Puccini Bomboni

Staalstraat 17, 1011 JK, Amsterdam • +31 (0)20 626 54 74
Singel 184, 1016 AA, Amsterdam • +31 (0)20 427 83 41
Lijnmarkt 36, 3511 KJ, Utrecht • +31 (0)20 737 05 30

puccinibomboni.com/en

Tucked in the heart of Amsterdam, Puccini Bomboni has redefined luxury chocolate with its exquisite handmade bonbons, crafted in small batches and brimming with bold, unexpected flavours. Since its inception, the Dutch chocolatier has captivated both locals and international visitors with a philosophy that champions purity, craftsmanship, and creativity. More than just a chocolatier, Puccini Bomboni is a sensory experience—each piece a reflection of meticulous design and culinary artistry.

A Sweet Beginning: The Story of Puccini Bomboni

Puccini Bomboni was founded in 1987 by passionate chocolatier and visionary Sabine van Weldam. What began as a single shop in Amsterdam quickly evolved into a cherished brand renowned for its uncompromising quality and imaginative pairings. Sabine, who came from a family with a rich culinary background, took her fascination with flavours and turned it into a pursuit of chocolate excellence. From the start, the goal was clear: to offer something different from traditional chocolate confections by focusing on freshness, quality ingredients, and bold combinations that tantalize the palate.

Named in part after the composer Giacomo Puccini, the brand’s name reflects a similar ethos—intensity, drama, and elegance. This inspiration carries through not only in the chocolates themselves but in the way they are presented: refined, balanced, and timeless.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Simplicity and Purity

What sets Puccini Bomboni apart is its unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. Each chocolate is handcrafted by a small team of artisans using the finest natural ingredients, without artificial flavourings, preservatives, or unnecessary sugars. The bonbons are notably large, sometimes almost sculptural in form, making them stand out in a world of bite-sized offerings. Yet, they remain delicately balanced and nuanced in flavour.

The company sources high-quality cocoa and combines it with rich cream, fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and liqueurs to create an array of signature bonbons. The chocolate shells are perfectly tempered and have a silky snap, encasing fillings that are freshly made and generously portioned. Puccini Bomboni’s production ethos is slow and deliberate—flavours are allowed to infuse and evolve, and no shortcuts are taken.

Unlike most chocolatiers who use moulds, Puccini Bomboni bonbons are hand-cut and hand-dipped, which gives them a distinctive shape and an artisanal appearance. The simplicity of their aesthetic—free from flashy decoration—reflects the brand’s belief that the quality and flavour of the product should speak for itself.

Signature Flavours That Dazzle

Puccini Bomboni is perhaps best known for its bold and often surprising flavor pairings. While many chocolatiers play it safe, Puccini is fearless. The Walnut, a bonbon combining rich dark chocolate ganache with finely chopped walnuts and a hint of cinnamon, is a long-standing favorite. Another standout is the Drambuie, which marries the smooth, honeyed notes of the Scottish liqueur with velvety chocolate for a deeply indulgent experience.

The Lemon Grass bonbon, with its infusion of lemongrass and cream, offers a light, citrusy contrast to the depth of the dark chocolate shell. There’s also Cognac, Mint Tea, Pine Nut, and Cranberry—each showcasing an inventive blend that challenges and delights the taste buds.

One of their most iconic creations is the Tulip, a floral and herbal medley that honours the Dutch national flower with a unique aromatic twist. The Coffee bonbon, using freshly brewed espresso and rich cream, is another crowd-pleaser, offering an intense mocha-like hit that lingers on the tongue.

An International Acclaim, Yet an Intimate Feel

Despite its international acclaim, Puccini Bomboni has retained a boutique, intimate identity. With only a few shops—most notably on Amsterdam’s Staalstraat and Singel canal—the brand has never sought rapid expansion or mass production. This exclusivity enhances its appeal, turning each visit into a special pilgrimage for chocolate lovers.

Visitors often describe their first taste of a Puccini bonbon as revelatory. Unlike industrial chocolates, these bonbons leave an impression not just through flavour but through the whole experience—from the inviting scent that greets you at the store to the generous size and rich texture of the product itself.

Puccini Bomboni also takes pride in environmentally conscious practices, opting for minimal, recyclable packaging and prioritizing ethical ingredient sourcing. This approach aligns with the increasing demand from consumers for transparency and sustainability in luxury food.

The Legacy Continues

Today, Puccini Bomboni remains a family-run business with Sabine van Weldam still at the helm, ensuring that every piece of chocolate maintains the same passion and integrity that launched the brand over 35 years ago. The brand has become synonymous with the finest Dutch chocolates, fusing traditional techniques with avant-garde flavour profiles.

For those seeking an unforgettable chocolate experience, Puccini Bomboni offers more than a treat—it offers a moment of indulgence steeped in elegance, care, and the quiet thrill of discovery.