Entering Chocolátl is like entering a museum. It is quiet inside, everyone was whispering. The chocolate bars, all carefully selected bean to bar chocolates from around the world, are presented along the walls, a bit like paintings in a gallery. Visitors walk through, viewing the “art” as they go, starting from just right of the front door, looping around until they are back at the front door again. It is when you visit a shop like this that you get an idea of the incredible, and growing range of bean to bar chocolate options there are, and this is only a tiny selection. I scanned over them, admiring the beautiful and unique labels.
Adil, the all knowing chocolate master of this gallery, was standing at the cash register/bar located at the back of the shop. Regulars come in, take a quick gaze around to see if anything new pops out, and then walk straight up to him to ask for recommendations. Some of them talk about chocolate as you would hear one ask about wine or cheese, “I’m looking for something darker today, fruity” or “I was just reading an article about cacao in the Dominican Republic, do you have any bars from there?”. One man came in wanting to try a 100% bar which started a big conversation that eventually involved the participation of the other 5 patrons in the shop at the time, about what makes a good 100% and that they are all, definitely, not made equal.
I, unlike everyone else, was there for the hot chocolate. They have several options that seem to change regularly and Adil will give tasting notes on each. Today’s choices were from Sao Tomao, Madagascar and Ecuador, the one I eventually chose. I sat on a family style wooden table at the back of the shop to drink it and thoroughly enjoyed every drop of it. Slowly as others saw me sipping (and probably smiling) they too realised they could do the same and the table was soon full.
Chocolatl offers a range of chocolate events such as guided tastings and private sessions. They also have a subscription service where they will select bars for you every month based on your preferences. If you visit, plan some extra time to visit the Joordan neighbourhood, considered one of the city’s most photogenic areas. It wasn’t an easy spot to find, but the unexpected detours were enjoyable. I’m actually surprised at how few pictures I took so you will just have to go to see for yourself.
Verdict: A must stop in Amsterdam, for chocolate lovers (no need to be an expert). If you have any questions about chocolate, whatever it might be, you will find answers here (and a delicious hot chocolate). Chocolátl, Hazenstraat 25a, Amsterdam
