It’s difficult to find people who dislike chocolate. Even if you’re not a fan of sweets, there are so many types of chocolates out there that can cater to different palates. From saccharine white chocolate to bitter dark chocolate, this “food of the gods” is the gift that keeps on giving. Craving for some yet? Then treat yourself to some artisanal pieces at these chocolatiers in Malaysia.
Like most foods out there, there are mass-produced ones and also artisanal ones. Chocolates are no different. You can choose to indulge a quick craving at your nearest 7-Eleven or do a bit of research and purchase something of a higher quality. Luckily for you, we’ve created this little guide.
You might already be familiar with one or two of these artisanal chocolatiers in Malaysia. Some of them source their cacao from other countries, while some choose to use locally-grown cacao to create sustainable bean-to-bar chocolate that is truly Malaysian in all aspects.
Whatever your choice, there’s one thing we can all agree on: these chocolatiers in Malaysia produce really excellent chocolate worth indulging in or gifting.
The team behind Benns Chocolate hails from Singapore, but ships to Malaysia. The brand is extremely proud of sourcing its cacao beans from around Asia, including Lampang in Thailand, Vung Tau in Vietnam, Calinan in the Philippines, Anaimalai in India, and of course, Sungai Ruan in Malaysia.
The cacao beans from Sungai Ruan in Malaysia come from the Koh family farm, who has a 30-year history of growing, fermenting, and drying cacao beans. The chocolates have tasting notes of blackcurrants, raisins, and almonds. The mostly-fruity taste comes from the fact that the estate is close by to many fruit plantations in the area.
Benns Chocolate sells a variety of chocolates from chocolate tablets to cacao nibs, and even cacao tea.
By now, the name Chocolate Concierge should already be a familiar one with most. With a shop in Bangsar Shopping Centre and a focus on celebrating cacao of Malaysian origins. Ning, the founder of Chocolate Concierge, is extremely passionate about his process. As he mentions on his website: “We are vested in each process from the farm to placing our chocolates in your hands.”
“Our chocolates are made with cacao beans that are traceable, environmentally sensitive, and sustainable,” he continues. He even extends his sustainability efforts by encouraging patrons to bring their own take-home boxes to be filled with chocolates if they’re not planning on gifting them.
Chocolate Concierge’s collection of sweets include chocolate bars, brittles and barks, sugar-free bonbons, and chocolates with soft fillings of local flavours, including some interesting ones such as sweet laksa.
You might have seen Cocoraw making its rounds in several flea markets and bazaars, but these handmade chocolate artisans also have a hole-in-the-wall kiosk in Bangsar Baru. These chocolatiers specialise in making chocolate truffles, all of which are produced in micro-batches using only the finest quality chocolates and fresh dairy with no preservatives. In the same vein, you’ll have to ensure that you finish these up quickly as they can’t keep for too long. Choose from local flavours such as Gula Melaka and Teh Tarik for a bit of a twist in your truffles.
Have you tried Borneo cacao before? Then you’ll have to try Jaws & Claws Chocolate, a new artisanal chocolatier that focuses on bean-to-bar chocolate with single estate origins. The chocolate bars that the brand sells are made in small packages, with each one showing which estate the beans are sourced from. Unfortunately, Jaws & Claws Chocolate are only available to purchase in selected spaces in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It’ll definitely make for a good souvenir if you’re in the state.
Deliciously handmade, silky and buttery chocolate truffles comparable to a certain Japanese chocolate company — you can find all of that and more at local chocolate maker Love18. For now, the only brick-and-mortar place where you can get these chocolates is at the brand’s chocolate cafe in Setiawalk Puchong. Otherwise, you can also purchase these chocolates online, although we’re certain they’re much better purchased from the store. These boxes of truffles make perfect gifts, whether to others or to yourself.
Here’s how you can enjoy your chocolate cravings guilt-free. Cocova sources its cacao beans from around the region with a mission to achieve all-natural, vegan and high-quality chocolates. Their best-selling product? Dark chocolate buttons to have as a baking companion, snack or melted into hot chocolate. Today, you’ll find that they’ve expanded their products into creating chocolate spreads, drinks, cacao nibs, and so much more.
You’re probably familiar with Harriston Chocolate by now, but as a leading chocolate retailer, they deserved a shout too. Since its launch in 2005, the company has extended its brand with multiple ventures, the latest in The Linc KL. Harriston Chocolatier is the brand’s first step in dabbling into gourmet pralines. Not only are they adorable and delicious as gifts, but we think it’s worth trying them out, especially with a glass of wine to enjoy.
The post The best chocolatiers in Malaysia for a bean to bar experience appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur.
