In a celebration of love, why settle for ordinary store-bought chocolates when you can indulge your special someone with something truly special. Let their heart melt this Valentine’s Day, just like these artisanal chocolates are sure to melt in your mouth. Crafted with passion and skill, these gourmet bean-to-bar, single-origin, and artisanal chocolate goodies are sure to win you brownie points.
Check out My Kolkata’s list of city-based chocolatiers and their indulgent creations.
RUSHK
RUSHK is a bean-to-bar craft chocolate brand from West Bengal by chocolate maker Rushdah Humaira, who started the venture with the sole mission of bringing a sense of good chocolate taste to people, and giving them an opportunity to know the taste of authentic chocolate. The chocolate makers make their artisanal chocolates in micro batches following a process of carefully sorting fresh cocoa beans from plantations in south India. “We realised that the secret to good chocolate making lies in the plantation and procurement of the cocoa pods,” said Humaira. Their beans are transported directly from local farmers, and along with some delicious chocolate bars, they also have flavours of Cacao Tea and other products that include couverture chocolate, including pantry products like cacao powder and more. Bonus, they also stock vegan chocolates!
MK picks: 60% Dark Chocolate – Espresso & Sea Salt, 70% Dark Chocolate With Dalle Chilli Flakes, White Chocolate With Vanilla Beans
Pocket pinch: Rs 225 onwards
Shades of brown
Looking for a cute chocolate hamper to make the bae feel pampered and loved? Shades of Brown have got your back! The exclusive Valentine’s Day hamper looks absolutely adorable with handmade chocolate goodies. Owned by Komal Chitlangia, these gourmet chocolates come in various sized boxes from four to 16. They have mini bars, regular bars and XL bars with a shelf life of 20 days. They ship pan India and can also customise a hamper according to your likes!
MK picks: Premium strawberry chocolate bouquet, Rose Pistachio Milk Chocolate Bar
Pocket pinch: Rs 200 onwards + shipping charges
Noel chocolat
Founded by Kolkata boy Yash Vardhan Agarwal, Noel Chocolat curates artisanal chocolate goodies using single-origin chocolates sourced from places around the world like Ghana, Tanzania, Saint Domingue, Madagascar, and more. From selecting the finest beans to packaging, everything is handpicked.“You get the real, unadulterated flavours with single-origin chocolates that represent a specific location,” said the young entrepreneur explaining the concept of single-origin chocolates. “Think of it as a journey for your taste buds. Also, the beans come from one place, the flavours are incredibly nuanced. You can truly taste the ‘terroir,’ much like a fine wine.” They deliver all throughout the city and take bulk orders for pan India.
MK picks: Baileys Bonbon, Assorted Bonbons, Caramelised White Chocolate Bar
Pocket pinch: Rs 550 onwards
Order here, also available on Swiggy
Frosted Delight
You can say it with chocolates this V-Day! Yes, these chocolate bars from Frosted Delight come with a message of love on them. The 100% pure vegetarian chocolates are made by baker and founder Khyati Saraf Jhajharia. While they have a range of special chocolate bars in different flavours, for Valentine’s Day, they are curating special hampers with a selection of their handmade chocolates.
MK picks: Valentine’s Day special chocolate bars, chocolate coated strawberry hampers
To order: Call 8017071766
BONN TONN
Chocolate and liquor can be a winning combination any day, but it sure is a great way to indulge on Valentine’s Day. Try decadent liquor truffles or chocolate-coated strawberries. Fresh, juicy strawberries dipped in rich chocolate make a wonderful treat, while the artisanal truffles are infused with premium liquor! Owned by Tanya Choudhary, this home bakery is offering a range of Valentine’s Day goodies. They deliver worldwide, so you can also send them to your long-distance loved ones as well.
MK picks: Gourmet chocolate truffles, Coco Bliss Bombs
Pocket pinch: Rs 190 onwards
To order: Call 9874451300, also available on Swiggy