Top of the chocs! Brussels 10th in European best hot chocolate ranking

The Belgian capital has achieved 10th place in a ranking of best European cities to enjoy the ultimate hot chocolate experience.

With the festive season underway, ferry company DFDS conducted a survey to determine which city offers the best hot chocolate in Europe.

Researchers analysed thousands of Google reviews from more than 2,000 cafes, bakeries, chocolateries and other outlets to compile a ranking of the top cities for the delicious winter warmer.

While Budapest, Rome and Bucharest occupy the top three spots, Brussels achieved a creditable score of 10th. It was also the only Belgian city to make the ranking.

Many of the city's top addresses make their rich beverages with Belgian chocolate brands, which explains their respectable result.

Here’s a selection of great places in the capital to try the chocolatey treat.

Fika in Saint Boniface is a cosy spot with Scandinavian touches, perfect for comforting winter vibes. It is reputed for its coffee as well as its hot chocolate and Nordic specialities such as home-made cinnamon buns and other pastries.

The Kafei chain, in the Sablon, Louise and Dansaert districts, serves hot chocolate in dark, milk and white variations. Why not accompany them with delicious fluffy pancakes? The Asian coffee, lunch and brunch address uses the region’s distinctive flavours in its pancakes and topping, which add to their originality.

Moka in Rue des Riches Claires is a city-centre refuge for a rich and creamy hot chocolate, in addition to a selection of homemade pastries. Its vintage decor is enhanced by atmospheric jazz and soul music.

Place Rouppe is the setting for Kaffabar and its winter season specialities, including a rich and creamy hot chocolate, among a range of other tempting hot and cold drinks.

If you are looking for a luxury chocolate experience, chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini, Laurent Gerbeau and Frederic Blondeel all boast delectable warm confections.

In Galerie de la Reine or the Sablon flagship store, Marcolini serves hot chocolate during the winter season, crafted from premium cocoa beans sourced from around the world. The chocolate institution also sells dark or milk chocolate pastilles so that you can whisk up the signature hot chocolate at home.

Another master chocolatier, Blondeel, offers a signature version at his shop and coffee and ice-cream bar in Koekelberg. It is prepared with cocoa that is torrefied in-store and is served with the biscuit or chocolate of the day.

Meanwhile, the Gerbaud kitchen, shop and tearoom in Rue Ravenstein offers customers a choice of one of its artisan pralines to accompany its hot chocolate. The latter is made with organic dark cocoa and no added sugar. For added indulgence, hazelnut, speculoos, Christmas spice or maple syrup can be added, topped with whipped cream (almond version pictured, main image). Artisanal chocolate chips are also on sale to recreate the drink at home with an easy-to-follow recipe.

Liège chocolatier Benoît Nihant sells chocolate drops to take away at his Ixelles store. They are accompanied by his own recipe for a smooth drink with a variety of cocoa flavours such as notes of spices and dried fruit from the Dominican Republic or an intense and tangy red-berry cocoa from Madagascar.

Photo: (main image) ©Laurent Gerbaud