Follow this list of go-to chocolate brands and chocolatiers across 10 destinations in Europe and prepare for a sweet adventure.
1. England
If there were an international supermodel in the chocolate industry, it would be Cadbury. Known and loved by millions across the globe, the British-born company has their headquarters in London and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide, best known for their Dairy Milk Chocolate. Cadbury World located in Birmingham provides something for everyone – from a 4D chocolate adventure to chocolate-making classes.
Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham
2. France
Pierre Herme is known as the ‘Picasso of Chocolate’. Famous for his work in France, Japan and the United States, his crafted chocolatier and pastry houses in Paris, and around the world, offer the finest of chocolates, pound cakes, teas and pastries. It’s hard for any sweet tooth to pass up. His secret? Herme “uses sugar like salt” as a seasoning to heighten other shades of flavour.
72 rue Bonaparte, Paris
3. Netherlands
When you’re in Amsterdam, you must try chocolatier Puccini Bomboni’s creations. Puccini Bomboni has two stores located in Singel and Staalstraat (below), with every chocolate designed to give the customer an unforgettable experience, full of unique tastes. The chefs at Puccini are constantly seeking to develop new and original combinations, using bespoke combinations such as pepper, lemongrass and nutmeg.
4. Germany
With a motto like ‘We’re always here for you’, Rausch Schokoladenhaus certainly hits the right note with chocolate lovers. A Berlin icon located in Gendarmenmarkt Square in the Mitte district provides customers with a triple threat – a chocolate shop, cafe and restaurant, where you’ll find anything from handcrafted chocolates to delicate desserts.
5. Prague
Ever wondered how chocolate actually becomes chocolate? Discover the history and evolution of the small cacao bean’s transformation into creamy or dark chocolate at The Choco-Story Museum, located in Mustek, Prague. The museum will fill you in with historical, geographical and botanical facts about chocolate, plus a few sneaky treats and taste tests along the way.
Celetna 557/10, 110 00 Praha 1-Stare Mesto
Zotter Chocolate Factory in Austria
6. Austria
Introducing Willy Wonka’s competition, Zotter Chocolate Factory located in Riegersburg, Austria. Chef Joseph Zotter started as an apprentice chef and waiter, and now he’s a chocolatier confectioner. The bean-to-bar production line uses only organic and fair-trade quality cocoa beans, and the sophisticated technique covers the whole process from the roasting of the beans on rollers to the classic grinding practices. The Zotter Chocolate Factory is the only company in the whole of Europe using this method.
Bergl 56, Riegersburg
7. Italy
Receiving kisses from your Italian relatives isn’t so bad when it’s the chocolate kind. Baci chocolate is a love story that dates back to 1922 in Perugia, a medieval city located in the heart of Italy. It was a chocolate that let people express their love, with a little love note that made the chocolate ‘as sweet as a kiss’. The sweet treat comes in original dark, white and milk chocolate filled with choc-hazelnut filling and a crunchy whole hazelnut and has been a firm favourite of millions across the world for years.
8. Spain
Forget Paella and Churros, Blanxart chocolate will satisfy all of your Spanish gourmet needs. Located in Corsega, Barcelona, the chocolatier is faithful to its approach of using single-origin cocoa for an outstanding quality chocolate. Blanxart has created every single form of chocolate you could imagine, using the finest of techniques that require special knowledge of the product. From 95% Black Ecuador chocolate to sugar-free white chocolate, there is a product to suit every customer.
9. Switzerland
Founded in 1845 in Zurich, Switzerland, Lindt the Swiss chocolatier is known across the world and is an absolute crowd pleaser. From their ‘excellence range’ with flavours such as 90% cocoa and chilli to their ‘creations range’ with creme brulee and salted caramel, they have successfully packed a decadent desert into one small chocolate bite. Where better to try this famed chocolate than in its homeland, right within the Lindt chocolate factory?
10. Belgium
Originating in Belgium 1926, Godiva has expanded to more than 100 countries around the world, owning 600 boutiques. Appointed as the official chocolatier to the Royal Court of Belgium, it is safe to say that the chocolate maker is one of the finest in the world. Make a trip down to the Godiva factory outlet located in Brussels Belgium, which specialises in chocolates, truffles, cocoa and other sweet treats straight from its homeland.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking and seating requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
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PHOTOS: CADBURY WORLD FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, ZOTTER SCHOKOLADEN MANUFAKTUR FACEBOOK, BLANXART CHOCOLATE FACEBOOK, GODIVA CHOCOLATIER FACEBOOK, CHOCO-STORY MUSEUM FACEBOOK
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
