Brussels: Belgian Chocolate Making Class & Tasting Workshop

Summary

Make chocolate from bean to bar in Brussels with expert artisans

You’ll get hands-on with real Belgian chocolate making in Brussels: taste raw cacao beans, craft your own truffles and mendiants guided by certified artisans, and take home everything you make in a gift box. Expect laughter, new flavors, and a glimpse into what makes true Belgian chocolate so special.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I signed up for this Belgian chocolate making class in Brussels mostly out of curiosity (and a bit because my friend wouldn’t stop talking about “real” chocolate). Walking into the workshop, you could smell this deep, almost earthy cocoa scent — not sweet like supermarket stuff, more like the inside of a bakery early in the morning. Our guide, Marc, handed us hairnets right away and grinned when he caught me eyeing the trays of glossy truffles. He said something about “no shortcuts here,” which made me laugh because I’d already been eyeing the shortcut to just eating everything.

The place was colder than I expected (they warned us), but honestly it kept the chocolate from melting all over my hands — which happened anyway when I got too enthusiastic with the tempering. We started by tasting a raw cacao bean straight from the pod. It was so bitter it made my face scrunch up; Marc chuckled and said that’s how you know it’s real. There was this moment where we tried pure cacao liquor — not boozy at all, just thick and intense, almost floral if you pay attention. Someone asked about where their beans come from and Marc explained how they work directly with small farmers and that part of our ticket price actually goes back to them. That stuck with me.

Making mendiants felt a bit like finger painting for grownups — scattering nuts and dried fruit on still-warm disks of chocolate. My truffles looked lopsided but tasted rich and slightly fruity; no two came out alike, which somehow made it better. Packing everything into a gift box at the end felt weirdly satisfying. There was this quiet pride around the room as people admired their slightly wonky creations.

I still think about that first taste of real chocolate — not just sweet but layered, almost alive on your tongue. If you’re looking for a Belgian chocolate workshop in Brussels that’s actually run by proper artisans (not some factory tour), this is it. And if you butcher “merci” like I did, don’t worry — everyone here seems to appreciate effort over perfection.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Belgian chocolate making workshop

• Arrive at training centre
• Wear provided hairnet
• Learn about cacao origins
• Taste raw cacao bean
• Try pure cacao liquor
• Create mendiants and truffles
• Make personalized chocolate bar
• Pack chocolates in gift box
• See bean-to-bar machinery
• Receive explanations from chocolatiers

Top questions

Is this Belgian chocolate making class suitable for beginners?

Yes, no prior experience is needed; guides help every step.

How long does the workshop last?

The experience takes place during scheduled sessions; exact duration isn’t specified but covers making several chocolates.

Do I get to take home what I make?

Yes, you pack your handmade chocolates into a gift box to take home.

Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What kinds of chocolate will I make?

You’ll create mendiants, truffles, and a personalized chocolate bar.

Are ingredients ethically sourced?

Yes, all cacao is 100% traceable and ethically sourced from small farmers.

Does the class include tastings?

Yes, you’ll taste raw cacao beans, pure cacao liquor (not alcohol), and premium origin chocolates.

Is there an age limit or allergy warning?

The class isn’t suitable for those with severe food allergies; age limits aren’t specified.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for making truffles, mendiants, and your own chocolate bar; tastings of raw cacao beans and pure cacao liquor; guidance from certified artisan chocolatiers; use of equipment including aprons and hairnets; plus you’ll leave with a gift box filled with your handmade chocolates. If you choose the VIP option there’s also champagne and an embroidered apron included.