About this activity
Editor's Note
I’ve spent two decades watching tour operators chase the highest RevPAR by cramming forty people into a bus for a "scenic drive," but honestly, the industry often overlooks the soul of travel: getting your hands dirty. Most "chocolate tours" in Brussels are just glorified walks where a guide leads you to a shop with a high commission rate and calls it a day. This workshop at Tour Comp is a rare exception that actually respects the craft. Instead of just watching a lead chocolatier do all the work while you stand behind a velvet rope, you’re actually at the marble slab. It’s a refreshing break from the usual tourist traps, even if it means your apron ends up covered in ganache. Truth be told, if you leave Brussels without lurning the snap of a properly tempered bar, did you even visit Belgium?
About the Tour
Forget the pre-packaged boxes you find at the airport. This 2.5-hour immersive workshop takes you deep into the heart of Belgian tradition, transforming you from a mere consumer into a creator. In an industry saturated with "tasting tours," this experience stands out by putting you in the driver’s seat of a professional kitchen.
What You'll Do
- The Secret of Tempering: Working in small, intimate teams, you will tackle the most difficult part of the process—tempering. You'll learn the precise temperature shifts required to ensure your chocolate has that iconic crisp snap and glossy shine.
- From Scratch Production: You aren't just decorating; you are building. You will prepare authentic pralines and mendiants from the ground up, including the preparation of rich, velvety fillings.
- Socialize and Sip: While your creations set, enjoy a complimentary, authentic Belgian hot chocolate. It’s a great moment to chat with fellow travelers and discuss the local food scene without the rush of a tight itinerary.
- The Reward: Not only do you get to taste your handiwork on-site, but you’ll also pack your handmade treats into a souvenir box to take home. Though, let’s be real, they rarely make it past the hotel lobby.
Whether you're a foodie or just someone who appreciates the finer things, this workshop offers a hands-on look at why Belgian chocolate remains the gold standard globally. In a city full of sights, this is one of the few things you can actually taste, touch, and take with you.
Highlights
- Learn how to make more than 30 Belgian chocolates from scratch
- Make your own praline and mendiant chocolates
- Get your own box of homemade chocolates to take home
- Savor the fruits of your labor at a chocolate tasting
Know before you go
- This tour is suitable for vegetarians. There is also a vegan chocolate option