You cannot help but get excited by La Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers Belges. Every inch has been carefully designed to intrigue—from the light-hearted flying hot chocolate spoons in the window, to the huge chocolate baby that takes centre-stage in the boutique.

La Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers Belges is situated on the prestigious Grand Place in the centre of Brussels. It is one of the new kids on the block but is gaining momentum fast, not only because it has 10 of the most creative artisans producing high end chocolate for the boutique, but because there is something for everyone—from the hot chocolate bar on the ground floor, to the workshops on the second, and the chocolate dinners on the third.

My eyes struggle to focus on just one thing as my guide shows me around. Nicolas Michil’s [of La Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers Belges] boundless energy and genuine love of chocolate is infectious. He is definitely like little Charlie, of chocolate factory fame, as he grabs chocolate bars off the shelves for me to try.  Amidst the frenzy of chocolate-tasting, I was able to pepper Nicolas with a few questions about the art of chocolate making.—Helen Soteriouc

Helen Soteriou: What is La Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers Belges?

Nicolas Michil: “La Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers Belges” (MMCB) is the showcase of ten artisans of excellence who work with Belgian chocolate in the purest of forms.

“La Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers Belges” invites you to discover the many creations (pure cocoa butter and guaranteed freshness) of our master chocolate makers around the theme of the chocolate bar and the many other products on show in the magnificent boutique area on the ground floor. Our “Ballotins Nationaux Découvertes” (National Discovery Ballotins – chocolate boxes) will allow you to discover several chocolate makers creations in the same box – a truly unique concept! On the first floor, in a space dedicated to white chocolate, a wide range of activities prolongs the sensorial discovery: the “Chocolate Discovery Workshops” for chocolate lovers of all ages and the “ Belgian Traditional Chocolate Academy” for the well-informed audience.



Where did the concept come from?

The “Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers Belges” is an initiative of non-profit organization “Best Belgian Chocolate of the World”.

Best Belgian Chocolate of the World (BBCW) aims to defend the expertise of Belgian traditional chocolate makers from all three regions of the country.

The originality of the Best Belgian Chocolate of the World is that it gathers artisans who are all intent on making the diversity of Belgian chocolates into a positive feature, allying the differences in taste and complementarities of flavours.

An innovative, respectful and generous intention:

1° A return to the source: the chocolate makers select the cocoa beans with great care and monitor the demanding work of the growers and pickers of cocoa pods.

2° Quality Belgian chocolate: Belgian artisans respect the purest of traditions and the ancestral know-how of our country. Chocolate makers only use the finest products available, work without any chemical preservatives and on the basis of a minimum cocoa rate of 43% (and very often way above the minimum standards defined by European Directives).

3° Unity in diversity: the Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers Belges is a plural manufacturing brand in which every artisan affirms his own personality while contributing to a common image.

4° Sharing know-how: knowing means appreciating. Opened to amateurs through the “Chocolate Discovery Workshops” or to future professionals through the “Traditional Chocolate Academy”, our chocolate makers revive the transmission of know-how that has made the reputation of time-honoured tradesmen.

How did the 10 artisans come together?

Philippe Luypaert (president of BBCW) and Kris Dooms (president of FENACO Belgium), have personally meet each of the chocolate makers and tasted their homemade chocolate creations.

Check back tomorrow for more chocalte-y goodness and a tour of the chocolate factory.

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