Brussels ice cream-maker named best in world at US awards

An ice cream-maker from Brussels has been crowned the best in the world, with two local gelaterias in Ixelles and Jette gaining international recognition.

Christian Wu, of Gelateria Giotto, took the top prize at the Gelato Festival World Masters in the US thanks to a Winnie the Pooh-inspired creation that stood out among competitors.

“For my combination, I drew my inspiration from the forest and Winnie the Pooh,” Wu told Bruzz.

“It comes from the flavours, the scent, and the feeling you get when you stand there among the trees.

"My creation is ice cream with forest honey, infused with pine tree and small pine cones, a porcini crumble, and a forest honey and lemon sauce.”

The award highlights the growing reputation of Brussels as a destination for high quality artisanal ice cream and food in general.

According to Bruzz, both the Ixelles and Jette locations of Gelateria Giotto have built strong followings in recent years.

The winning flavour reflects a broader trend towards more experimental and gastronomic ice cream, moving beyond traditional tastes to incorporate savoury elements and unexpected ingredients.