ABBEY: I am a BIG fan of chocolate. And there’s no way we’ll be missing the chocolate factories when we go to Switzerland.
Upon landing in Zurich, we dropped our luggages at the hotel and off we go to our first order of “business”: go to House of Läderach at Bilten. The train staff even told us that it’s far and we should go to Lindt instead. Little did he know that we will go there as well.
House of Läderach is not that much crowdy and we liked it. We explore the museum how the chocolate was made. We had a sensory experience where we got a chance to taste their chocolate while watching a video that explains how to spot fresh chocolates. Upon seeing their molds, process, and their story we were led to four fountains. Yes, they are all chocolate; milk, dark, white, and blonde. We also experienced to be a chocolatier even for a while. I made my own bar with pistachios and pine nuts and completed it with a ribbon. And while in queue at the cashier we were given samples of liqueur chocolates.
Our next stop is Lindt Home of Chocolate where there are more guests compared to Läderach. Bags should be deposited on lockers. The site exhibits the chocolate journey from trees to table. We indulge with pieces of chocolate bars as well as spoonfuls of chocolate from the fountain.
At the end of the tour you will be able to take home different flavors of chocolate truffles. But limited to one flavor for each guest.
Our last factory is at Maison Cailler at Broc. Entrance here is for free with our Swiss Travel Pass. I liked their tour as it has good narrative and exhibition. As usual we saw how chocolate is made. But the tasting experience is different here. They serve the brown-gold in platters. Taste and sample as many as you want.
Comparing all the three the best for me is Cailler, then Läderach and then Lindt.
Cailler got me for its smoothness and “velvetiness”. Läderach for the effort poured on the handcrafted chocolates. Lindt is “too commercially” for me.
🇨đź‡Läderach, Lindt or Cailler? Which is the Best Chocolate Museums in Switzerland?
WILL: No trip to Switzerland is complete without indulging in their world-renowned chocolate craftsmanship. While the country may not grow cacao beans, its mastery in chocolate-making is unparalleled. Here are three chocolate museums that are a must-visit for any chocolate enthusiast.
Läderach - Chocolate Museum & Walk-In Atelier - CHF20/pax
When I saw this chocolate here in Singapore, I can’t fathom why it is sooooo expensive. How costly? $S70+ for 300grams! Shocking isn’t? But a visit to their museum in Switzerland proves otherwise. For just CHF20, you gain access to a tour of their chocolate-making legacy, accompanied by a delightful experience of unlimited chocolate tasting (bar and 4 chocolate fountain) and the opportunity to create your own chocolate bar.
Museum focuses on the family’s legacy in chocolate making. It is an art. An advocacy! A family legacy! Despite its popularity, the museum maintains a welcoming ambiance, with friendly staff eager to share their passion. And the best part? You can take home half a kilogram of premium chocolate for just S$30+. Trust me, the taste of their meticulously handcrafted chocolates is worth every penny.
Lindt's museum-cum-factory is a staple on many tourists' itineraries, often bustling with eager visitors. While it offers insight into the production process, it leans more towards a commercial experience than a traditional museum visit.
Nonetheless, it's an opportunity to sample Lindt's iconic chocolates, some of which might be rare finds outside of Switzerland.
Cailler - Free with Swiss Travel Pass
Ideal for school field trips, Cailler's museum provides a comprehensive look into the world of chocolate-making. Despite its popularity, the museum manages crowds efficiently, ensuring an enriching experience for all visitors.
While they may lack chocolate fountains, Cailler compensates with innovative displays, including a wheel brimming with cocoa beans and nuts. Yes you can eat/taste those too. And before you bid adieu, don't forget to savor the plated chocolates offered as a parting treat.
After exploring these chocolate havens, it's no surprise that Cailler emerges as a favorite museum. As for my top chocolate pick, Läderach's exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled flavor leave a lasting impression. Now I know, why Läderach is the Swiss favourite chocolate.
In the end, Switzerland's chocolate museums not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer a glimpse into the country's rich confectionery heritage.
