Swiss and Belgian chocolates

I’ve been lucky enough to be a recipient of chocolate gifts recently. Even luckier because they are some of the world’s finest chocolates, coming from the two of the top producing countries, Belgium and Switzerland. If you ask me to tell the difference, I can’t, although am sure one would claim to be better and sweeter than the other.

First is this trio of chocolate packages from blog reader-turned-friend Marissa, who is based in the outskirts of Zurich, Switzerland. One brand is familiar, Lindt, while the other is called Cocktailbar and are shaped like liquor bottles. Most of all, they contain real shots of alcohol! The Lindt was delicately packed itself in pink with the most attractive feminine graphics – so Paris Hilton 😛 Tasting the savory pralines was another matter. We simply couldn’t have enough of it.

I figure that chocolate-making itself is an art. Before these confectioneries become desirable, they must first become presentable, right? Coming up with nibbles like those in the picture above requires special molds and the most exacting process. According to Wikipedia, Switzerland (which is famous for Toblerone) has the highest rate of chocolate consumption in the world.

The husband, on the other hand, sent us a box of Leonidas Chocolates, like he was wont to do during our courtship days. I love Leonidas! It’s one of the first Belgian brands to hit the Philippine shores, even before local makers started fashioning out their own, and labelled them Belgian chocolates too (or haven’t you noticed?)

An interesting factoid: there are more than 2,000 chocolate shops in Belgium, making the country a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. Am certainly lucky to have gone there

Now, you just have to decide which of them you like better. Swiss or Belgian Chocolates? Both of them are certainly good!