The Joys of Royce’ chocolate

Mon, November7th of 2005

6:30 pm

Photo Hosted at Buzznet.comA good friend from the gym recently gifted me with a box of Royce’ chocolates from Hong Kong. She had texted me, “Judging from your blog, you seem to be a chocolate lover. There’s something that I want you to try. Do you prefer milk, white or dark?”

“Milk, please!” I replied.

As if Japan isn’t already exceptional in everything they do, they’re also outstanding when it comes to chocolate, wouldn’t you know. Often called the Rolls Royce of chocolate, Royce’ is manufactured in Hokkaido, Japan, a utopia of mountains, sparkling waters, fresh air, and undoubtedly, the finest ingredients.

chocolate dust

True to the Japanese commitment to perfection, Royce’ is wrapped in three layers of packaging, as well as a cooling gel pack to ensure that the chocolates make it from the shop to one’s home (wherever in the world that may be). There is also a little note recommending storage at below 10°C, because the ingredients are highly perishable.

My Royce’ were little blocks o’ chocolates heavily dusted in cocoa powder, which made for messy but finger-licking good eating. Smooth to the tongue as they were to the touch, its texture can only be described as gossamer. Light as a whisper, it disappears quickly, leaving just a lingering chocolate taste. Sweet enough to satisfy, these were subtle.

Royce’ isn’t available in Manila, so addicts get their fix from nearby Singapore and Hong Kong, and of course Japan, too. Aside from the chocolates, Royce’ also makes cookies, but I’ve heard that the Royce’ chocolate-covered potato chips are worth committing murder for.


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40 Comments »

Ohmigod this stuff is absolutely wonderful — everytime someone comes from Hong Kong we all request a few boxes for group consumption. And they’re pretty difficult to bring home (hand carried in a foil bag) to prevent any unwanted melting during transit.

If I’m not mistaken, in Hong Kong Royce is only available in CitySuper (branches in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong; Times Square, Causeway Bay).

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Comment by wysgal — November 7, 2005 @ 8:35 pm


I went to Hokkaido a few years back (really beautiful place by the way, since we went there during the Sakura blossom season) and I think I tried these chocolates. Darn, now I’m craving for something only available hundreds of miles away! Anyway, great site! I really enjoy all your articles. Maybe you could also review more pesco-vegetarian resto’s? (I can’t relate to all the pata-tim swooning, haha). Keep up the good work! ;)

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Comment by Carina — November 7, 2005 @ 8:38 pm


Oh my, these look scrumptious! I haven’t been able to try those yet :(

I remember when we were doing chocolate work in school a classmate brought in a bag of thick-cut potato chips. Guess what we did with those ;) sooooo good. Best for women with their monthly cravings hehe.

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Comment by mel — November 7, 2005 @ 8:58 pm


I like how your friend from the gym gave you chocolates. ;) MAYBE I NEED GYM FRIENDS!

Japanese chocolates aren’t in much supply over here. Horrors! European ones are easy to find but no Japanese. The only time I’ve had Japanese ones were at the Chocolate Show. Mraah!

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Comment by Robyn — November 7, 2005 @ 11:09 pm


Hi, Lori. Royce chocolates are the bomb! Appetite magazine’s Editor-in-Chief lists them as one of the year’s best foodie finds. (If only they weren’t virtually nonexistent here in the Philippines!). Incidentally, kudos to you and your cheesecake recipe; you were also mentioned in the foodie finds for the latest issue of Appetite!

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Comment by Midge — November 8, 2005 @ 12:39 pm


Glad to see that more people are discovering this brand of chocolate. I recently came from Hong Kong and gave these as gifts. :) Shoulda bought some for myself, though. I’m curious about their potato chips dipped in chocolate…

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Comment by Ton-ton — November 8, 2005 @ 1:00 pm


*drools* those look absolutely sinful!

any idea on the price range of Royce’? :)

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Comment by meekerz — November 8, 2005 @ 2:38 pm


nice to have gym friends who give out Royce chocolates for presents.

