So, in honour of International Chocolate Day which falls on 17 September, we’ve rounded up a list of local artisan chocolate producers and brands showcasing the best of Malaysian-made chocolate, from award-winning single-origin bars to handcrafted confections infused with tropical flavours.
Harriston
Born out of a desire to provide chocolates that are uniquely Malaysian, founder Teng SC opened his first Cocoa Boutique in 2005. But as he strived for better quality products, he decided the only way to achieve that is by making his own chocolates, and in 2012 Teng built his own manufacturing plant. The brand name Harriston came about in 2017, and since then this chocolatier brand has created and sells more than 150 types of chocolates, including the unique ruby chocolate, which is naturally pink and delightfully berry-like and fruity in flavour. With a boutique-cum-museum outlet in Penang, and the Harriston Chocolatier concept-café outlet in Pavilion KL, Harriston’s offerings are sure to satisfy any chocolate cravings you might have.
Love18 Chocolate
Founded by a husband-and-wife duo in 2013 who shared a love for chocolate, Love18 Chocolate grew from their humble beginnings in the home kitchen to being the first Malaysian brand to win at the International Chocolate Awards back in 2019. Upholding to strict personal quality standards, every piece of chocolate from Love18 is handmade in small batches, and freshly prepared the morning of purchase, making sure you’re getting the best experience in every bite. Their signature First Love series offers rich indulgent bites, and their Speculoos Biscuit range is a series of chocolate-covered spiced biscuits that will be the perfect teatime snack. Either way, their products are sure to put a smile on your face.
Chocolate Concierge
Founded by Ong Ning Geng, Chocolate Concierge spotlights single-origin Malaysian chocolate made locally in small batches, using sustainable practices that also support indigenous farming communities. The tree-to-bar chocolate maker is also proudly home to the Malaysian Single Origin Dark Chocolate Kelantan 70% and Kota Marudu 70%, both of which boast cocoa named in the 2021 Cocoa of Excellence Awards’s 50 best list. The Kelantan 70% features a distinct profile of coconut, pear and toasted clove, while its fellow award-winning Kota Marudu 70% from Sabah presents hints of sea hawthorn berry and robust red fruits.
Benns Ethicoa
With a name derived from a portmanteau of ethical and cocoa, Benns Ethicoa takes its commitment to positive environmental and social impact seriously. In addition to striving towards more sustainable, natural production processes, the chocolatier also works directly with farmers across Asia to deliver well-crafted chocolates that both taste good and do good. With origins ranging from India, Vietnam, and the Philippines to local farms in Pahang and Muar, Benns Ethicoa offers a selection of chocolate bars and snacks, drinking chocolate, cacao bites and bon bons. In 2022, the 63% Merdeka Blend made from Sungai Ruan and Panchor cocoa beans became the first Malaysian-origin chocolate to earn four wins at the International Chocolate Awards.
Jugèlìk Artisanal
At Jugèlìk Artisanal, the focus is on high quality dark chocolate made with tropical, surprising flavours, wrapped in packaging that score high on the aesthetic scale. Art, creativity, and passion meet simplicity and minimalism in the chocolate creations, which range from a 61% dark chocolate bar with curry and almond nibs, to a 32% white chocolate bar with matcha and almond nibs. Boxes, wrappers, cards are also customisable, making them ideal gifts to present to friends, family and loved ones. Make a day out of a trip to Jugèlìk by visiting their store in Central Market to have a good time choosing, tasting and bringing home beautiful edible souvenirs.
Cocova
Established by dark chocolate lover Jinli Chan after finding most chocolate products on the market too sweet or artificial tasting, Cocova brings high-quality, all-natural single-origin dark chocolates that are made in Malaysia and low in sugar. The brand offers dark chocolate snacks, chilled ready-to-drink beverages, spreads and cacao nibs, crafted without flavour enhancers or artificial ingredients. Its top selling Curious 68% Dark Chocolate Buttons, with its notes of coconut and hint of acidity, is particularly perfect for melting into a rich, creamy cup of hot cocoa.
Cocoraw
Founded in 2016 with the goal of bringing exceptional tasting chocolates to as many people as possible, Cocoraw is a homegrown brand most known for its Japanese ‘Nama’ style of chocolates. With their melt-in-your-mouth constitution, the chocolates are especially well suited to the infusion of different flavours, such as Salted Gula Melaka and Teh Tarik. In addition to these local-inspired treats, Cocoraw also supplies vegan and single-origin chocolates, as well as boozy variations like The Gin and Limau Nipis.
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Feature photo: Chocolate Concierge