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Chocolate con churros

 
Churros con chocolate
 is a delicious and iconic snack in Barcelona (and throughout Spain) and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Churros are a type of fried dough pastry, often served in long or circular thin shapes, while chocolate is a rich and thick hot chocolate sauce that is used for dipping the churros

The history of chocolate in Barcelona dates back to the 16th century, when Spain began to import cocoa beans from the New World. At the time, chocolate was considered a luxury item and was only consumed by the wealthy. But by the 18th century, chocolate had become more widely available in Barcelona, and it was often consumed in the form of hot chocolate. Chocolate houses began to spring up throughout the city, and they became popular gathering places for intellectuals and artists.

What to Order

When ordering churros con chocolate in Barcelona, you can expect to receive a plate of warm, crispy churros alongside a small pot of thick, rich chocolate sauce. You can then dip the churros into the chocolate sauce and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors together.

They are typically served as a breakfast or mid-morning snack, although it can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is a traditional dish that has been popular for generations and is often associated with Spanish culture and cuisine.

In addition to churros, there are other types of pastries that are commonly served with hot chocolate. 

  • Porras: Similar to churros, porras are a type of fried dough pastry that are thicker and less curly than churros.
  • Melindros: These are a type of sweet, dry sponge cake that are often served alongside hot chocolate. They are typically long and thin, and are perfect for dipping in the chocolate.
  • Ensaimadas: These are a type of sweet, coiled pastry that is popular in the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca.
  • Tostadas: In some parts of Spain, toasted bread is served with hot chocolate for breakfast. The bread is typically lightly toasted.

There are many different types of pastries that are served with hot chocolate in Spain, but churros are by far the most popular and well-known option.

Where to Find

There are many places in Barcelona where you can find churros con chocolate, including cafés and bakeries that specialize in the dish. Some of the most popular spots include Granja Viader, a historic café that has been serving churros con chocolate since 1870, and Granja La Pallaresa, known for its delicious chocolate sauce. 

There are several iconic "granjas" or cafés in Barcelona that are known for their traditional pastries, coffee, and hot chocolate. You can also purchase churros and hot chocolate to-go at the local "churrerias".

  • Granja M. Viader: This historic cafe in the El Raval neighborhood of Barcelona has been in business since 1870 and is known for its delicious "xocolata amb melindros" or hot chocolate with sponge cake fingers. They also serve a variety of other pastries and snacks.
  • Granja La Pallaresa: Another historic cafe in Barcelona, Granja La Pallaresa has been in business since 1947, and is famous for its churros con chocolate. They also serve other pastries and drinks.
  • Granja Dulcinea: Located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Granja Dulcinea is known for its traditional Catalan pastries, such as "ensaimadas" and "panellets," as well as its hot chocolate and coffee. The café has been in business since 1941 and has a charming, vintage atmosphere.
  • Txurreria Trebol: Open 24 hours during the weekend, which is perfect for a sweet breakfast after a long night out, this place is known for its large variety of churros: thick, thin, filled with dulce the leche or cream, or just plain. It's a small venue so grabbing a cardboard cone with churros and a takeaway cup of hot chocolate is probably your best bet. 

These granjas and churrerias are some of the most iconic and beloved cafes in Barcelona, and they offer a taste of the city's rich culinary history and traditions. 

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