Top 10 Japanese Chocolate Treats To Gift This Christmas Season
The holidays are fast approaching and Christmas gifting season is just around the corner. There is no better way to spread the holiday cheer than with the gift of exquisite and artisanal chocolates to sweeten the occasion! For fans of Japanese desserts and treats, there is a treasure trove of premium and affordable chocolate brands that offer high-quality Japanese chocolates.
From the well-known household name of Royce chocolates to the up-and-coming plant-based chocolatier Any1 Choco, these skilled chocolatiers bring a slice of Japan’s renowned craftsmanship right to your tastebuds. Whether you are doing some Christmas shopping for friends and family or indulging in some of these chocolates on your own, these Japanese chocolates are guaranteed to delight.
Read on to find out where to get the finest confections for every chocoholic!
(1) Royce
(2) Henri Charpentier
(3) CACAOCAT
(4) ANY1 Choco
(5) Yoku Moku
(6) Chateraise
(7) LeTAO
(8) Nesuto
(9) FLOR Pâtisserie
(10) Chef Yamashita
(1) Royce
Source: Royce
When it comes to Japanese chocolates, Royce is easily the first name that pops up. Synonymous with luxurious, high-quality indulgent chocolate, they are known for the velvety smooth Nama Chocolates ($17) which comes in an assortment of flavours. From the classic Milk to more unique options like Matcha and Champagne Pierre Mignon, all of which are coated with a fine dusting of cocoa powder. Those with a more savoury palate would be obsessed with the Potatochip Chocolate ($16), a perfect sweet-and-salty treat that combines crisp and wavy potato chips with a layer of milk chocolate.
(2) Henri Charpentier
Source: 100AM
Renowned for its sophisticated desserts and intricate confections, Henri Charpentier brings a touch of French-inspired elegance to Japanese sweets. Originated from Japan, the patisserie is popular for its Financiers and Madeleines which pair perfectly with coffee or tea. The Financier et Financier au Chocolat 8 pieces ($54.10) are a cocoa-infused version of their classic financiers, made using a specially crafted 73% high-cacao chocolate.
For those that are fans of chocolate cakes, the Sachertorte (Vienna Chocolate Cake 15cm) ($63.30) is a decadent chocolate cake crafted with a rich, moist butter cake batter known as "Sacher Masse," featuring a lavish blend of butter and chocolate. Layers of tangy apricot ganache add a delightful contrast, while the entire cake is enveloped in "Sacher Glazur," a chocolate glaze with a uniquely satisfying crunch.
(3) CACAOCAT
Source: CACAOCAT Instagram
Made in Hokkaido, Japan, CACAOCAT is a Japanese brand that is known for their cute and distinctive cat-shaped branding. They have CACAOCAT Chocolate Cookies, and these bite-sized delights come in a variety of flavours from matcha to milk chocolate and fruity options like orange or strawberry chocolate cookies.
(4) ANY1 Choco
Source: ANY1 Choco
This Japanese plant-based chocolatier crafts their chocolate from carefully selected ingredients using cutting edge technology, ensuring that their chocolates are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free. ANY1 Choco, located at Telok Ayer, has an array of various chocolate offerings extending beyond chocolate tablets (dark, milk, and white) to chocolate ice and drinks. For gifting, the chocolate tablets or dragees are ideal as they come in cute and fun-sized packaging. You can go for the Plant Based Milk Ghana Cacao ($13.80) or for those that prefer dark chocolate, can opt for the Plant Based Dark Vietnam Cacao 60% ($13.80).
(5) Yoku Moku
Source: Yoku Moku Instagram
A long established confectionery manufacturer with its flagship store hailing from Aoyama, Tokyo, Yoku Moku presents a large range of confectionery products. Some of their signature products include ‘Cigare’, which directly translates to cigarette in French. As the name suggests, these cookies are shaped like a cigarette and baked with a lot of butter. The 18 pieces Cigare Au Chocolat ($36.80) are rolled, butter cookies with a delicate vanilla taste, filled with creamy milk chocolate. There are also the classic cookies, such as the Double Chocolat Au Lait, which are thin butter-vanilla based confections doubled over with a layer of milk chocolate in the middle.
