What are the countries with the best chocolate? No matter which part of the world you are living in or visiting, you can find chocolate lovers and a variety of chocolates to savor. Read on to find out the top counties for chocolate - the world over.
Chocolate was first cultivated by the Mesoamericans and has fascinated people all around the world ever since 1100 B.C. Apart from the delicious taste, chocolate has also been proven to be good for the mind, body, and also spirit. Studies have shown that chocolate is a natural anti-depressant and also has some antioxidant properties. With different varieties available, you can opt for decaffeinated chocolate, organic chocolate, dark chocolate, sugarless chocolate, and several other types.
IMPORTANT: There are many chocolates that are not Halal. Many of them may use alcohol and animal fats. As such it is best to get Halal-certified chocolates as much as possible. If not, then the ingredients need to be very carefully looked at, to make sure no prohibited ingredients are used. It is also important to note that just because the ingredients are written in Arabic does not mean that they are ok for Muslims!
Here are the top 10 places to have the best chocolate.
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Belgium is popularly known as the chocolate lover's getaway and is the best chocolate destination in the world with over 12 huge chocolate factories, 16 chocolate museums, and far more than 2,000 chocolate shops.
There is hardly anyone in the world who wouldn't have heard of the delicious Swiss chocolates. The country is home to some of the best chocolate brands including Cailler-Nestle, Toblerone, Lindt, Treuscher, and Sprungli.
The Spanish were the first people in Europe to taste chocolate. Barcelona enjoys the status of inventing the first chocolate machine in 1780. Barcelona is home to renowned brands like Antoni Amatller and Simon Coll who have been manufacturing yummy chocolate for the past 150 years. Another city Villajoyosa is also called the "Chocolate City" of Spain.
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It was the first country to manufacture chocolate after the Mesoamericans cultivated it. Oaxaca City takes chocolate cultivation a step further and imbibes it in its culture and tradition.
San Francisco is one of the most loved destinations by chocolate lovers. The most favored brand in the area is Ghirardelli. There are a number of manufacturers functioning in the city. Most of the chocolates from San Francisco have different fillings such as truffle, caramel, mint, raspberry, etc.
You will never miss having chocolate in Paris. The city is the gastronomic hub of France. Another small town in France, Tain L'Hermitage is also well-known for the chocolate producer, Valrhona.
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London to be precise is known for craving good food and chocolate. Relish some of the best handmade chocolates on Elizabeth Street, Victoria.
The city of Hershey in Pennsylvania is often referred to as the ‘Sweetest Place on Earth.' The city is home to the Hershey Company and also the H. B. Reese Candy Company. The Chocolate Spa and the Hershey Story Museum are worth visiting in the city.
Taste different varieties of chocolates in New York. The Bar is one of the favorite brands in the city.
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The chocolate capital of Germany, Cologne is known for its Stollwerck chocolate company. Do not miss out on visiting the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum which showcases the history of chocolate.
To find good places to get Halal chocolate near you, along with other Halal sweets and dishes, you may use the Food Spotter feature on the HalalTrip Mobile App. Click on the below links to download the free App:
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/halaltrip/id680194589
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.halaltrip.app
