There are many fantastic “world days” that we get to celebrate across the globe. However, for the sweet-lovers amongst us, World Chocolate Day, which takes place on 7 July, is one of the best! It is a day where the world gets to pay homage to all things decadent and chocolatey!
However, for many places around the world, every day is World Chocolate Day! That’s why Expat Explore has crafted a list of the best destinations around the world for chocolate lovers to visit. Because why not appreciate this delicious treat year-round?
A brief history of the sweet stuff:
Chocolate originated in Mesoamerica (what is now present-day Mexico) over 4,000 years ago, with the ancient Olmec people. The Olmec were the first group to grow and cultivate the cacao plant into chocolate. They used the creation in rituals and medicine by drinking it. Chocolate reached Europe in the 1500s and grew in wildly popularity from the 1600s onwards. The rest, as they say, is history!
Today, chocolate is a beloved treat for millions of people around the world. Milk, dark or white chocolate… choose to have it in any form you wish! Whether you love to nibble on a few blocks of a chocolate bar, enjoy a spoonful (or two) of chocolate spread, eat it drizzled over your favourite ice cream, savour it in a delectable pastry or sip on your chocolate hot and in liquid form, for those of us who love it, there’s nothing quite like the taste of chocolate!
World Chocolate Day was first celebrated in 2009 and is a day to celebrate chocolate creations all over the world. Take a look at our top destinations for chocolate lovers to visit below.
Top 7 Destinations for chocolate lovers around the world:
1. Switzerland
Arguably, the most famous chocolate destination in the world is Switzerland. This is the place where solid milk chocolate was first created in 1875 by confectioner Daniel Peter, which is why Switzerland is famous for its rich milk chocolate products today. The high quality can be attributed to Swiss chocolate being crafted using premium Alpine milk.
Visit Switzerland and you can enjoy a number of chocolatey excursions. Experience the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg near Lake Zurich, visit Maestrani Chocolarium in Flawil or take a trip on the Chocolate Train between Montreux and the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory at Broc. You can also visit chocolatiers in various cities, towns and villages to taste local fare, enjoy workshops and even embark on chocolate tours.
Did you know? Switzerland has the highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption in the world!
2. Belgium
In addition to Switzerland, Belgium is another of Europe’s most famous chocolate destinations. Belgium is home to over 2,000 chocolatiers and the country produces more than 270,000 tons of chocolate on average per year! The country has a long and illustrious tradition of chocolate making, starting in the 17th century.
Today, the capital city Brussels lies at the heart of all things chocolate-y in Belgium. Here, you can explore chocolate factories, attend workshops and try local chocolate delicacies. Brussels’ Choco-Story combines all of the above with a small museum, live demonstrations with a master chocolatier and the opportunity to sample some sweet treats. You’ll also find the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate in Brussels as well as Chocolaterie Mary – which is located near the Royal Palace and has reportedly been a long time favourite of the Belgian Royal Family!
Belgium is well-known for being the birthplace of praline. Chocolatier Jean Neuhaus invented praline in 1912 and this decadent confectionary is a must-try when you visit Belgium. Be sure to sample local chocolate as well as Belgian waffles during your next visit! Complete the classic tastes of Belgium with a local beer, too!
Related: There are many more amazing things to do in Belgium!
3. Mexico & Latin America
We have the beautiful lands of Mexico to thank for bringing chocolate to the world, all those years ago! While its origins were less sweet and more bitter in nature, traditional and contemporary styles of chocolate continue to be a staple in Mexico today. As mentioned above, millennia ago, the indigenous groups of Mesoamerica first cultivated cacao beans. A hot, thick and foamy beverage called “xocolatl”, meaning “bitter water”, was popular at the time. Over the centuries, groups such as the Aztecs found the beans to be so valuable that they even used them as currency and referred to liquid chocolate as the “drink of the gods”!
Today, chocolate remains prevalent in Mexican cuisine. Mexican style chocolate boasts a distinctly spiced flavour as it is usually made with roasted cacao nibs, sugar and cinnamon as a base. One of the best ways to savour the taste is with a mug of authentic Mexican hot chocolate!
