10 July 2025
Who doesn’t love chocolate? It’s the universal comfort food, the ultimate treat, and—let’s be honest—a necessary indulgence. But beyond the mass-produced bars sitting on grocery store shelves, there’s a whole world of artisan chocolate waiting to be discovered.
Artisan chocolate is all about quality, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. It’s made in small batches with high-quality ingredients, often sourced directly from ethical farmers. It respects tradition while constantly pushing boundaries with new flavors and techniques.
Imagine taking a trip across continents, tasting the best handmade chocolates from the most passionate chocolatiers. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, pack your bags (and maybe some extra stretchy pants) because we’re going on an artisan chocolate tour around the globe!
One must-visit place is Pacari Chocolate, an Ecuadorian brand that focuses on organic and biodynamic chocolate. Their small-scale production ensures exceptional quality, with unique flavors like Andean rose, lemongrass, and passion fruit. Walking through their cacao plantations and witnessing the bean-to-bar process firsthand is a magical experience.
One of the standout experiences is visiting Marañón Chocolate, where you'll find the world’s rarest cacao, the Pure Nacional bean. This variety was thought to be extinct until rediscovered in the Marañón Canyon. The chocolate made from these beans? Simply divine. Imagine a smooth, rich bite with hints of honey, dried fruit, and a delicate floral finish.
Pierre Marcolini is a must-visit chocolatier. He personally visits cacao plantations to source the finest beans, ensuring a true bean-to-bar experience. His chocolates are known for their rich yet balanced flavors, often infused with surprising ingredients like Earl Grey tea or exotic spices.
And of course, there’s Neuhaus, the birthplace of the praline. Their handcrafted bonbons, filled with luscious ganache, are nothing short of perfection. Walking into one of their flagship stores feels like stepping into a chocolate wonderland.
A visit to Läderach is an absolute must. Known for their fresh chocolate slabs (FrischSchoggi), Läderach chocolates are handcrafted daily using the finest ingredients. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind an unforgettable creamy richness.
For those wanting a more immersive experience, heading to Maison Cailler for a guided factory tour is a dream come true. Not only do you get a deep dive into Swiss chocolate history, but you also get to taste freshly made chocolates right off the production line—talk about fresh!
If there’s one place that should be on every chocolate lover’s itinerary, it’s Patrick Roger’s boutique in Paris. This world-renowned chocolatier is famous for his sculptural chocolate creations and bold flavors. His signature dark chocolate, with its silky texture and deep cocoa notes, is utterly addictive.
For those who appreciate a twist on tradition, Jean-Paul Hévin is the go-to maestro. His unique pairings, such as dark chocolate with blue cheese or matcha-infused bonbons, push the boundaries of conventional chocolate-making.
Royce’ Chocolate from Hokkaido is famous for its Nama chocolate, an ultra-creamy, ganache-like treat dusted in cocoa powder. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves truffles but craves a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Then there’s Minimal Chocolate in Tokyo, a bean-to-bar brand that focuses on simplicity and purity. They highlight single-origin chocolates with a minimalist approach, allowing the natural flavors of fine cacao to shine.
Brands like Marou Chocolate source cacao directly from Vietnamese farmers, ensuring not just great quality but also fair wages for growers. Their bars are intensely flavored, with hints of spice, fruit, and earthiness that reflect Vietnam’s unique terroir.
Mason & Co., one of India’s premier bean-to-bar chocolate brands, incorporates native ingredients like coconut, chili, and black pepper into their bars. Their intense dark chocolate, made with sustainably sourced Indian cacao, is a revelation for those who love deep, complex flavors.
One standout is Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco, which focuses on small-batch, single-origin bars. Their factory tour is an eye-opener, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of chocolate-making.
Then you have Askinosie Chocolate from Missouri, where everything—from bean sourcing to packaging—is done with a purpose. They work directly with farmers and ensure full transparency in their chocolate-making process.
Brands like SOMA Chocolatemaker in Toronto are leading the charge with their small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolates. Their truffles, infused with flavors like Douglas fir and birch syrup, are uniquely Canadian and absolutely delicious.
Over on the west coast, Kasama Chocolate in Vancouver is making waves by using cacao from the Philippines, blending their Filipino heritage with Canadian craftsmanship.
If you ever get the chance to embark on a chocolate journey across the globe, take it. There’s no sweeter way to travel.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Foodie TravelAuthor:
Ian Powell