VIP pass: Make Your Own Chocolates Workshop with Tastings

Making Your Own Chocolate in Brussels: A Tasty Experience Worth Booking

Trying to find a memorable activity in Brussels that combines learning, hands-on fun, and delicious treats? This VIP chocolate workshop promises just that, offering a chance to craft your own chocolates while gaining insights into the bean-to-bar process. Set in a sleek, modern training center, the experience is designed to immerse you in Belgian chocolate craftsmanship — and yes, you get to take your creations home.

One thing we love about this experience is the detailed, expert-guided process. Certified Belgian artisans lead the workshop, sharing insider tips and stories that make the whole activity both educational and engaging. Plus, tasting premium origin cacaos from various countries adds an authentic depth you wouldn’t get elsewhere.

A potential consideration is the strict timing — the workshop starts promptly, and late arrivals are not admitted. So, punctuality is key if you want to fully enjoy the experience. Also, the activity is primarily aimed at adults and older children; those with food allergies or specific dietary needs should check carefully as nuts and dairy are present in some toppings.

Best suited for curious travelers, chocolate lovers, and those wanting a fun, interactive way to connect with Belgium’s famous confectionery scene, this workshop is a highlight for many who visit Brussels.

Key Points

• Hands-On Creation: Craft your own chocolates, including a personalized bar, truffles, and mendiants, with all your creations yours to take home.
• Expert Guidance: Led by certified artisan chocolatiers, who share detailed insights into the entire bean-to-bar process.
• Authentic Tasting: Taste premium cacaos from different countries, including cacao liquor and fresh cacao beans, enriching your palate and understanding.
• Premium Ingredients: Use only high-quality, traceable cacao from Haiti, with a commitment to ethical sourcing and no industrial chocolate.
• Additional Perks: Enjoy a glass of champagne (if upgraded), receive an embroidered apron, and get a 20% discount on all chocolates in their stores.
• Educational and Fun: Perfect for those wanting more than just tasting — this is about understanding and creating, in a well-equipped, climate-controlled environment.

An In-Depth Look at the Chocolate Workshop Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

The workshop takes place in a brand-new, 150m² training center designed specifically for chocolate education. Since it can host up to 60 participants, the space feels lively yet well-organized. The air-conditioning ensures you won’t overheat while working with hot chocolate or tempering chocolates, but it might be slightly chilly, so dress comfortably.

Arriving at the Place de la Justice 5, next to Gare Centrale and Mont des Arts, makes it accessible, with the check-in process smooth and professional. The staff are real, qualified chocolate makers certified by the Belgian government, which adds an extra layer of trust. They guide, explain, and make sure you leave with a new appreciation for Belgian chocolate craftsmanship.

The Workshop Breakdown

The workshop begins with a warm welcome, a quick briefing, and the distribution of a wristband, hairnet, and quiz card. Once suited up, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves. The process involves creating three different types of chocolates: a personalized chocolate bar, truffles, and mendiants.

Each step is carefully explained, highlighting the bean-to-bar process — from understanding the journey of cacao beans to tempering chocolates. The guides emphasize the importance of ethical sourcing, with all cacao coming from Haiti, ensuring no deforestation or child labor. This commitment to transparency and sustainability is something many travelers appreciate.

Tasting and Learning

One of the highlights of this tour is the variety of tastings. You’ll sample several premium cacaos from different countries, experiencing how terroir impacts flavor. Tasting a bitter cacao bean and the cacao liquor (a non-alcoholic, intensely dark chocolate paste) allows you to appreciate the raw ingredients before they are transformed into the sweet treats.

The guides also introduce you to cacao pod juice (mucilage) and the flavor differences among cacao varieties. These insights turn what might be a simple tasting into an educational experience that elevates your appreciation for fine chocolate.

Making Your Own Creations

The process of crafting your chocolates is where the fun truly begins. You’ll work with handcrafted, premium-quality chocolates from Haiti, known for their rich flavor and traceable origins. Under expert supervision, you’ll make your own mendiants (fruit and nut-topped chocolates), truffles, and a personalized chocolate bar.

