While countless volumes have been written on traveling through Barcelona, we prefer to focus on Barcelona's rich chocolate history and the best ways to experience that history.

Barcelona - A Chocoholics Dream Come True

If the universe were made of chocolate, Barcelona would be at the very center of it. While most default to Belgium of Switzerland when thinking of fine chocolate, Barcelona as a city puts these other countries to shame. With Spain being the first country to experience cacao upon arrival from the new world, as well as the inventor of the first chocolate making machine in 1780, Barcelona has a deep rooted history in chocolate. Strolling the streets around La Rambla and the Barri Gotic in particular, you are certain to wander by and experience Barcelona's love of chocolate. From the mountains of Bonbons filling the stands in the Mercat de la Boqueria, to the the old-time favorites such as Dulcinea and Fargas, fancy confections and hot chocolate are commonplace.

Barcelona's Chocolate Covered History

Barcelona's chocolate roots may be traced back much earlier, but the modern story doesn't really start until 1797 when Chocolates Amatller began crafting their traditional chocolates. Amatller took their craft so seriously that they began to craft their world around chocolate, they even commissioned new paintings to celebrate their chocolates. Rafael de Penagos and Alphonse Mucha created works of art that now adorn these fantastic confectionaries. The 'Casa Amaller' was also built, and can be visited next to Gaudí's Casa Batllò in Barcelona. The 'Casa Amaller', built between 1898 and 1900 under the direction of architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and declared Monument of National Interest is an outstanding example of modernist architecture in Barcelona.

While Amatller was crafting their chocolates in Downtown Barcelona, in 1840 Simón Coll began crafting their sweets in the outskirts of Barcelona. Simón Coll, the maker of our fine Chocolate a la Tazá, has been making chocolate continuously in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona for seven generations. Our Chocolate a la Tazá has been manufactured with the same recipe and under the same label since before 1880. The success and reputation of these fine chocolatiers have inspired numerous others, such as Chocolates Blanxart from Sant Joan Despí, which was founded 1954. Although many have tried to capitalize on the success of the masters, only the best have stood the test of time.

HotPaella is pleased to offer the fine chocolates and confections from Amatller and Simón Coll. Click here to view the products.

Barcelona's Best Hot Chocolate

Dulcinea: Perhaps the best Chocolate and melindros (a catalan soft pastry) in all of Barcelona are found at Dulcinea. Established in 1930, Dulcinea gains its namesale from Don Quixote's love, but gains its reputation for their lovely thick chocolate.

Fargas: Adorned with the same rustic décor since 1937, this old-time chocolate shop is one of the most famous in the city. Their Hot Chocolate is a definite must on every chocolate-touring itinerary.

Gelateria Xocolateria: Hidden in a corner of Plaça Sant Jaume, their speciality is Spanish chocolate con churros, although their ensaimada pastries are not to be missed either. On our last trip to Barcelona we enjoyed their churros con chocolate, followed by a stroll through the plaza where numerous local artists were vending their works.

Pasteleria Escriba: Chef Ferran Adrià favorite chocolate croissants may be found at this old-time pastry shop. Family owned since 1906, this charming shop truly deserves its place in Barcelona’s history.

Museo de La Xocolata: Run by the Barcelona Confectionary Guild, Barcelona's Museum of Chocolate is the place to stimulate your mind, as well as your taste buds. Learn the history of chocolate, admire the impressively detailed chocolate sculptures, and finally hit the café for some traditional hot chocolate.

Xocoa: A modern take on chocolate, these sweet treats come with flash wrappers and unique unforgettable flavors. Their shop boasts a novel assortment, including chocolate beer, chocolate candles and chocolate incense in addition to traditional favorites.

Numerous other chocolate shops abound in Barcelona, including the shops Cacao Sampaka, La Granja, Bliss, Granja M Viader, and others. If you have any suggestions or tips on Barcelona’s chocolate heritage, we would be happy to feature them here.