Further south in countries such as Costa Rica and Peru, chocolate also has a long history and has become a well-loved sweet staple. In Peru, you’ll find the world’s rarest chocolate, made from rare strands of cacao beans from the Pure Nacional tree. In Costa Rica, you can embark on rainforest chocolate tours where visitors are able harvest beans and make a traditional drink – this is how you do Latin American chocolate the authentic way!
Related: Visit Peru and Costa Rica on Expat Explore’s exciting South America tours!
4. France
Paris, France, is widely lauded as one of the world’s gourmet capitals, with great reason! It is a centre for fine dining and the country produces incredible artisanal produce, food and wine. This gourmet experience extends to its chocolate creations, too!
There are hundreds of chocolatiers in Paris. Some of the most popular chocolate shops include La Maison du Chocolat, Jean-Paul Hévin and Pralus. When in Paris, the best way to experience the local chocolate scene is to visit one of the local artisanal boutique stores. Alternatively, grab a coffee and chocolate pastry to-go and enjoy your purchases while strolling through the streets, surrounded by the city’s exquisite architecture and monuments!
5. Italy
While Italy may be famous for its savoury dishes of pizza, pasta, cheese, meats and various antipasti, it’s also a must for chocolate lovers! Turin, in northwestern Italy, is the country’s “capital of cocoa.” Here, a signature delicacy is gianduiotto which is chocolate made using chocolate and hazelnuts and named after the preparation method called gianduja.
Visit Turin and try out gianduiotto, bicerin (a drink that is a combination of coffee and hot chocolate), nutella (the widely-loved chocolate spread which is produced nearby in the Piedmont region) or visit a historic café to try Merenda Reale (meaning “Royal Snack”) which is Turin’s chocolate-filled version of an afternoon tea!
Related: Explore this foodie paradise on our Italy tours!
6. United Kingdom
Many things may pop into your head when you think of British cuisine. Fish and chips, Yorkshire puddings, shepherd’s pie and many more hearty dishes. Although it may seem strange, we suggest adding chocolate to this list too! While the United Kingdom may not have the artisanal prestige of Belgium, France and Switzerland when it comes to chocolate production, what it does have is the deliciousness! The Brits do chocolate brilliantly. After all, the posh afternoon tea, featuring sweet treats, began in England in the 1800s so it makes sense that the Brits can make a delicious chocolate bar. In fact, the world’s first chocolate bar was also invented in England by Fry & Sons in 1847!
Did you know? Charbonnel et Walker in London is one of the Queen’s favourite chocolatiers!
British-born brand Cadbury produces some of the world’s favourite chocolate treats. When in England, visit Cadbury World in Birmingham for a chocolate-filled experience! Explore exhibits, learn more about Cadbury’s history and indulge in some iconic Cadbury treats! In London, embark on one of the city’s fascinating chocolate walking tours or visit famous chocolate shops including Choccywoccydoodah which has locations in Soho and south of London in Brighton. Elsewhere in the UK, be sure to sample local chocolates or embrace various sweet treats and sit down for an afternoon tea!
Related: Discover the delights of Great Britain and Ireland on Expat Explore’s United Kingdom tours!
7. Japan
Finally, chocolate-lovers should add Japan to their chocolate bucket list! New to Japanese chocolate? Look forward to a creative approach to confectionery! Just look at Nestlé Japan’s version of Kit Kats that come in an array of unique flavours including green tea, sakura matcha and even wasabi!
While in Japan, add Pocky (chocolate biscuits), Black Thunder (chocolate dipped biscuits), Lotte choco-pies and various Meiji chocolates to your must-try foodie list for a taste of popular local treats. In Hokkaido, you can visit the Royce’ Chocolate World which is a concept store offering insight into how the local chocolate products are crafted.
Related: Join our Highlights of Japan tour for an unforgettable experience of this incredible country!
Are you feeling sweet? You can discover many of these chocolate-filled destinations with Expat Explore! Take a look at our fun, convenient and affordable group tours for the adventure of a lifetime!