Many reviewers noted the fun of working hands-on: “We had really fun making our own chocolate bar and other stuff,” said Alexandra, highlighting how the activity balances learning and entertainment. The final products are yours to take home, packed safely in a box, so you can share your creations with friends and family.

Additional Elements and Perks

If you opt for the VIP upgrade, you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne upon arrival, an embroidered apron, and a visit to the laboratory, where the chocolate making process is explained in greater detail. These extras elevate the experience, making it feel more exclusive and immersive.

Participants also receive a 20% discount on all chocolates in the stores, which is a smart perk if you want to stock up on authentic Belgian chocolates before leaving Brussels.

The Practical Side

The workshops run three times a day at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM, giving flexibility to fit into your sightseeing schedule. Because the activity is fully air-conditioned, it remains comfortable even on warmer days, though you should dress in layers as the temperature could be cool.

The process is strictly timed — late arrivals are not admitted, so punctuality is crucial. While the class is primarily in English, the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making it easy for international visitors to follow along.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the delicious results. Natalia called the workshop “very educational and extremely delicious,” noting she appreciated the souvenirs like the apron, which keeps the memory alive. Janice highlighted the fun and informative nature of the class, mentioning that Elizabeth, the guide, made the experience both engaging and educational.

Others appreciated the quality of the chocolate and the clarity of the explanations, with one noting, “The process of making chocolate is well explained,” and another saying, “The chocolate is really yummy.” Several reviewers, including Silvia, enjoyed returning for a second visit, which speaks to the experience’s lasting appeal.

Who Should Consider This Workshop?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love chocolate and want an authentic, hands-on activity that educates as well as entertains. It’s also perfect for those interested in the sustainability and craftsmanship behind Belgian chocolate, thanks to the transparent sourcing and artisan production.

Families with children over six will find this activity engaging, though toddlers or younger children might find it less suitable. People with food allergies, nuts, dairy, or lactose intolerance should proceed with caution, as toppings may contain nuts and dairy.

The workshop’s value for money lies in its combination of making, tasting, and learning, along with the souvenirs and discounts included. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding of chocolate beyond just eating it, which many visitors find rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This VIP chocolate workshop in Brussels offers a delightful blend of education, craftsmanship, and indulgence. From tasting premium cacaos to creating personalized chocolates, it appeals to curious minds and sweet tooths alike. The expertise of the guides, combined with the high-quality ingredients, ensures a memorable experience that you’ll be proud to share.

The commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability adds a meaningful layer to the fun, making this activity not just tasty but responsible. Plus, the convenience of multiple sessions daily and the inclusion of souvenirs and discounts make it an excellent value.

It’s perfect for adults wanting a unique cultural experience or families looking for a hands-on activity in Brussels. Just remember to arrive on time, wear your hairnet, and bring your sweet tooth.

FAQs

How long does the workshop last?
The experience takes approximately 1.5 hours, with scheduled sessions at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM. Be sure to arrive early as latecomers cannot be admitted.

Is the workshop suitable for children?
It is best for children over the age of 6. The activity involves working with hot chocolate and small ingredients, so younger children might not find it suitable.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
The workshop features dark and milk chocolates made from Haiti’s cacao. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you’ll only be able to work with dark chocolate. Toppings may contain nuts.

What do I get to take home?
All the chocolates you make, including your personalized bar, truffles, and mendiants, are yours to take home in a box. You also receive a discount coupon for future purchases.

Is the experience accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the workshop is wheelchair accessible, and facilities like water dispensers and disabled toilets are available on-site.

Can I buy chocolates after the workshop?
Absolutely. Participants receive a 20% discount on all chocolates in the shops, making it easy to stock up on Belgian treats before heading home.

In summary, this workshop provides a rich blend of hands-on fun, tasting, and education that deepens your appreciation for Belgian chocolate’s craftsmanship. It’s perfect for those wanting a meaningful, delicious souvenir and insight into the artisan side of a beloved treat. Whether you’re a seasoned chocolate lover or just curious about how your favorite confections are made, this experience is sure to satisfy.