Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico

The ancient Aztecs and Mayans were the first civilizations to cherish the cocoa bean, and their descendents in Oaxaca still prize great chocolate. Not only a dessert food, chocolate comes in all forms in Mexico, such as hot chocolate, mole, and baking chocolate. Mole is a sauce made from chocolate and spices, which is usually served over chicken or pork. Drinking chocolate comes in two kinds: chocolate de agua made with water and chocolate de leche made with milk. Try both to see which you prefer.

In Oaxaca, chocolate aficionados should head to Mina Street. The three major chocolatiers—Mayordomo, Guelaguetza, and La Soledad—reside along this sweet avenue. You can watch chocolate being made in a traditional way and treat yourself to a snack or two. Mayordomo gets high marks from travelers, according to Ron Mader, webhost of Planeta.com, and he recommends visiting the Mayordomo bar/chocolate store at the corner of Mina Street and 20 de Noviembre.

La Soledad also runs a hotel on Mina Street called Posada Chocolate. Stay here and you'll have heavenly chocolate dreams all night long.

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