House of Läderach and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit
(A) Chocolaterie Suisse Rue Jules Bellet 7 1636 Broc
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Switzerland is renowned for its exquisite chocolate, delightful wines, and precision timepieces. Your visit to Switzerland would be incomplete without indulging in these quintessential experiences.
🇨đź‡Switzerland's Finest Chocolate Museums, Wines and Timepiece Boutiques
1. Wine Indulgence: Firstly, let us apologize for not taking photos of our wines. We were simply mesmerized by the affordability (compared to Singapore) and the irresistible taste of every sip! Absolutely delightful! We highly recommend purchasing Famille Naef Chasselas Château de Mont-sur-Rolle wine.
2. Tissot Timepieces: My husband's long-awaited quest for his first timepiece finally came to fruition. After months of searching, we discovered the perfect automatic watch for him (and maybe a little for me, too) – the Tissot Visodate. You might wonder, couldn't we find a similar model in Singapore? Well, the brown leather band option wasn't available online or in physical stores in Singapore, and we we
3. Chocolate Exploration: For us, understanding the craftsmanship behind the products enhances the experience. Thus, we embarked on a chocolate factory tour in Switzerland:
Lindt: This well-advertised chocolate factory and museum provided insights into chocolate production, and their chocolate squares were a must-buy.
Cailler: Nestle's Cailler museum offered a fascinating journey through the history of chocolate, and the taste exceeded our expectations.
Läderach: This was an instant favorite! Their chocolates were divine, and the factory prices were a steal. We couldn't resist buying a kilogram!
So there you have it! Switzerland offers an array of indulgences to enhance your vacation experience. Don't hesitate to treat yourself while exploring this beautiful country!
🇨đź‡Switzerland's Finest Chocolate Museums: Läderach and Lindt
🇨đź‡Switzerland's Finest Chocolate Museum: Cailler Maison
(A) Chocolaterie Suisse Rue Jules Bellet 7 1636 Broc
House of Läderach
(W) https://houseofladerach.com
(H) 9AM to 6PM
(A) Grabenstrasse 6, CH-8865 Bilten
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Accommodation Excellence
ExpediaBooking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.
KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.
Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!
ABBEY: This is one of Wilma’s gift or should I say surprises for my 10th year anniversary in Singapore. I got intrigued with this confectionary when I read about the company being bought by Warren Buffet. What does it taste like why the Omaha oracle invested in them. Each piece is different as with all other boxes of chocolates. But they are all velvety smooth and you can taste the premium-ness to it ( a higher level of chocolatiness). On the other hand, their hard candies are like jaw breakers. You cannot bite it but just enjoy the flavor until the candy dissolves. I know they are pricey but I’m thankful I got hold of those lovely chocolate creations.
WILL: Abbey love to read biographies. Of course he won’t let himself to pass the life story of Warren Buffet. Then, he became curious on products of Berkshire Hathaway’s companies. One of those is See’s Candies.
I got intrigued too when I got to know about its price. It hit Abbey’s wishlist, so, on his 10th year celebration in Singapore, I ordered online and picked it up to Tangs VivoCity.
The taste? There is something different in it. Every bite is a feast in my mouth. Sometimes it is more of cocoa, some is more cream, but all of them has a smooth texture.
It costs thrice the amount of the ordinary chocolate but every sugar is worth it. Haha!
ABBEY: I have no idea what to give my wife for Christmas. But when I saw how excited she is when she saw the Ferrerro Rocherone, I knew that I should get that. So the next day, I waited for the shop to open and place my reservation. I got three. Yes. Wilma only expected to have one. One Rocherone is a little bit shy to 25SGD.
Upon arriving at home, I gave the first ball. She was ecstatic and suprised. Then she went to the kitchen and I placed the second one on the dining table. I asked her to open it immediately. She went back to our room to get her phone. And realisation came to her. The giant chocolate treat is more than one. At the same time, I heard her shout "Why is there so many? Stay where you are." The surprise became a threat. When she found me, I gave her the third. There's nothing she can do but to accept my gifts and be happy with it.