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Comment by Jay — November 8, 2005 @ 10:40 pm


wish i read your post earlier…just came from hongkong and missed the opportunity to try this out…darn! and to think citysuper was just a few floors away from our hotel in marcopolo hongkong…

thanks for the tip!

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Comment by Anonymous — November 9, 2005 @ 9:17 am


I read somewhere that Royce’s chocolates are available in Manila Diamond Hotel. :)

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Comment by kt — November 10, 2005 @ 1:24 am


royce really is quite decadent. it comes with a tiny plastic fork for handling so your fingers dont melt it. talk about being OC. chocolate covered potato chips are weirdly nice as well. sweet-salty-crunchy. acquired taste maybe. and there’s also chocolate covered pretzels (not the jack and jill ones but the salty ones)

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Comment by anonymous paul — November 11, 2005 @ 1:26 pm


Oooooh yesyesyesyesyes!!!

Hubby and i make it a point to hit the Royce stand in Harbour City everytime we’re in HK. And I love that they offer different chocolates for tasting!

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Comment by blair_mitch — November 13, 2005 @ 7:49 pm


My housemate just bought everyone Royce chocolates & bitter ones for the house.Had my first taste of Royce and they are fab!! I think I will be frequenting that shop (in Singapore, Suntec City) a lot more often now. Incidentally, I am also going to Hokkaido in Dec. Maybe choc-covered chips from the place where Royce came from?

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Comment by *gacKKK* — November 14, 2005 @ 9:08 am


My fiance works for Yamaha and on one of his first trips to Japan he brought me back a box of Royce Chocolate. I had no idea what I was instore for but being a chocolate fanatic I was willing to give it a try. Well lets just say I bugged and bugged my fiance to find out when he would be returning. In my opinion it is the best chocolate in the world. Anyone who hasn’t tried it is missing out.

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Comment by Cheri — April 13, 2006 @ 7:58 am


Yummy……yummyy…..the yummiest chocolate ever =), The first time i try it was on Chocolate Fair, there was Royce Counter, and they gave the famous “Nama Chocolate” as a sample!! No wonder it became the most popular counter in that fair. But too baadd…soo..baadd….there’s no Royce Chocolate here, at Jakarta….hiicckkss…..why…why..?? T_T

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Comment by vwhy — June 3, 2006 @ 11:55 pm


i wouldn’t kill for the chocolate coated potato chips but their bittersweet chocolates are definitely worth killing for.

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Comment by Anonymous — August 10, 2006 @ 5:24 pm


eversince i read your blog i’ve been bugging my husband to text his friends in singapore to send us a box of royce chocolate…

it’s a chocolate lover dream come true…the texture is different…it’s like butter melting in your mouth….not as sweet as commercial chocolates but more satisfying…i can finish the whole box in one sitting.

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Comment by minatraje — September 20, 2006 @ 9:57 am


I got a box of Royce chocolate for my birthday last year and have just returned from Singapore with 10 boxes of this amazing treasure. It truely re-defines chocolate – I’ve got 7 boxes left and am already worried what I’m going to do when I run out.

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Comment by Anonymous — September 24, 2006 @ 11:21 am


Hello just want to plug.

I will be joining a bazaar at the Intercontinental Hotel this 3 December 2006. I will be selling a limited number of Royce’ chocolates (Nama, Chocolate covered coffee beans and chocolate covered Potato Chips).

If you are interested, I am accepting orders until 24 November 2006 for pick-up on 3 December 2006. For more information you can email me at chocolate_train@yahoo.com or text me at 0927-5487555 or 0922-4208630.

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Comment by Anonymous — November 16, 2006 @ 8:55 pm


I first tasted this heavenly chocolate in Singapore. Its really delicious. I’m not sure how much I paid for it but what I just remember is that its quite expensive for its small size but its definitely worth the price considering that this chocolate is one of a kind in the world.

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Comment by Anonymous — December 14, 2006 @ 10:46 pm


Royce is definitely the brand to go but I still find it being overly priced.
Recently, I happened to be IMM Singapore. Inside the Giant Supermart, I came across a store named WICKED Chocolates or something. They have some out-of-this world chocolates. Very reasonably priced and nice packaging.
Bought a dozen boxes and gave them to family and friends during X’mas.
Friends already requesting for me to get some when I am in Sin next month.
Happy hunting!!!

