Turin in the Piedmont region, also known as the “Chocolate Capital” of Italy, is a city that boasts of its rich and delicious chocolate tradition.
If you are a chocolate lover, then a visit to Turin is an absolute must. From artisanal chocolatiers to historical chocolate cafes, the city has everything that a chocolate enthusiast could ever want.
If you have a sweet tooth and want to try new flavors, you could combine the tasting of gourmet chocolates in Turin with artisanal gelato in San Gimignano in Tuscany.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the sweet world of chocolate in Turin. We will introduce you to some of the most popular chocolate shops, cafes, and experiences that you cannot miss.
First, we will start with the historical cafes, such as the CaffΓ¨ Al Bicerin, the best place to taste the famous bicerin – a drink made with native Lavazza coffee, Turin chocolate, and coffee cream.
We will also explore renowned cafes, such as the Caffè Torino and the Caffè San Carlo, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate, chocolate bars and chocolate-based desserts made of the finest quality cocoa.
Next, we will introduce you to the first chocolate house and some of the best artisanal chocolatiers in Turin, such as Guido Gobino and Peyrano.
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You can watch the skilled chocolatiers make their artisanal chocolates in front of your eyes and taste the different flavours and varieties available of these Italy delicacies, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate with hazelnut paste, gianduia chocolate or chocolate truffles.
We will also take you on a journey through the art of chocolate in Turin and its long tradition of chocolate masters.
You can visit the sweet side of Turin – Chocolate Museum, housed in a historic palace, and learn about the origins of chocolate and its significance in Turin’s history.
Finally, we will wrap up the blog post with some tips on how to make the most of your chocolate experience in Turin.
We will provide you with recommendations on the best chocolate tours, chocolate festivals, and other chocolate-related activities that you can enjoy during your visit.
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Neadless to say, if you are a chocolate lover or simply have a sweet tooth, this Italian city of chocolate is a chocolate heaven that you must explore.
From the historical cafes to the artisanal chocolatiers, the city offers a wide range of chocolate experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, pack your bags, and get ready to indulge in the sweet world of chocolate in Turin.
A Brief History of Chocolate in Turin
Chocolate is not just a treat in Turin. It’s a cultural phenomenon. With a history dating back to the 16th century, chocolate-making has been a key part of Turin’s identity and a source of pride for its people.
In fact, the city’s love affair with chocolate is so strong that Turin is known as the Italian “Capital of Chocolate.”
One of the early pioneers of chocolate-making in Turin was Doretta Caffa, a widow who started producing chocolate in her home in the mid-16th century.
She soon gained a reputation for her delicious chocolate, and her small-scale operation grew into a full-fledged business.Today, Caffarel – the company that evolved from her original venture – is one of the most renowned chocolate makers in Italy.
However, it was the House of Savoy, the ruling dynasty of Turin from the early 15th century to the mid-19th century, that played a pivotal role in cementing Turin’s reputation as a chocolate hub.
The Savoys were known for their lavish lifestyles and love of luxury, including fine chocolate. They popularized the practice of drinking hot chocolate, which had been introduced to Italy by the Spanish.
Today, you can still visit the cafΓ©s that the Savoys frequented, such as Al Bicerin, which has been serving its signature hot chocolate since 1763.
Turin’s chocolate heritage is evident in its historic chocolate shops, many of which have been around for over a century.One such shop is Peyrano, which was established in 1879 and is famous for its chocolate-covered nougat.
The story goes that the shop’s founder, Giovanni Peyrano, was inspired by a group of nuns who were making nougat in a nearby convent.He decided to add chocolate to the recipe, and the result was a sweet treat that became an instant hit.
Another historic chocolate shop is Baratti & Milano, which opened its doors in 1858. The shop’s signature product is the gianduiotto, a hazelnut chocolate that was invented in Turin in the 19th century.
Legend has it that the gianduiotto was created as a way to stretch out the city’s dwindling cocoa supply during a period of economic hardship.
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But it’s not just the historic shops that make Turin a chocolate lover’s paradise. The city is also home to modern chocolatiers like Guido Gobino, whose exquisite chocolates are known for their innovative flavors and stunning packaging.
The company, which was founded in 1964, has won numerous awards for its creations, including a gold medal at the prestigious International Chocolate Awards.
Turin’s love of chocolate extends beyond its shops and chocolatiers, as the city also hosts several chocolate-themed events throughout the year.
One of the most popular is CioccolaTΓ², a chocolate festival that takes place in November and features stalls selling every kind of chocolate imaginable, from truffles to chocolate-covered fruits.
Needless to say, Turin’s chocolate scene is a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From its historic chocolate shops to its modern chocolatiers, Turin offers a chocolate experience like no other.
Whether you’re a chocoholic or simply appreciate the finer things in life, Turin’s chocolate delights are not to be missed.
Fun Facts About Chocolate in Turin
Nutella, the creamy hazelnut chocolate spread, has become a staple in households worldwide.
But did you know that Nutella’s history is rooted in Turin, Italy? This Italy delicacy started thanks to the magic ingredient: Piedmont hazelnuts!
In the 1940s, Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker in Turin, was faced with a shortage of cocoa due to World War II. This inspired him to experiment with hazelnuts, which were abundant in the region.
Ferrero spent many late nights in his small pastry shop, grinding hazelnuts and blending them with a small amount of cocoa powder and sugar to create a rich, creamy hazelnut spread.
Ferrero’s new creation was an instant hit, and he named it “Supercrema”. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the product was rebranded as Nutella and became an actual product and a global sensation.