I was more happy because I'm seeing my wife happy.
The taste is delicious. The chocolate is smooth and the nuts complement it well.
We can't finish in one sitting. By the way they have the junior version of this for less than 20SGD.
WILL: Huge! Big! Grand Ferrero!
Ferrero really knew how to revolutionize their product. Can you imagine what would Ferrero Rocher can do its chocolates? Ferrero brought the Casa Cafe here in Singapore for their holiday treat to us. You can buy exclusively in there their very cute and awesome Grand Ferrero.
Abbey surprised me a three big ball of chocolate Ferrero. My eyes opened wide and my voice squeaked with delight!
The taste? Same! Nothing changed, just the appearance! But this is really a grand and pleasant thing for a gift!
Hey Ferrero! I hope more and more new packaging/product you will introduce to the world. :)
ABBEY: This was a reward from Ma'am Josie for being the first person who can guess the place that she posted in Facebook. She came from Paris but I don't know if the chocolates were from there as well.
I'm guessing it is not (don't get mad Madamme if my assumption is wrong) as the cocoa bites were named Geisha chocolates. They are sweet and smooth. So whenever I went to the fridge I get a couple of them and eat for my sweet tooth. Thanks again Ma'am Josie.
WILL: My husband is so happy when Ms. Josie Jean hand over her price to me. Well, its a box of Fazer Geisha. I saw a pink wrappped chocolates and thought that it would be a strawberry flavored, haha! So damn!
Unwrapped and ate one, no strawberry!!! Popped another one and one and one. The chocolate milk and nutty filling complement each other. Not so sweet but will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.
ABBEY: One random day Wilma asked what chocolate would I want as a gift. I replied "Any type, any toppings would do". She joined a contest to create your own chocolate. She told me she even put a message on the bar. She was excited to see it delivered to our mailbox. It was covered with a bubble wrap then a silver-colored wrapper with cushion. What a way to protect the precious delight. It was a white chocolate bar topped with almond, macadamia nuts and floss. There's a message "I love you" which is also edible. Its not too sweet, just enough to enjoy it and appreciate as this was done by my wife :)
WILL: The most beautiful thing that you can give as a gift to your loved ones is not a box load of ready made commodity in a market, but was things that done by your own hands. Time really pushes all our creativeness on edges, and so am I. Haha. Went to Vivo... while walking, while checking each store, there is no great idea that popped-up right before my eyes. I went home, frustrated. Nada! No gift for my Abbey for hearts' day. Checking every facebook fanpage that posts their products for Valentines, I came with Cocoa B that was holding a giveaway that time. With great passion and love for my husband, I poured my emotion while creating my own chocolate. Here is my entry:
I roamed around VivoCity last night and got home almost 9pm with empty hands. Nowhere to find, nowhere to go, no great gift idea for my husband on heart's day.
Until this morning I read a message in facebook about Cocoa B, bulb of imagination lit and swore when I got home, I wil be creating my OWN chocolate flavor and design.
So here it is, white chocolate (symbolizes my pure love unto him), nuts (how nutty I am when I am with my hubby), I Love You Plaque (three words combined to be a powerful sentence), & Chicken Floss (his favorite).
I will never know this when I read iisjong.blogspot.com.
Hoping to win this, by the power summoned by LOVE! ;)
Upon checking the facebook when we came back here in Singapore, I saw that I won the contest. As I cannot hide my gladness, I asked my husband to see my entry to this contest. After he read it, he squeezed me tight. The day came, chocolate was delivered by the postman, we unwrap, we took photo, we ate and our amazement can see through in our eyes when we took every bite on that whitey chocolate. Very delicious indeed when powdered with floss. Thanks Cocoa B. please visit their website and surprise your loved ones with it.
ABBEY: We got this as give away from Sheng Shiong. From what I've tasted it's the same composition but the difference is that dark chocolate is used. The chocolate in the middle of each ball is creamy and has a strong taste. So good that I ate more than half of the treat :) This costs 9sgd.
