Explore Chocolate's History

Catalans take their food history and culture seriously and nothing inspires them like a cup of thick, bitter chocolate served alongside fluffy, oblong melindros. This tradition of the afternoon merinda, similar to English tea, began with Columbus’ arrival in Barcelona with a fistful of unprocessed cacao beans. From its quiet beginnings to its global dominance as an affordable luxury, chocolate has shaped Barcelona’s eating culture.

During this two-and-a-half-hour walking seminar we will follow the course of chocolate history through the narrow streets of the old city and out onto the Ramblas, from 19th century bomboneries famous for dark truffles to the adventurous palates of 21st century chocolate masters. We’ll sample liquor-filled bonbons, watch freshly fried churros emerge from their oily baths, and duck into a traditional grocer stocked with fine local goods. Throughout the walk, we will explore chocolate’s roots as an Aztec import and its eventual adoption by all of Europe.