The name “Nutella” came from “nocciole” (hazelnuts in Italian) and “ella,” a suffix used in many Italian words, giving it a warm, friendly sound.
The popularity of Nutella spread like wildfire, with people across Europe and the United States falling in love with the sweet and nutty spread.
Today, Nutella is consumed in over 160 countries, with over 11 million jars sold each year.
Beyond its delicious taste, Nutella has a special place in the hearts of many. It is not uncommon for people to have fond childhood memories of eating Nutella on toast or as a snack.
Some have even created unique recipes incorporating Nutella, like Nutella brownies or Nutella-filled croissants.
In Italy, Nutella has become a cultural phenomenon. It is often enjoyed at breakfast with a croissant or spread on a slice of bread as an afternoon snack.
In fact, some Italians even celebrate World Nutella Day on February 5th, with various Nutella-inspired events and activities taking place throughout the country.
Exploring Turin’s Chocolate Scene
A great place to start exploring the Italian capital of chocolate is Guido Gobino, one of Turin’s most famous chocolate makers.
Located in the heart of the city, the sleek and modern shop offers an impressive selection of chocolates, including their signature “Gianduiotto” – a hazelnut chocolate that has become a symbol of Turin’s chocolate-making tradition.
Another must-visit is Peyrano, a historic chocolate shop that has been operating since 1879.Here, you can sample their delicious artisanal chocolates, including their famous chocolate-covered nougat, made according to a secret recipe passed down through generations.
If you’re in the mood for a hot chocolate, head to CaffΓ¨ al Bicerin, a historic cafΓ© that has been serving its signature drink since 1763.The hot chocolate here is made using a traditional recipe and is served alongside a shot of espresso and a layer of whipped cream, creating a decadent and unforgettable experience.
There are also many other chocolate shops and cafΓ©s worth exploring in Turin. Baratti & Milano, for example, offers a selection of exquisite chocolates and confections, while Gay Odin is known for their chocolate-covered candied oranges.
You could also try the mouth-watering chocolate croissants at Pasticceria Ghigo or the handcrafted chocolates as well as new chocolate creations at Pasticceria Stratta.
In short, Turin’s chocolate scene is a chocoholic’s dream come true. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the world of chocolate and indulge in the city’s rich culinary heritage.
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Chocolate-related activities in Turin
Chocolate MuseumΒ
If you’re a true chocolate aficionado, then the Chocolate Museum in Turin is an absolute must-visit.
The museum is located in a former chocolate factory and offers an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the history of chocolate-making, from its origins in Central America to its arrival in Europe and its subsequent evolution into the delicious treats we know today.
The exhibits at the Chocolate Museum are both educational and entertaining, featuring interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and, of course, plenty of chocolate samples to taste.
You can learn about the different varieties of cocoa beans, see how chocolate is made, and explore the fascinating cultural history of chocolate around the world.The museum also offers workshops and tastings, where you can learn how to make your own chocolate creations and sample some of the best chocolates in Turin.
Overall, the Chocolate Museum is a wonderful place to visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of chocolate, and is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Turin.
Chocolate Tours
For those looking to dive even deeper into Turin’s rich chocolate culture, there are a variety of chocolate tours available throughout the city.These tours offer a unique and delicious way to explore Turin, and provide an opportunity to learn from expert guides and chocolatiers.
One popular option is the Guided Chocolate Tour, which takes visitors through the streets of Turin to explore some of the city’s best chocolate shops and cafΓ©s.
Led by an experienced guide, this tour offers a comprehensive overview of Turin’s chocolate-making tradition, and includes plenty of tastings along the way.
Another great option is the Turin: 2-hour Chocolate Walking Tour, which combines the city’s two greatest culinary treasures.
This tour takes visitors to some of Turin’s best chocolate shops, where you can sample a range of delicious chocolates, and learn about the ways in which these treats are made.
No matter which tours you choose, you’re sure to be delighted by the variety and quality of chocolate available in Turin.
With so many options to choose from, a chocolate tour is a fantastic way to experience the best of Turin’s chocolate scene and create lasting memories of this incredible city.
Chocolate Festival in Turin
If you’re lucky enough to be in Turin during the month of November, you won’t want to miss the city’s annual chocolate festival.
Known as “Cioccolato dal Mondo,” or “Chocolate from around the World,” this festival is a celebration of all things chocolate, and draws thousands of visitors each year.
During the festival, the streets of Turin come alive with the sights and smells of chocolate, with local and international chocolatiers showcasing their best creations.
Visitors can browse stalls selling everything from traditional Italian chocolates to exotic flavors from around the world.There are also workshops and tastings where you can learn from expert chocolatiers and sample some of the finest chocolates in the world.
In addition to the chocolate stalls, the festival also features a variety of cultural events and entertainment, including live music, performances, and art exhibits.
The festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Turin and to indulge in your love of chocolate at the same time.Whether you’re a serious chocoholic or simply a lover of good food and fun, the chocolate festival in Turin is an event not to be missed.
In conclusion, Turin’s chocolate scene is just one of the many reasons to visit this beautiful city.With its rich history, diverse culinary landscape, and welcoming atmosphere, Turin offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.
A visit to the city is incomplete without indulging in some of its chocolatey delights, whether it’s sampling artisanal chocolates at Peyrano, sipping hot chocolate at CaffΓ¨ al Bicerin, or exploring the fascinating exhibits at the Chocolate Museum.
Booking.comBut chocolate is just the beginning – Turin’s food and drink scene is equally rich and diverse, with traditional dishes like bagna cauda and agnolotti alongside innovative cuisine from top chefs.
Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a beautiful destination to explore, Turin is a must-visit city that will leave you wanting more.
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