturally attracts the tourists and ardent photographers thanks to the wonderful lighting and products arrangement in the shop… Photo No 1

Olive chocolates…. No these are just Olive shaped and nothing to do with the real olives

Olive chocolates beautifully packed and displayed @ La Cure Gourmande, Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium

This aesthetic packaging is really appealing. I bought few variety of boxes as souvenirs.

Their logo… This cute pigtailed french child… inviting you to buy these biscuits, chocolates, candies, fudges, caramels etc

The very humble candies

Prices are quite high. These tins filled with the cookies will cost you around 20 euros or 25 USD. The elaborate displays will sure compel you to buy.

Lollypops… With very friendly staff you will have a special feeling at this place. I recommend a must visit whenever you get a chance….

Visit http://www.curegourmande.com/ for more details about these confectioners…

Please feel free to leave your comments on this blog. I can be reached at agrawalsh@hotmail.com