Amsterdam's best handmade chocolates come from Puccini Bomboni, where exotic combinations of chocolate and herbs (such as thyme and pepper) and spices are a specialty. The variety isn't enormous, but there are enough knockouts, including chocolates filled with calvados, Cointreau, rhubarb, and tamarind. The shops are modern and no great shakes, decor-wise. At the Staalstrat store, enjoy cakes and coffees in their small café while you watch the confiseurs create their chocolate by hand. Other location: Staalstraat 17, Eastern Canal Ring, PHONE: 020/626-5474.