(6) Chateraise
Source: Chateraise Instagram
Chateraise has long been a well-loved confectionery and dessert store for Singaporeans with many outlets located in the heartlands. Offering quality pastries and desserts at an affordable pricetag, chocolate fans are spoilt for choice with the plethora of sweet treats. For the festive season, you can check out the Christmas exclusive cakes for sharing, such as the Xmas Crispy Chocolate Cake 17cm ($51) or the Buche de Noel 20cm ($58). We also recommend the Nama Chocolate Daifuku Bar Cake ($25) that is rich, creamy, and available all year round.
(7) LeTAO
Source: LeTAO Instagram
Hailing from Otaru, Hokkaido, LeTAO is a beloved cake and pastry brand that is best known for their decadent Double Fromage Cheesecake. Besides this, their luxurious chocolate cakes also reflect the same level of craftsmanship using high-quality ingredients. You can get the best of both worlds with their Chocolate Double Cheesecake ($38.50). Why choose if you can have both?
And for the real avid chocolate enthusiasts, you can consider their Grand Triple Chocolate Cake ($38.50) that promises to satisfy all your chocolate cravings. There is also the Royal Tea Chocolate (Royale Montagne) 9 pieces ($13.20) which is artfully crafted with velvety milk chocolate and infused with fragrant earl grey tea.
(8) Nesuto
Source: NESUTO
Nesuto, which directly translates to ‘nest’ in Japanese, is a quaint little Japanese-inspired patisserie that serves up a multitude of delicious sweets. Ranging from cakes and cookies to their handmade Nama chocolates, one of the must-try highlights is their newly-launched Nama Chocolate with Whiskey ($27). It boasts a rich, warm aroma infused with evocative whiskey notes crafted for the discerning adult palate. Meanwhile, each one of the 4-piece Chocolate Bon Bons ($16.50) showcase a meticulously handcrafted chocolate shell, as visually stunning as it is delicious. Inside these vibrant creations lies an assortment of flavours, from sesame rum to tangy fruits like passionfruit hazelnut and coconut.
Nesuto
Locations: Jewel Changi Airport, 53 Tras Street - Tanjong Pagar
Opening hours: Tanjong Pagar (Mon - Sat: 12-10pm, Sun: 12-6pm), Jewel Changi (Mon - Sun: 10am - 10pm)
Instagram | Website
(9) FLOR Patisserie
Source: FLOR Patisserie
Step into FLOR Pâtisserie, where the artistry of Japanese-inspired French pastries meets the warmth of honest baking. The name “FLOR” stems from the Portuguese word for flower, pronounced as fu-ro-ru in Japanese, symbolising the delicate harmony of nature and beauty. Each cake is thoughtfully designed to resemble a flower, inviting you to curate your own bouquet of edible delights.
Source: FLOR Patisserie
Known for their iconic Strawberry Shortcake, Signature Roll and Lemon Strawberry Tart, they have also rolled out a collection of holiday cakes and bakes. The Kardinal Chocolate Cake (from $58) is a festive take on the classic Venetian pastry. Filled with luscious dark chocolate ganache and topped with velvety chocolate cream, this decadent delight is a dream come true for chocolate enthusiasts!
FLOR Pâtisserie
Location: 42 Siglap Drive Singapore 456167
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30am – 6:30pm, Mondays closed
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(10) Chef Yamashita
Source: Chef Yamashita Instagram
A quaint little cake shop tucked in Tanjong Pagar Plaza, this is a hidden gem that serves exquisite Japanese pastry and cakes. Chef Yamashita offers a wide variety of cookies, pastries, cakes, and seasonal collections. Well known for their CY Souffle Cake that is freshly baked in stores every day, they also offer the Kome Kome Ring Set (6 in a box) ($23.80). It is 100% gluten free, crafted using rice gelée from Japan, which is made with only rice and water as the main ingredient.
Source: Chef Yamashita
There are several flavours available ranging from chocolate to cinnamon and green tea. If you enjoy mochi pastries, this will be up your alley as it has a springy, mochi-like texture.
Chef Yamashita
Location: 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-44, Singapore, 082001
Opening hours: Tues - Sat: 11am - 5pm, Sun & Public Holiday: 11am - 4pm, Mondays closed
Facebook | Instagram | Website
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There is no better way to spread the holiday cheer than with the gift of some exquisite and artisanal chocolates to sweeten the occasion. From rich Royce chocolates to plant-based chocolate bars, there is something for everyone to indulge during this festive season.