Belgium
Belgium is globally recognized as the capital of chocolate, with a long history of fine craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients. The country's confectionery scene is heavily dominated by chocolate, with a particular focus on innovations that have become international staples.
The most famous Belgian sweet is the praline, a soft-centered chocolate creation with a hard shell, invented by Jean Neuhaus in 1912. Pralines come in an endless variety of fillings, from hazelnut paste to caramel and fruit creams. Another iconic treat is the Belgian waffle, which comes in two main types: the lighter, rectangular Brussels waffle and the denser, sweeter Liège waffle with its pockets of caramelized sugar. Other popular items include speculoos, a spiced shortbread cookie often served with coffee, and the unique, cone-shaped cuberdon, a candy with a hard outer shell and a syrupy interior.
