ROYCE’ Chocolates: The ‘Rolls Royce’ of Chocolates

‘Life was like a Box of Chocolates. You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get!’ quoted Forest Gump.

After the recent ROYCE’ chocolate workshop here, I must admit I ‘m hooked! How not to be?  What makes one gush over chocolates like a happy love sick puppy? Why does one get the notion to connect chocolate to romance, to that tingling happiness in the senses with each taste of chocolates? I could go on about all the whys in the world of chocolate but I am just going to tell you how I revel in the ‘Rolls Royce’ of chocolate…

Just like the quote above, every box of chocolates is different. To be honest, I really have yet to taste two chocolates that echo each other in flavors and textures. Chocolate as we all know comes from the seed of cacao. Although plenty readily available in the market, not every chocolate can make me gushed like a love sick puppy.

After the recent workshop which I had my first taste of ROYCE’, I felt my senses went overdrive. I was impressed by the quality, the texture and the flavor of ROYCE’ chocolates. ROYCE’ was born in the Sapporo region of Hokkaido. Till today, ROYCE’ chocolates is 100% produced in Hokkaido, Japan according to their website. There is a reason why it was nicknamed as the ‘Rolls Royce of Chocolate’!  ROYCE’ chocolate is one of the finest quality chocolates that I have tasted from the regions of Asia.

NAMA CHOCOLATE Ghana Bitter

Their signature, Nama Chocolate is a sinful pleasure like no other. In order to enjoy the variety of Nama Chocolates, it must be maintained at 10 degree Celsius or below.  So when one makes a purchase, this truffle-like chocolate is bundled up in a chiller envelope to ensure that the chocolate is at its best when it is transported to the destination. That’s how serious ROYCE’ is with their chocolates!

My Ghana Bitter Nama Chocolate exuded finesse with its soft delicate textures. Simply dusted in rich unsweetened cocoa powder, I had to pick up the squares with the tiny given spatula. Despite the cocoa powder flittering at the gentle movement, I wanted to make sure no cocoa is wasted.  At first touch of heat, the luscious chocolate melted in a pool of bitter sweet cocoa cream.  Deep bitter flavor only confirmed my first thought that there is a high percentage of cocoa in this chocolate while the silky cream flavors are derived from top-notched cream.

All of my neurons sent a rush of adrenalin to my brain to trigger an intense satiation. Yes, it is also a sense of pure sinfulness but oh what a pleasure it is…

Did I mention that Nama comes in several flavors and some with liquor? Nama series of chocolate comes in six flavors of Ghana Bitter and Mild Cacao which are liquor free and Maccha, Champagne, Bitter and Au Lait with liquor. I have tried Champagne and Maccha and also fell deeply in love, especially with Champagne!

PRAFEUILLE CHOCOLAT

Prafeuille Chocolat is a reflection of its French name for the innocent looking chocolate ‘leaves’. Without much thought, I bit into the leave and felt a rush of fruity berries burst into a boldness of flavors. What a surprise!

An ardent berry fan, this is definitely my kind of perfect fruity pairing with chocolate. A little tangy, a little sweet, the berry liquid is further enhanced by the strawberry scented chocolate. At this point I was ready to sing The Sound of Music with as much energy as Julie Andrews!

BAR CHOCOLATE Black

When one has had a variety, one should also ensure that the original is savored. Back to basic Bar Chocolate, ROYCE’ very first chocolate, is pure indulgence and almost aristocratic. A big bold bar of intense Black is definitely my cup of tea. The sheer undisturbed dark cocoa in its purest form paid tribute to the highest in chocolate gastronomy.  Since I love my chocolate superbly rich with a great hint of bitter dark without much sweetness, the Black bar is my kind of Bar!

What else can I say? I am convicted.  When one has tasted ROYCE’, there is no going back. When you have tasted chocolates like this, you would understand my addiction.

Just for the added information, BBC News published an article here that scientist has discovered that when it comes to the tongues, savoring chocolate is better than a passionate kiss… so what are you waiting for? Fear not, there are eight locations in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to satiate your chocolate fantasies.

If curiosity has caught your tongue, check out ROYCE’ on their Facebook and Website.

*More pictures at my Facebook @ChasingFoodDreams