An Awfully Simple Guide to Enjoying Dark Chocolate

With their strong, profound flavours and deep-ebony hues, dark chocolates exude a certain sense of quality and luxury. Yet the truth is, not all dark chocolates are made equal. 

There are those made by the major confectionery brands we have known – and loved – ever since we were little. Then there are the fresh, natural, artisanal ones – not necessarily more expensive, but always made with a lot of heart.

But no matter which type tickles your fancy, quality is one thing all chocolate lovers shouldn’t compromise on.

How then, can you tell if your dark chocolate is up to scratch?

Lyn outlines 3 ways:

1. The Sniff Test. As you unwrap the chocolate, you should be greeted by a rich scent of cacao, which may have some vanilla or toasty notes.
2. The Snap Test. There should be a clean, crisp snap when you break a piece off at cool temperature (15-23°C). 
3. The Taste Test. Whether it’s pure dark chocolate or chocolate paired with other ingredients, we think a good one should deliver its flavour in under 3 seconds. And it should melt quickly in your mouth – this means the cocoa butter used is of high quality. This will always be your experience with Awfully Chocolate products.

What’s the best way to enjoy dark chocolate?

Some believe dark chocolate should only be consumed pure – with no other ingredients mixed in. After all, Awfully Chocolate’s success began with the mission of making a delicious everyday dark chocolate cake, one you can eat over and over again without ever getting tired of. Now, their wide range of products has not only demonstrated their mastery of this bittersweet treat, but there are many different ways to enjoy chocolate as well. For example, one of their best-selling chocolate bars is a 60% dark chocolate bar mixed with roasted pulut hitam (black glutinous rice), a uniquely Singapore creation.

If, like Lyn, you love your dark chocolate, she recommends a drink with a contrasting flavour that complements the rich, intense taste of the Awfully Chocolate's 70% dark. Her personal favourite? A nice, warm cup of earthy, grain-roasted Japanese buckwheat tea. In fact, you can enjoy this tea that is roasted fresh in Singapore at any Awfully Chocolate cafe too. 

Whether you want to indulge in something familiar or be intrigued by something new, Lyn always recommends you begin by enjoying dark chocolate on its own. She says, “Our chocolates are handmade in Singapore, with no artificial preservatives or colours – those who appreciate the taste of freshly-made chocolate will taste the difference right away.

For those ready to take things up a notch, Awfully Chocolate’s selection offers plenty to choose from – from the deep, complex flavours of different Chocolate Batons in the Dark Premium Gift Set, to fun creations such as Key Lime and Pulut Hitam in the Singapore’s Favourite Chocolate Set. As Lyn likes to say, “There’s always a chocolate for every one!”

Whichever you choose, you will be in for an experience of pure pleasure.