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A Chocoholic's Guide to Hong Kong: The Best Artisan Chocolate in Town
It is often said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This statement is not just applicable for men but for everyone. Food is a common language that can bring people together in a way that nothing else can. Here are 7 artisan chocolate brands that will sweeten every occasion — there is something for every taste bud.
1. Hakawa Photo credit: @HakawaChocolate (Facebook)
Nestled in the busy Central area is a tiny craft chocolate shop called Hakawa. Its name is derived from the words Hong Kong and kakawa, which is cacao in Olmec. Although small, its influence cannot be dismissed as it helped spark the artisan chocolate movement in Hong Kong since its opening in 2017. It is also one of the few permanent places that offer bean-to-bar chocolates. Discover unique combinations of chocolate that will blow your mind, including Sichuan peppercorn, coconut curry macadamia nut, or rum raisin. And if you want something a little more classic, their 74% dark chocolate or Himalayan salt chocolate is a great choice. During the winter season, stop by for a delicious hot chocolate of cacao concentrations of your choosing. Vegan and dairy options are also available.
Address: Shop 1B, 49-51 Gough Street, Sheung Wan
2. La Maison du Chocolat
Photo credit: @LaMaisonduChocolatHongKong (Facebook)
As the first grand Parisian house dedicated to ‘designer chocolate’, La Maison du Chocolat is a must go for those looking for artisan chocolates. Founded in 1977, they helped elevate the standards of chocolate by incorporating it with the Parisian spirit of Haute culture. In fact, they were the first to create and offer dark chocolate during a time where sugary chocolates were the norm. Their innovative attitude towards chocolate has not changed after all these years and even as they made their way across the world to Hong Kong. Find over 30 different kinds of chocolate and ganaches that were created in-house. Gift a collection of luxury artisan chocolates with its signature silky smooth ganache and crunchy praline to mark a special occasion. By working with Valrhona to source their cocoa beans, La Maison du Chocolat is able to guarantee final products that are of the utmost quality. Address:
3. Bel-Zims
Photo credit: @belzimshk (Facebook)
Offering a tempting selection of chocolates, mousses, and spreads that would satisfy any chocolate lover, Bel-Zims has perfected the art of handcrafted artisan chocolates. With over 40 years of experience, founder Jacky Vergot has his own speciality store in Bruges and acted as the planner and senior Technical Director of the Belgian Chocolate Museum. Don’t miss out on the liqueur collection or the signature chocolate cereal collection with milk, dark, white chocolate, and white chocolate strawberry flavours. All the chocolates at Bel-Zims are locally-produced and rely wholly on pure cocoa butter and natural ingredients imported from Belgium. Every batch is fresh and handmade to order. Address: Block J, 2/F, On Ho Industrial Building, 17-19 Shing Wan Road, Tai Wai, Shatin
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5. Schoggi Meier
Photo credit: @SchoggiMeierSwiss (Facebook)
Want to buy some artisan chocolates but don’t fancy braving the crowds? Schoggi Meier promises a hassle-free experience through its online shopping website. Easily find melt-in-your-mouth chocolates at amazing bargain deals. As a leading chocolatier with one of the most authentic Swiss chocolate tastes, their chocolates will never fail to impress. Browsing through the website, you will be spoilt for choices with their spread of tasty artisan chocolate that is made daily. Purchase classic or seasonal truffles, praline, dragee, and chocolate bars and wrap them up in personalised packaging that makes the holidays a little bit more unique.
6. Casa Cacao
Photo credit: @old.cuppingroom.hk/collections/casa-cacao
The brainchild of pastry chef Jordi Roca, winner of the ‘World’s Best Pastry Chef’ award from Restaurant magazine in 2014, Casa Cacao first popped up in Hong Kong in January 2021 at the Cupping Room Coffee Roasters. Due to its popularity, that pop-up store has given way to a permanent spot at Central’s Graham Street Food Hall. Their ethically-made chocolates use single-origin cacao beans from one of the most famous cacao regions in the world. Every bite transports you to its origins. Be sure to try the Spanish chocolatier’s signature alternative flavour profile chocolates using sheep’s milk or goat’s milk. Bring home different flavours of bean-to-bar chocolates that use beans roasted in various degrees, Ethiopian coffee bonbons, sherry wine bonbons, and so much more. Address: Shop 3, 23 Graham Street, Central
7. Chocobien
Photo credit: @Chocobien-825418714331812 (Facebook)
With bean-to-bar chocolate, you can taste every distinct nuanced flavour and texture of the cacao bean. At Chocobien, they select beans from small farms in Bali, Madagascar, Peru, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela so that you can traverse and navigate the diverse world of cacao. Every box of artisan chocolate details everything you need to know about the chocolate, from its ageing and conching times to pairing suggestions, allowing for optimal enjoyment. Health-oriented chocoholics can shop their FITCHO selection. With zero sugar, low calorie and low fat, you can enjoy and savour chocolate without any fear. Their KUSA collection sources rare Peruvian cacao and ages it to enhance its appearance, sound, smell, taste, and after taste. Adventurous taste palettes can explore chocolates flavoured with soy sauce, Kampot pepper, ginseng, spicy potato chips or even sakura shrimp.
8. Godiva
Photo credit: @Godiva.Asia (Facebook)
With Belgian heritage going back nearly 100 years, Godiva has climbed to the top of the premium chocolate world to become a global leader. From its signature shell-melded chocolates and sumptuous truffles to its praline chocolates and biscuit collection, it has become the universal symbol of decadence, prestige and luxury. Purchase a box of their delightful hampers, holiday gift boxes, or simply a chocolate bar or two. Indulge in a cool and refreshing dark chocolate or white chocolate raspberry chocolixir. No matter if it’s for clients, coworkers, friends, family, or yourself, you know the taste and quality always satisfies when it is Godiva.
Chocolates are the way to go. What better way to celebrate a special occasion with Hotel ICON’s Godiva Afternoon Tea. Combine the best of both worlds — chocolate and afternoon tea. With our long-standing partnership with Godiva, Hotel ICON offers exclusive flavour profiles in its Godiva Afternoon Tea that are signature to Godiva but with a spin. There is always something to look forward to and get excited about. Indulge in irresistible Godiva chocolate treats like the Lemon Verbena with Framboise Macaron, Griottines Cherry with Dark Chocolate, and Duck Liver Mousse Coated with Chocolate served with caviar. The best part about the set is the unlimited Godiva chocolate-dipped strawberries and Godiva twist soft serve. The Godiva Afternoon Tea at Hotel ICON is a chocoholic’s dream come true. |
