JAKARTA EATS: Royce Chocolate

OMG Royce Chocolate is in Jakarta?!? How did I not know this sooner??? It’s my absolute favorite chocolate in the world! This is some seriously luxurious chocolate. TD calls it badass Japanese chocolate. It’s definitely not for everyday consumption because it also comes with that “badass Japanese price” (quoted from our friend K) LOL!

The famous Royce Nama Bitter *salivating*

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Established in 1983 in Hokkaido, Japan, Royce’ Chocolate began with a small, simple operation centered on premium quality chocolate. The use of high grade premium ingredients and techniques proved to be key factors in their success. From Hokkaido, the very first overseas branch was opened in Singapore in 2001, followed by new stores in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan, and in 2008, Royce’ Chocolate finally arrived in the Philippines. With six outlets located in premium mall locations, access to these one-of-a-kind products is within easy reach.

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I first discovered Royce Chocolate in the early 2000s through my friend Tin, who offered me A PIECE (yes a single piece!) of Royce Chocolate Covered Potatoe Chips. She treasured it because her friend had to hand-carry it from Singapore. So we sat in her dining room, each with one chip, savoring every single bite. I can never forget that first moment my palate was first introduced to Royce. I never thought chocolate could taste even better until I tried Royce.

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When Royce Opened in Manila, I hurried to the Powerplant Mall (Rockwell) to check it out. As I was asking for the Potatochip Chocolate, I was intrigued by the ceremony that played out in front of me… of the elegantly packaged Royce Nama being placed into a thermal pouch. I asked “Miss what is that?” And suddenly the well-dressed man beside me (who looked exactly like Sen. Miguel Zubiri)  exclaimed, “YOU’VE NEVER HAD NAMA???”

ME: “No.”

PROBABLY-MIGUEL ZUBIRI: “OMG… You HAVE to try Nama. It will change your life!”

He said it with such conviction that I just had to have it. And he was right. Royce Chocolate Nama Bitter is now my ultimate chocolate treat. Each time we reverently open the package, I ceremoniously bestow chocolate squares around the table using the special spoon that comes along with every box of Nama. This chocolate literally melts when you touch it so  you have to quickly put it in your mouth for the full experience. All the effort (thermal pouch, dry ice, etc.)  is truly worth it when it hits the tip of my tongue. There is nothing quite like it. My FIL said he was surprised because usually the famous chocolates are the European ones. And he didn’t realize how exquisite Japanese chocolate was.

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Royce first opened in Jakarta at Plaza Indonesia. Now there is also a Royce shop in the basement in front of FoodHall in Plaza Senayan. Does anyone know if there are other Royce shops in Jakarta?

Since we are on a diet (I literally gained 10Kg since last year because of a thyroid problem) so we decided to go with the healthier option… Royce Pure Chocolate in Mild Bitter and Extra Bitter. It’s definitely not as decadent as Royce Nama Bitter but it’s a healthier indulgence.

If you buy the Royce Potatochip Chocolate, I highly recommend the box with 1 pack each of Milk Chocolate-covered and White Chocolate-covered chips. I am not really a big fan of white chocolate but this is even more amazing that the Milk Chocolate covered chips. HOLY. CRAP. FOR REAL.

But if I had to choose one thing to buy at their shop (I think they sell everything at IDR 148,000 per box) I would definitely get the Royce Nama Bitter. Thanks again for passionately recommending it to me Probably-Miguel Zubiri! =P

So if you’ve never had it….“OMG… You HAVE to try Nama. It will change your life!”

 

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ROYCE’ Plaza Indonesia

• The Foodhall Gourmet, Floor LB(Lower Basement),, Jl. M.H.Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Jakarta Pusat 10250, Indonesia
• TEL : +62-21-310-7555

ROYCE’ Plaza Senayan

The Foodhall, Basement, Plaza Senayan Mall, Jakarta Selatan