Seeing a new business opening is exciting, even more so when you don’t know what surprises are lurking behind the brown paper on the window.   Having seen this little shop go from being empty to a new Chocolatier in Mechelen was rewarding. Fast forward three months, this busy shop run by Pieter Vaes has now a strong following of customers.

The story all begins with Pieter, and loving to cook from an early age.   His Grandmother taught him how to make marzipan roses and other traditional sweets when he was just tall enough to peek over the edge of the table.   After school, Pieter then went onto study as a Butcher,  yet found this not was creative enough so he transferred to studying at the Hotel School in Leuven and then in Brugge.

Pieter was already studying in the town where the Master Chocolatier Dominque Persoone, the owner of The Chocolate Line is based. During this time he continued to also work and test new methods at home.  Pieter took the challenge on and approached Dominque Persoone to enquire as to whether he could work at The Chocolate Line.   After completing an internship at The Chocolate Line and further five years, Pieter bid farewell last year.  Armed with a wealth of experience, new skills and knowledge Pieter took the step to open his own shop producing Chocolates – classic Pralines and even bars of chocolates with corners (but not just that) – plenty of more plans in mind!

His early childhood memories of cooking with his Grandmother are still held very close to his heart.  Some of the traditional chocolate bars (banana and peanut to name one) with a new twist have been introduced into his line of products.  Seasonal and festivities are also current – with Sint Nikklas at Christmas and Valentines just to name a few.  You will also see members of his family have been involved – his Mum (who you can often find in the shop working) along with his Sister who has designed the logo and the graphic design within the shop.

Not only does Pieter produce delightful chocolate, it’s his artistic and individual style shines through.  Be tempted with the Apple Crumble, Vanilla or the Caramel with Yuzu and Shoyu ganache (in white chocolate) or the Skull Tiramasu.  Perhaps even take home a piece of his one of his chocolate bars – watch out for the surprise in  your mouth!   It takes something to create and combine such different flavours.

The Cacao Project is located at: 89 Bruul,  Mechelen, 2800, Belgium.  To get in touch with Pieter you can contact him via email

His shop is open on the following days:
Monday and Sunday are closed
Tuesday – Saturday are open from 10.00-18.30.