I discovered Frederic Blondeel Chocolate Factory & Shop through a friend during the Belgian corona semi-lockdown. Blondeel is a well-known ‘from bean to bar’ chocolatier and tea room in the center of Brussels. Blondeel comes from a family of 3 generations of Brussels coffee roasters (Santos coffee) and who adopted the roasting process to chocolate some 20 years ago. The factory, a bit further away, is where the magic happens…
Behind what looks like garage gates in the small commune of Koekelberg lies a great place if you feel the need for some tasty ice cream, coffee or REAL Belgian ‘pralines’. You walk up to the place via a private driveway and right next to a cute green lawn are some cosy rocking chairs and small tables. The ice cream and especially the ‘chocolate orange’ one is to die for.
'Family business' often means genuinely friendly staff, no exception here, we even got an apology from Frederic himself because the freezer was (according to him – we hadn’t noticed) too cold so our ice cream might not have had the perfect temperature. Each order is accompanied by a small cookie (an actual cookie, not the cardboard-tasting one you get at some places) or a brownie; cones are dipped in chocolate if you like, and coffee comes with a ‘praline’.
You can enjoy your order on the lawn or in the rocking chairs and just imagine being in a small country village (as opposed to the world’s second most multicultural city). A treat!
Rue de Ganshoren 39
€
no-price
+32
475360031
Find your way with 293 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
At Crèmerie Saint-Guidon all the delicacies are personally selected: Brussels salted cheese and the famous ‘pottekees’; large eggs and delicious bread...
by
“The Wild Lab” in Brussels makes perfect vegetarian breakfasts for those lazy mornings…
by
"Chicago Café" is my favorite brunch spot in Brussels! They offer all-day breakfast & brunch and I recommend coming with friends - the portions are huge!
by
"Chez Richard" in Brussels is a truly local bar in a building from the 1890s! The terrace is always packed with good people. Try their 'fricandelle'...
by
"Gare du Midi market" is the famous Sunday morning market in Brussels. There is plenty of choice and prices will start dropping to almost zero at 13:30...
by
Dishes come with bold and rich flavors, which blend different cultures and cuisines. Our choices fell on some mezze, including a tasty paprika hummus...
by
Standing in front of what looked like an open garage, a busy wine bar like no other was waiting for me. Looking at it, I was mesmerized...
by
"Kunstenfestivaldesarts" Berlin is an international art festival I volunteer for each May which gathers some of the best contemporary artists around.
by
"Place Sainte-Catherine" is one of Brussels' most characteristic zones, and although tourists love it, locals love it even more for its versatility!
by
"Jardin des Sculptures" in Brussels is a little green oasis that forms a perfect combination of nature and arts. A true hidden gem...
by
"Cement Truck" by Wim Delvoye is a unique piece that's a scaled-down model of a cement truck constructed in the Flemish Baroque style. An ode to opposites!
by
293 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 293 Insider Tips