Mark + Milk Chocolates - Jan. 27, 2014

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Dai Hien Tam Co., Ltd
Mark and Milk Chocolate

1.) Milk Chocolate with Cashew Nuts
(So Co La Sua Nhan Hat Dieu)
OK - OK+
Weight: .141 oz. (4 g.) in 1/2 piece / 4.233 oz. (120 g.) total box of 15 pieces
Calories:  20.51 calories (estimate) in 1/2 piece
Cost: 140,000 Vietnamese Dong (VD)
Purchased from: roadside shop between Danang and Hanoi, Vietnam

2.) Milk Chocolate with Lotus Seeds
(So Co La Sua Nhan Hat Sen)
OK+ - Good
Weight: .141 oz. (4 g.) in 1/2 piece / 4.233 oz. (120 g.) total box of 15 pieces
Calories: 21.4 calories (estimate) in 1/2 piece
Cost:  140,000 Vietnamese Dong
Purchased from: roadside shop between Danang and Hanoi, Vietnam

As mentioned in earlier posts this week, I've been hunting for local chocolates in Vietnam. I've had a hard time finding chocolates that weren't produced elsewhere. Happily, these two "Mark and Milk" milk chocolates were produced by Dai Hien Tam Co., Ltd (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).

These chocolates were molded into the shape of traditional conical straw hats. Many farmers wear these hats in rice paddies, and on the streets selling produce in Cambodia and Vietnam and other parts of Asia. A tip of the hat to hard-working farmers everywhere.

Cashew nut bits flavored the first box of chocolates, and large pieces of ("vacuum fried") lotus seed accompanied the second collection. This was the first time I'd tasted chocolates with lotus seeds, fried or otherwise, so this was a treat. The lotus seeds had a pleasant, subtle flavor with a soft crunch.

As today was Day #5 of Chocolate, Nut and Rice Theme Week, I ate these chocolates with some rice and sesame crackers, and I enjoyed these flavors together.

Note: Due to travel, photos will be delayed.