WILL: My Kuya Laleng is very happy when my suitors gave me ferrero chocolates. i don't know why they were always giving me that gold foiled choco, if they only knew that Milka can only satisfy my sweet tooth for choco. Hehe. But!, when I tasted this rond noir, I declare that this is my favorite chocolate now. :D
What's new? Instead of milky chocolate the wafery center was covered with black chocolate. That's the only new thing hehe. I wonder why just now Ferrero created this? Well, its not too late! Thanks ferrero.
ABBEY: This pack rests on our cabinet for many months. Used by the taste of Choc-Nut we didn't bother to open it. The time came to try it. Wow, not too sweet and tastes good. Very creamy and moist. I ate more than 10 pieces at one sitting.
WILL: Then here comes a competitor.. The Queen Mani. This milk chocolate wants to share to the fame and legacybrought by the chocnut. hehe.Please do not blame me for making some comparison with the one I grew up with. Well, on positive side, this is more creamier but lesser peanut. Competition is good. Keep up the good work, do not change the quality :)
ABBEY: We ran in a chocolate shop for Neth to buy her pasalubong and we saw this variation of Maltesers. The balls were covered with white chocolate and chocolate but still has the same core. The price is also the same as with the original, not more than 30sgd. Maybe I'm just used to brown chocolate flavor that's why I found the taste of whites lacking. A good alternative for those seeking a new taste.
WILL: We are checking out the chocolates with Neth for some pasalubongs and I saw this mixed chocolate of maltesers, instantly I asked my husband if we can buy that for me. Hehe. And of course he agreed! :) The taste? Ahm, how can i explain this, ok one word... Amazing! Haha. The sweetness of white and chocolate simply combined amazingly in my mouth! This bucket costs not more than 6$ and I ate this for almost 3 months. Haha! :)
ABBEY: I think this is peanut
butter but with less moisture until it has the texture of a powder. Don't know
how its done but one thing's for sure; it tastes good. We were very happy when
my mom told us that they got Chocnut for us from Philippines. This really is a
good treat so good that there are lot of imitations available also.
WILL: ChocNut the all time favorite chocolate of all Filipinos. Milk and Nuts goes along together so much that produces its distinct taste.
As I recall the price, my last time to buy this at a Sari-sari store, this is still Php1.00. Every Filipino loves this, here you can buy this at Lucky Plaza. :)
ABBEY: I was ecstatic to see
that finally there's something who will challenge Malteser's. My wife bought
this at Hershey's world.
The moment of truth
came. We opened the box, and started munching the chocolate treats. Even though
they didn't be at par with Malteser's they have that unique taste that will
make you crave for more. The inner part of the ball is soft and easy to chew so
you can finish a box fast.
WILL: My delight gave me frustration. Indeed, this is the original malted milk balls. This gave me nothing that can makes me happy. The first and definitely the last.
ABBEY: We visit their branch
at Suntec City. We got their double scoop of chocolate and strawberry. It was
server in a bowl on top of a cocktail glass filled with dry ice. I was amazed
when I was able to eat the brand name. It was written in a small oval-shaped
chocolate. I also surprised Wilma for getting a chocolate fondue set. Double
scoop costs 12sgd while the fondue set is 45.
WILL: Abbey rang my phone and told me to go home early because he have a surprise. Well, he got me off guard, i am so surprised to see those chocolates anf ice cream on our table. :) Abbey is so sweet that I cannot imagine what he will do next. So what will u expect in hagen dazs ice cream? An extraordinary taste. Oishi!
ABBEY: I'm looking for ham in Carrefour. I was strolling the freezers for that processed meat when I saw this confectionery, Maltesers ice cream. I thought since its chocolate treats are good then we must try this one also. Its a vanilla ice cream filled with dozens of small balls of Maltesers. A nice dessert after a nice dinner. WILL: The chocolate is better than the ice cream version, why? This ice cream is way far from the sweetness of the choco version. Anyway, a nice alternative dessert.
