Category: FOOD & GASTRONOMY
๐ 7 min. reading
โ๏ธ Turin Why Not!
title article:
Chocolate in Turin: The Sweet Symbol of the Savoy Capital
SUBTITLE:
There is a love story that has lasted for over four centuries: the one between Turin and chocolate. Ever since Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, served the first cup of hot chocolate in 1559 to celebrate moving the capital from Chambรฉry to Turin, the city became Europe’s undisputed chocolate capital. From the creation of the Gianduiotto to the invention of Bicerin and modern master chocolatiers, here is a delicious journey through Turin’s sweet black gold.
quick table of contents
๐In this article:
- The History of Chocolate in Turin: From the Royal Court to Gianduiotto
- Traditional Classics: Gianduiotto, Cremino & Cri-Cri
- โ Recommended Historic Chocolatier
- ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
- Master Chocolatiers & Historic Shops You Can’t Miss
- ๐จ Where to Stay in the Historic Center
- Foodie Tips: Annual Events & How to Properly Taste It
before starting…
Looking for a memorable tour through the streets of Turin? Try these ๐
UNDERGROUND TURIN
MAGIC TURIN
PALAZZO REALE BY NIGHT
. FIRST SECTION – The History of Chocolate in Turin: From the Royal Court to Gianduiotto
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Turin became Europe’s chocolate laboratory, attracting master artisans from everywhere. The turning point came during Napoleon’s continental blockade in the early 1800s: faced with a shortage of expensive imported cocoa, Turin’s pastry chefs cleverly blended cocoa with finely ground Piedmontese hazelnut paste (Tonda Gentile delle Langhe).
This ingenious invention produced Gianduja paste, and in 1865, during Carnival, the famous local character Gianduja handed out the first Gianduiotti: history’s first individually wrapped chocolates, shaped like inverted boats.
. SECOND SECTION – Traditional Classics: Gianduiotto, Cremino & Cri-Cri
Wandering through Turin’s historic shops, you’ll find iconic sweet treats that shaped world confectionery:
- Gianduiotto: The ultimate Turin chocolate, velvety and rich thanks to its blend of cocoa, sugar, and IGP Piedmont hazelnuts.
- Cremino: A three-layer chocolate square (two outer layers of Gianduja and a middle layer of coffee, hazelnut, or lemon cream).
- Cri-Cri: A charming round praline with a toasted hazelnut center, coated in dark chocolate and covered in tiny white sugar beads.
- Bicerin: The historic three-layered drink made with hot espresso, thick chocolate, and cold fresh cream.
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. THIRD SECTION – โ Recommended Historic Chocolatier
WHERE TO EAT (HISTORIC CHOCOLATIER)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
Baratti & Milano Bar
Step into Baratti & Milano in Galleria Subalpina: a historic royal cafรฉ and an amazing chocolate shop. Elegance and timeless charm in the heart of Turin.
Pasticceria Ghigo
Step into Pasticceria Ghigo on Via Po, where historic charm meets delicious artisanal pastries. The ultimate stop for a true Turin chocolate experience!
. FOURTH SECTION – ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
BEST GUIDED TOURS IN TURIN
(partner with somewhere)
NOTTURNO A PALAZZO REALE TOUR
MAGIC TURIN TOUR
UNDERGROUND TURIN – WALKING TOUR
. FIFTH SECTION – Master Chocolatiers & Historic Shops You Can’t Miss
Turin boasts both centuries-old grand cafรฉs and boutique artisanal workshops where chocolate is still stone-ground or made using family secrets:
- Caffรจ Al Bicerin, Baratti & Milano, and Stratta: Historic temples in the heart of the city where you can indulge surrounded by gilded mirrors and antique wood.
- Pasticceria Pfatisch (Via Sacchi 22): A living chocolate museum featuring working 1921 vintage machinery in its underground workshop.
- Guido Gobino (Via Lagrange 1): The modern innovator of Gianduja, famous for his Tourinot and gourmet tastings paired with sea salt or extra virgin olive oil.
- Pasticceria Ghigo (Via Po 52): Famous since 1870 for its thick hot chocolate topped with freshly hand-whipped cream (fiocca).
. SIXTH SECTION – ๐จ Where to Stay in the Historic Center
WHERE TO STAY (historic center)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
NH Collection Turin Santo Stefano (โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ)
A large hotel that manages to combine attentive customer care, refined and elegant style and a high-quality, much-appreciated breakfast!
Savoia Suites Turin (Residence)
An elegant location featuring parquet floors that add a touch of classic warmth, beautifully balanced with modern dรฉcor. Just steps from Piazza Carlina and only a few meters from Turinโs main city center attractions.
. SEVENTH SECTION – Foodie Tips: Annual Events & How to Properly Taste It
CioccolaTรฒ: Turin’s major annual chocolate festival that transforms the city center into an open-air fair filled with tastings, workshops, and international master chocolatiers.
Pro Tasting Tip: High-quality Gianduiotto shouldn’t be chewed right awayโlet it melt slowly on your tongue to experience the velvety cocoa butter and rich roasted hazelnut aroma.
