Belgian chocolate was cute for a while, but Thai dark chocolate is where it’s at now.
You know that feeling after dinner when you’re done with the savoury portion of the meal but you just can’t shake the feeling that your life wouldn’t be complete without a touch of chocolate to round it all off? We know the situation. There’s nothing like chocolate and pralines for dessert.
Yet as we’re staying home more and watching the kilos add up on the scale on a daily basis, there’s no denying it’s time to stock up on healthy alternatives to regular snacks. That’s where dark chocolate comes in.
Boasting a few health benefits and a world of advantages to its milk or white chocolate siblings, dark chocolate is a rising trend amongst weight watchers, cacao connoisseurs, and plant-based diners alike. Like a fine glass of Merlot, it is increasingly becoming a snack or dessert of indulgence, and as more Thai chocolatiers hop on board this trendy train, we’re lucky to see a growing offering of Thai dark chocolate on the market.
Here, we’re rounded up some of our favourite Thai dark chocolate bars and snacks of the minute. Be sure to order yours and you’ll always end your meal on the happiest note.
[Hero Image Credit: Vie Studio/Pexels]
1 /6
Best for: “I want to know what the hype is about”
Probably the biggest name in the local Thai chocolate game, award-winning Kad Kokoa really brought Thai chocolate onto a world stage. Featuring an incredibly vast range of Thai chocolate products, it’s always exciting to check out their offering, or even stop by their cafe in Sathorn. Our current craving is their Kad Choco-Mallow (THB 100), made with a thick dark chocolate coating a soft marshmallow on the inside. A fabulous companion for your coffee.
2 /6
Best for: “Just drench me in the stuff”
Another award-wining Thai chocolatier, we greatly missed the chocolate drinks at Paradai during the lockdown, and are happy to see them back. For days when we feel like going for a classic health(ier) chocolate snack, we love their 70% dark chocolate bar (THB 250) made with pure coconut sugar. Indulgent.
3 /6
Best for: “I feel like switching it up”
Pridi puts the fun in dark chocolate, and has recently launched a line of chocolate bars that are cheekily familiar. Pictured here is the Pridi ‘Maprownty’ made with coconut, cacao beans, and organic cane sugar. Look familiar? That’s the point. They’ve also got a “Tawick” and “Sanicka” bar that follows a similar concept. We love a good joke, and we love this chocolate even more. A personal favourite.
4 /6
Best for: “I want something for both my eyes and my belly”
Design nerds, this one’s for you. Shabar is a local small batch chocolate maker and their 70% cacao dark chocolate bars offer plenty to love. We particularly like their packaging, making them especially great for gifting. They’re priced at THB 220 each, but the aptly-named “Bundle of Love” comes with 5 bars for THB 1050.
5 /6
Best for: “I’m in an experimental mood, also I miss Chiang Mai”
A lot of Thai chocolate comes from Chiang Mai, so Siamaya is no exception to the rule, but we love that they incorporate a lot of the creative spirit of the Northern city into their products. They’re famed for many innovative flavours (chili, durian, genmai, Thai tea, and green curry, to name a few) and their latest dark chocolate product is no exception. In collaboration with Namtons House Bar, they’ve launched beer-inspired chocolates now, such as this 70% dark chocolate made with real Amarillo hops and candied pomelo. Yum.
Best for: “I’m vegan!”
For those who are vegan or simply looking to eat more plant-based, go for Clean Food by Coconut Mama. She mades a variety of Thai vegan chocolates and nut butters using unrefined organic coconut sugar. It’s THB 185 for a classic bar of chocolate, with a few options for other classic flavours like orange, lime, and coconut, too.
Lisa Gries
Creative Content Director, Bangkok
Lisa is the Creative Content Director at Lifestyle Asia and Prestige Thailand. When she’s not knees-deep in SEO analysis or editorial calendars, you’ll likely find her in downward-facing dog at the yoga studio, or immersed in conversation at a secret bar in China town. Lisa writes mostly on dining, travel, and pop-culture, and is a huge fan of soup dumplings, Riesling, and power napping — in exactly that order.
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