Forget coffee, Thai chocolate cafes are taking over

Kad Kokoa champions locally sourced Thai cacao from four regions – Chiang Mai, Chantaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon – with a range of delicious single-origin chocolate bars and beverages. Each region boosts its own unique flavour, from floral notes to coconut, brown sugar and even a hint of citrus. A box of their chocolates (starting at B220) makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion, while their hot drink made from cacao powder (B450) offers a fragrant way to kickstart your day. For something a little more hands-on, Kad Kokoa also offers chocolate-making workshops.

1076 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Soi 17, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon. 083-684-3921. Open daily 9am-6pm

Take a break from exploring the arty alleyways of Talat Noi and discover this hidden chocolate bar. With nine different cacao origins, 32Bar offers a range of flavours from classic nutty to tropical fruit. The hot creamy drink (B140) offers a smooth texture and aroma that pairs perfectly with milk, while its chocolate bar (B140) makes an ideal sweet treat. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of their striking orange brick wall and broken rusting Fiat 500. 

294 Wanit Soi 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong. 063-898-9891. Open Mon-Fri 11.40am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10.40am-7pm

Located at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, this chocolate cafe sources its ingredients directly from its Chiang Mai farm to craft a tempting range of chocolate beverages and fusion bars. Choose the classic dark milk chocolate bars (B195) for a comforting taste, or try something more adventurous, like the 44% strawberry white chocolate bar (B195), which pairs a fruity tang with the creamy smoothness of milk chocolate. Their colourful drinks, including iced dark mint (B120) and iced milk choco float, are sure to delight.

Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre LG/F Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei. 095-951-1183. Open daily 8am-8pm

Ari’s buzzing cafe scene has a new contender: Darq Ari. This chocolate specialist features single-origin beans from Chiang Rai, Tak, Phitsanulok, Lop Buri, Kamphaeng Phet, Rayong, Chantaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chumphon. Their creations boast a smooth, natural chocolate flavour, free from syrupy sweetness. Go for the na ngua dark 80% (B145) or thang kwean dark 80% (B145) for a warming drink or try the doi larn dark 75% cold beverage to cool off on a hot Bangkok day.

1/1 Ari Samphan Soi 4, Phaya Thai. 02-001-0161. Open daily 11am-10pm

At the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), Paradai serves up a trio of chocolate origins from Phuket, Nakhon Si and Trang. Their signature dark chocolate (starting at B120) recently won an International Chocolate Award this year. While you’re there, pick up a chocolate bar (B250) or check out their seasonal boxes for Halloween and Christmas, available around festive times.

3/F Bangkok Art and Culture Centre 939, Rama I Rd, Wang Mai. 091-185-6254. Open daily 10am-8pm

Originally an online chocolate bar shop, Square 2 in the Samyan area brings Thai craft chocolate to life. Start with a cacao drink (from B120) with two intensities: pure dark or dark 80%. Try their nama dark chocolate from Nakhon Si Thammarat, which offers fruity notes with a rum raisin undertone. Or, for a twist, their nama chocolate Thai tea will satisfy those craving a fusion of flavours.

4/14-15 Chinda Thawin Soi Maha Phruttharam, Bang Rak. 098-991-9971. Open daily Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Closed Sun