Cup O’Heaven: No. 3
Hot Chocolate and Churros in the Afternoon
Eating at the Granja-xocolateria is one of the most decedent experiences in Barcelona, and maybe even in the world. If you love sugar, chocolate, whip cream and deep-fried dough, you must high-tail it to the Granja A.S.A.P.
This is no normal hot chocolate bar, but an institution in the Barri Gotic. A hole-in-the-wall, the cafe is packed in the morning and especially for afternoon ‘tea’ time, (it’s closed from 2-4pm). At the Granja-xocolateria the waiters wear crisp white shirts and one has the impression that they have worked at the Granja all their lives, with no regrets about doing so. They take your order and yell it to the cook; “A plate of churros and two extra thick chocolates topped with cream.”
Minutes later a plate of fried churros (deep-fried dough tubes topped with sugar) and two cups of the thickest chocolate you’ve ever seen are plopped down in front of you. The chocolate is covered with a literal mountain of fresh whipped cream. You are handed a spoon and so, attempt to excavate through the cream to the atomic goo hidden below it. Dipping the hot churros in this cream and chocolate mix is also a very good plan.
I can not recommend the Granja-xocolateria enough. If you go nowhere else, go here. After a 3,000 calorie snack at the Granja, explore the rest of the area. The café is located on Petritxol Street which is well-known for its art galleries, specialty boutiques and paper shops.
Where: Petritxol, 11 – 93 302 20 36
When: Mornings and afternoons. Closed for lunch.
Price: Two chocolates and a plate of churros, about €5.00 a person.