Chocolate came to Spain from America, unlike other food products from the other side of the Atlantic, it became popular quickly. By the end of the 16th century, its consumption was already widespread.

Since its arrival in the ports of Andalusia, chocolate became popular as a drink in Spain. And from the beginning it was sweetened with cane sugar; it was the Spanish who spread its consumption throughout Europe.

Consumption was so popular that it was said that chocolate was to the Spanish what tea was to the English. Chocolate became a national symbol. This meant that coffee was incorporated very late in Spain, compared to other European countries. This situation changed after the Spanish Civil War, the custom gradually declined, while coffee consumption increased

In this context, the Chocolateria San Gines. Founded in 1894. Today it is still open and is well-known thanks to its history and its delicious hot chocolate. It is located in the San Ginés Passage, not very visible. During the Second Spanish Republic, they called her "the hidden one" given its location.

Even now, if you go down the stairs, you can see the “Salón de las Tertulias”, a meeting point for literary personalities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

En “Bohemian Lights”, Valle-Inclan He includes it in his masterful work, it is the Buñuelería de San Ginés. Today, as usual, in the premises near Puerta del Sol, it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They say that the establishments did not have a door, why? Yes, they were always open. Chocolate and churros are its main endorsement, the star product.
Currently, the chocolate shop continues to be a very busy place, frequented by Madrid residents and especially foreigners. As it is very close to the Puerta del Sol, is the place, par excellence, to have chocolate on New Year's Eve.

You know, if you pass by, don't forget to go into the chocolate shop.

A abrazo.