Siamaya Chocolate - Tom Yum Classic Thai Recipe 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 2, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Siamaya Chocolate
Tom Yum Classic Thai Recipe 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good++ - Good+++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Touring Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Savory Chocolates Theme Week.

Today's Tom Yum Classic Thai Recipe 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Siamaya Craft Co. Ltd. (with a chocolate factory and shop in Chiang Mai, Thailand.)

This 70% bar was made in Thailand--using single origin cacao from Thailand.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate; aromatic tart-sweet citrus (orange, lime, lemongrass); balanced and flavorful umami (chili, tomato and soup) and a small zing of refreshing galangal.*

Texture: The base dark chocolate was well-tempered (broke with a snap) with a smooth and appealing rich melt and satisfying mouthfeel. And the chocolate was accented with softly chewy, orange-ish bits of what I assumed were fresh-tasting candied citrus (or maybe even citrus-infused tomato).

I loved this sweet, spicy and slightly savory chocolate packed with authentic citrus flavors and Thai (Tom Yum soup) spices. It was invigorating and delicious, with a mild chili kick. I needed a mid-day picker upper, and this transporting chocolate lifted my spirits and took me on a virtual trip to Thailand.

Ingredients: "Cacao nibs, organic cane sugar, dried tomatoes, cacao butter, Tom Yum powder, lemongrass oil, makrut lime oil, galangal oil" 

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of milk or nuts.

*Galangal is part of the ginger family and is used in Southeastern Asia cooking.

 

Ara Chocolat - Tanche de Nyons Olives 70% El Salvador (bar) - Sept. 1, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Ara Chocolat 
Tanche de Nyons Olives 70% El Salvador (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 174 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $24.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Savory Chocolates Theme Week.

Today's Tanche de Nyons AOC Olives 70% El Salvador (bar) was made by Ara Chocolat (Paris, France).

The single origin cacao used to make this chocolate was grown in El Salvador. And the AOC* olives came from a family farm in Southeastern France.

Aroma notes for this olive dark bar included: sweet, slightly fruity, gently fermented and savory dark chocolate. 

Flavor notes were similar, but with an added deep dive into the hearty dark chocolate and rich, dark olive experience. There were some very subtle and balanced earth, smoke/tobacco, brine and salted butter notes. Both chocolate and olives were high in flavor but relatively low in bitterness; and the finish was relatively clean and chocolate-y. The net result was more harmonious than it may sound.

This was a lovely and very balanced umami blend--and especially satisfying if you like single origin dark chocolate and olives. (I do.) Throw in a couple of nuts, a few slices of fruit/glass of sherry and you'd have a very high-quality dessert/snack plate.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate base, with very soft tiny bits of dark, smooth olive, and a hint of salt.

Ingredients: "cocoa nibs, sugar, tanches de nyons olives (AOC), cocoa butter, salt."

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of nuts. 

* The AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlee) designation in France certifies that a product is made in a specific area, following a specific process, and helps ensure quality. Those who are wine drinkers are likely already familiar with these initials.