By News18
As we celebrate World Chocolate Day on July 7, take your tastebuds on a journey where chocolate isn鈥檛 just a dessert, it鈥檚 a delicious expression of culture.
According to a recent research by Booking.com, more than half (57%) of Indian travellers and 45% of Asian travellers are looking to explore local food culture and cuisine while travelling. Flavour-led holidays are becoming a key part of how people experience new destinations. From matcha-infused truffles to filter coffee cacao bars, here鈥檚 a curated list of five destinations that reimagine chocolate through local ingredients, traditions, and tastes.
Puducherry, India
With its colonial facades and breezy, bohemian rhythm, Puducherry is emerging as a hidden gem for craft chocolate enthusiasts. Here, rich dark chocolate is handcrafted from organic Tamil Nadu cacao, infused with distinctly local notes: think filter coffee, jaggery, or even a hint of chilli. In the heart of White Town, you鈥檒l find tasting rooms and chocolate-making workshops tucked inside sunlit studios. Stroll down tree-lined boulevards, sip artisanal hot chocolate at beachside caf茅s, or spend a soulful afternoon in nearby Auroville.
Kyoto, Japan
A city where time-honoured rituals blend seamlessly with culinary finesse, Kyoto is a serene delight for chocolate connoisseurs. Discover world-renowned chocolatiers crafting matcha-infused ganache and delicate green tea truffles that echo the city鈥檚 refined aesthetic. Between tastings, wander through centuries-old temples, explore vibrant markets, or experience a traditional tea ceremony. With ryokans set against bamboo forests and cherry blossom-viewing boutique hotels, Kyoto is an indulgent and culturally immersive destination no matter the season.
Ubud, Indonesia
Nestled in lush greenery, Ubud brings together Bali鈥檚 artisanal spirit with its rich cacao heritage. Go beyond the bar with immersive bean-to-bar experiences that spotlight Balinese chocolate blended with coconut, sea salt, or tropical fruits. Wander through emerald rice terraces, unwind in open-air yoga retreats, and return to jungle-view villas offering spa treatments and slow, nourishing breakfasts.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
In Chiang Mai, Thailand鈥檚 love for bold, unforgettable flavours finds expression in chocolate. Artisanal makers here experiment with northern Thai ingredients like bird鈥檚 eye chilli, tamarind, lemongrass, and black sesame to create unexpected, thrilling bites. Explore local chocolate ateliers by day, then soak in the energy of night markets or the calm of ancient Lanna temples. Whether you鈥檙e staying in a chic hotel tucked in the Old City or a luxury hilltop retreat, Chiang Mai鈥檚 rich cultural heartbeat and inventive culinary scene make it a true feast for the senses.
Da Nang, Vietnam
On Vietnam鈥檚 central coast, Da Nang is making waves with its evolving chocolate scene. Using local cacao and ingredients like cinnamon, salted cashews, and robusta coffee, chocolatiers here offer rich, earthy creations that reflect the region鈥檚 culinary roots. Pair a visit to a chocolate caf茅 with an afternoon at the Marble Mountains or catch the spectacular Dragon Bridge show after sunset. With everything from beachfront resorts to riverside boutiques, Da Nang is where coastal charm meets cocoa creativity.