Neuhaus: Inventor of the Praline,
Ballotin, and Chocolate Standards

Chocolatier Jean Neuhaus made Belgian chocolate history in 1912 when he and his wife, Louise, created the famous Belgian 'praline.' A filling surrounded by chocolate, the invention of the praline opened up a world of possibilities for creative chocolatiers to mix chocolate with flavors both familiar and exotic.

Just three years later, in 1915, the creative couple made Belgian chocolate history again when they patented the 'ballotin', a box for pralines which protected chocolates better than previous packaging. While every chocolatier has created a unqiue twist on the today's ballotin, (Galler's ballontins are orange while Leonidas are gold) the original design of the box has changed little.

Today, pralines and ballotins are synonamous with Belgian chocolate and Neuhaus remains one of the best-known names of Belgian chocolate.

The Chocolate
This chocolatier offers chocolate standards invented decades ago as well as new chocolates created by more recent chocolatiers.

The company offers more than 70 standard chocolates, each designed individually with regard to taste, texture and shape, offered in a range of moulded or coated chocolates, and filled with creme fraiche, ganache, pralinéor other fillings.

The company also offers chocolate products for each season such as the 'Summer Manon'; for celebrations such as Christmas 'Pere Nicholas' and decorative Easter eggs; from different regions such as its 'Origine' box of chocolate tablets from exotic location like Madagascar and Venezuela; as well as gourmet chocolates including an amazing line of truffles.

This chocolatier is also known for its chocolate inventions called the 'Tentation' and 'Caprice' - some of our favorite Belgian chocolates (see photo above, right). The Tentation, toffee filled with coffee ganache and covered in milk chocolate; and the Caprice, toffee filled with vanilla fresh cream, and covered in dark chocolate.

Which one is better? All we can say is that you MUST try one of each of these and decide for yourself!

The Stores
Neuhaus redesigned its shops as part of its 150th anniversary celebration in 2007. The shop concept is designed to inform visitors about its chocolate, to learn about its ranges and enjoy the ambiance of sensory experiences.

The stores feature a chocolate brown colour theme complimented by a coral red. The flow between the counters has been redesigned to provide more intimate contact with the products and increased interaction between the customer and the chocolate.
One of Brussels' Best-Kept Secrets
One of Brussels' best kept secrets is the Neuhaus Chocolate 'outlet' store in Linbeek. Here you can buy most products already packaged at regular prices. But you can also get great deals on 1 kilo boxes (2.2 pounds) of various chocolates: one box is 14 euros while three boxes is only 30 euros! Best of all: you can sample many of the chocolates to your heart's - and stomach's - content.

Address: Postweg 2, 1602 Vlezenbeek, Belgium
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

There are a number of regular Neuhaus stores in Brussels. You'll find one right on the Grand Place, one in Galleries St. Hubert and one on your way to the Mannekin Pis.

To Purchase online go to: Neuhaus Online

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