Unwrapping Turin's love affair with chocolate: classics to try and shops to visit
In the charming streets of Turin, where the grandeur of historical architecture meets the aroma of artisanal chocolate creations, one can trace the tantalizing tale of a city inseparable from its love affair with this sweet delight. This relationship, steeped in centuries of tradition, has birthed not only a culinary legacy but also a cultural emblem.
Turin and its chocolate odyssey
Turin's love affair with chocolate dates back to the 16th century, intricately woven into the city's history. Legend has it that in 1560, Emanuele Filiberto, the Duke of Savoy, celebrated the transfer of the capital from Chambéry to Turin with a ceremonial cup of hot chocolate, marking the beginning of a tradition that has endured for over four centuries.
The invention of gianduja chocolate - the traditional chocolate from Torino, made with IGP hazelnuts from Piemonte - dates back to around 1805, during a period of economic and social crisis caused by the Napoleonic Wars. With the English embargo imposed by the French, the availability of cacao became limited, making it difficult for chocolate producers to obtain the necessary quantities. To cope with this shortage, the master chocolatiers of Turin, such as Michele Ferrero, began mixing cacao with hazelnuts, an ingredient abundant in the Piedmont region. This innovative blend not only allowed for a reduction in the cost of chocolate but also gave rise to a new product with a unique and enveloping flavor: gianduja. Since then, gianduja has become a symbol of the confectionery tradition of Turin and a beloved ingredient worldwide.
The Savoys, Turin's ruling family, played a pivotal role in elevating chocolate to a symbol of wealth and indulgence. Chocolate became integral to noble feasts, imbuing its presence not only on tables but also in everyday conversations, leading to phrases like "Fare la figura del cioccolataio," referring to someone pretending to be an expert in chocolate-making.
Must-try chocolates in Turin
Gianduiotto
Undoubtedly Turin's most iconic chocolate, Gianduiotto was invented in 1865 by Caffarel and Prochet for the Carnival; it is shaped like an upturned boat, offers a velvety blend of hazelnut paste and cocoa, remaining an essential taste of the city.
Cremino
A jewel of Turin's chocolate crown, Cremino, invented around 1875 in Baratti & Milano café, showcases two layers of gianduja and an appealing layer of hazelnut paste.
Bicerin
This iconic Turinese beverage combines espresso, chocolate, and creamy milk layered in a glass, providing a delightful taste of liquid chocolate, an unmissable experience for chocolate lovers.
Chocolates infused with local flavors
Turin's chocolatiers excel at incorporating local ingredients, offering chocolates with Piedmontese hazelnuts and wines like Barolo or Moscato, capturing the essence of the region.
Cavour's Joy
A delightful confection that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Turin. This exquisite treat features a silky chocolate shell surrounding a smooth hazelnut cream, perfectly capturing the essence of Piedmont’s famous hazelnuts. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors, making it a luxurious indulgence for chocolate lovers.
L’Alpino
Celebrating the Alpine region, this chocolate features creamy milk chocolate with a hazelnut cream center, providing a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Cri Cri
Crispy caramelized hazelnuts coated in smooth milk chocolate create a crunchy sensation that makes Cri Cri a favorite among sweet treats.
Diablottino or “Diablotin” (Diavoletto)
This dark chocolate treat filled with spicy ganache surprises your taste buds with harmonious heat, creating a unique chocolate experience.
Finest chocolate shops and patisseries in Turin
Spegis
Spegis Cioccolato was founded to showcase craftsmanship and creativity in chocolate-making, using only the finest raw materials. Set in Torino, the historic chocolate capital, their attention to detail and passion for quality result in unique taste sensations. Experience expertly crafted confections that combine selected aromas and flavors for unforgettable sensory delights.
Guido Castagna
Recognized for exceptional Gianduiotti, visit their shop for an array of truffles and pralines located at Via Maria Vittoria 27, Torino. This artisanal chocolatier prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to create a rich variety of chocolate delights. The elegant shop invites you to explore unique flavor combinations and indulge in the timeless taste of Torino's chocolate heritage.
Stratta
Located in the heart of Turin, it is a charming café known for its elegant ambiance and rich cultural heritage. With a focus on serving high-quality coffee and delectable pastries and chocolate, it provides a perfect spot for both locals and visitors to unwind. You can find it at piazza San Carlo 191, Torino.
Baratti e Milano
An elegant venue where you can savor classic delights at Piazza Castello 27/29, Torino. Known for its rich history and sophisticated ambiance, Baratti e Milano offers a selection of artisanal chocolates and traditional Italian pastries. Indulge in their signature gianduja or enjoy a delightful espresso while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of this prestigious location.
Domori
Visit their new store at Piazza San Carlo 177, Torino, for "Made in Piemonte" chocolate delights. Renowned for their fine chocolate made from carefully sourced cacao, Domori emphasizes sustainability and quality. The shop features a wide variety of chocolate bars and pralines, making it a perfect destination for both casual visitors and serious chocolate connoisseurs looking to experience the essence of Piedmont.
Guido Gobino
A paradise for chocolate lovers, enjoy exquisite treats at Via Lagrange 1, 10123, Torino. This artisanal chocolate shop is celebrated for its creative confections and traditional recipes. From pralines to rich dark chocolate, everything is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Don't miss trying their famous gianduja or samples from their seasonal collections for a unique taste experience.
Davide Appendino
Experience global cacao creations at Via Cavour 13, Torino. Davide Appendino’s chocolaterie is known for its innovative approach to chocolate, blending ingredients from around the world to create unique flavors and textures. The shop also offers workshops and tastings, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the art of chocolate-making while indulging in delightful sweet treats.
Boella & Sorrisi
Located at Via Poliziano 54/c, Torino, this shop offers a range of chocolate specialties from ancient recipes. At Boella & Sorrisi, you'll find a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary chocolate creations, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Their commitment to quality ingredients and craftsmanship shines through in every bite, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic flavors steeped in history.
Pfatisch
Established in 1915, indulge in stunning chocolates and pastries at Via Paolo Sacchi, 42, Torino. Pfatisch has a long-standing tradition of excellence, offering a wide selection of handcrafted chocolates, beautiful cakes, and delightful pastries. Their expertise and dedication to the craft are evident in the quality of every item, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists looking for sweet indulgences.
In conclusion, Turin's obsession with chocolate transcends mere confectionery; it's a story steeped in tradition, luxury and irresistible flavors. So, you should indulge your senses with our exclusive chocolate tasting experience, where you will savor exquisite artisanal chocolate crafted by the city's finest chocolatier. You can also elevate your journey with our unique chocolate & wine tasting experience, expertly curated to bring out the rich flavors of both delights. And for the ultimate immersive experience, join us on an exclusive tour of Spegis (quoted above), a local chocolate factory to witness the magic of chocolate-making firsthand!
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