With Easter just around the corner, sweet treats are constantly on our minds! All across the world master chocolatiers are whipping up culinary creations that are nothing less than delicious; so we’ve decided to explore some of the best.
Be warned, you will get hungry after reading this…
Belgium
Few places in the world evoke such passion when it comes to chocolate. Not only does the country boast incredible beer, waffles and mussels but it’s internationally renowned as the chocolate capital of the world. Brussels in particular, boasts more chocolate factories than any other city across the globe. Check out the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate where you can learn about the history and production methods that create the divine delicacy we all know and love.
Mexico
The ancient inhabitants of Mexico have been using the cocoa bean for hundreds of years, during which time the taste has evolved considerably. Mexican chocolate is known for its unique blend of spices, incredible flavour and rich scent. Visit the market stalls in Oaxaca for a taste of authentic Mexican chocolate, much of it produced with the same ingredients the Aztecs once used.
Switzerland
No conversation about chocolate would be complete without mentioning Switzerland. With more chocolate consumed here per person than any other country in the world, Switzerland is a veritable wonderland for all things sweet. From the famous Maison Cailler Chocolaterie in Broc, to the Stettler laboratory in Geneva; you can taste the sumptuous ingredients used by these internationally respected chocolatiers on a tour of their factories.
France
What could be better than visiting the city of love with your sweetheart? How about, visiting the city of love and eating chocolate? With artisan chocolatiers now rivalling the big boys of La Maison du Chocolat and Lenôtre, you can stumble upon some bonbons or truffles of unimaginable deliciousness wherever you go in Paris. Explore the famous sweet shop of A l’Etoile d’Or, or head to Lyon to see one finest purveyors of candy in France; Bernachon.
The salted caramel Kalouga by Bernachon
Italy
Like everything edible that comes out of Italy, the chocolate in this country is phenomenal. Not satisfied with being masters of the savoury world, chefs in Italy are also renowned for creating chocolate and gelato so good that you may never want to leave. Visit Rome, the gastronomic capital of Italy, and the home of devilishly good chocolatier SAID. One step inside feels like you’ve won a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Whether you want to taste the thick and luxurious hot chocolate, savour the rich flavours of the various truffles, or even enjoy the dark chocolate ravioli in the restaurant next door, the choice is yours.
SAID Chocolate
Spain
The Spanish were one of the first nations to bring cocoa beans to Europe after conquering Mexico. Visit Barcelona and wander the streets of the beautiful Gotic area to find Xurreria, a small bar that serves up some of the finest churros in the city. These Spanish donuts are dipped in melted chocolate and then covered with sugar for an extra sweet treat. A visit to the fascinating museum nearby, the Museu de la Xocolata, gives you an insight into the history of chocolate, and how it has become so popular the world over.
Spanish Churros
If all this chocolate chatter hasn’t made you crave something sweet then you have greater willpower than us! Whether you’ve visited an incredible chocolatier or want to let us know your top chocolate trivia, why not share your story on our Twitter page?
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