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Comment by Anonymous — December 30, 2006 @ 7:56 pm


I heard someone raving about this chocolate before. Just this week I was in Singapore, and my companion’s friend in Manila texted her to buy some. I was looking for something else in the supermarket of Takashimaya (basement level) when I found Royce’s little kiosk just across the supermarket. Lost no time–got some bitter Nama, bitter-chocolate wrapped almonds (I like only dark choco) and a box of the pralines (coz the girl at the counter recommended it). I stuffed it in my hotel room’s minibar coz the dry ice provided lasts only 5 hours.

The Nama is sooo delicate, and my best friend and I loved it! The plastic spoon is a nice touch too :) The almonds were ok, though not quite special for my taste. I guess I just like my dark chocolate really bitter. The pralines, um, I’ve had better, though the milk chocolate part is pleasant and souffle-soft.

I wish I had known about those potato chip thingees, though. The salesgirl didn’t tell me about it (silly girl), possibly coz I asked only for the dark ones (stupid me). I also wish they had more dark chocolates in their selection.

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Comment by Anonymous — January 20, 2007 @ 12:23 am


oh…my…god…that chocolate is heaven. let’s see if i can find some here in SFO…

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Comment by sigh — January 25, 2007 @ 7:27 am


My review and photo is pathetic compared to yours.

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Comment by i22oy — February 8, 2007 @ 11:09 am


are pala.

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Comment by i22oy — February 8, 2007 @ 11:11 am


hi! i love reading your blogsite!
i love royce chocolates! super! especially the nama chocolates, i prefer dark. i bought it from suntec city in singapore. i also love their dark chocolate bars. will love to try the 70-80% cacao.

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Comment by Anonymous — February 12, 2007 @ 2:07 pm


Where can I buy Royce chocolates in Singapore? Is it still available in Giant Supermart? If anyone knows please advise as I am going there next weekend. Thanks.

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Comment by Ideasman — February 2, 2008 @ 4:15 am


The chocolates are wonderful! But the ingredients are not listed. Nor is it stated whether there are trans fats inside (e.g., made with hydrogenated fat, partially hydrogenated fat, vegetable shortening, or margarine). Please let me know.

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Comment by M Atella — February 19, 2008 @ 8:23 am


You can get Royce in Hong Kong and Singapore as mentioned above. Did not encounter in downtown Tokyo but is available in Narita Terminal 2 in a gift shop infront of gate 74- this is usually a PAL assigned gate.

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Comment by Troglodyte — June 10, 2008 @ 3:22 pm


By any chance will these be available at Intercon again?

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Comment by dweebi — August 5, 2008 @ 3:22 pm


hey :) Which one of the royce’ chocolates do yall think is the best? Im getting it for someone’s birthday but i have no idea whether she likes dark or milk.. So i kinda need opinions. Thanks beforehand!

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Comment by a — September 26, 2008 @ 3:52 pm


i prefer the dark (bitter) over the milk. but if you’re caught in between, i think you can go for champagne (with green packaging). it’s sort of in between the two flavors :)

it’s extremely annoying that there is no permanent royce store, or even stall, in tokyo! it’s japan’s CAPITAL, for god’s sake!!
i have to continually check the royce website when they are having hokkaido promotional fairs here, because unless i order via internet or go to narita airport, i won’t be able to taste any :(

so for those living in singapore and hong kong, consider yourselves extremely lucky!

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Comment by jenny — October 1, 2008 @ 9:40 am


you can get royce at konbini store, 57 connecticut, northeast greenhills. go get emmm ! :-) )

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Comment by JO — October 6, 2008 @ 5:58 pm


just found out that Royce is opening in rockwell this november. :)

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Comment by Pauline — October 9, 2008 @ 6:34 pm


Where can I get Royce Milk Chocolate in S’pore? Can I still get it at the shop WICKED chocolate store at IMM building, or must I head down to Takashimaya or Suntec City?

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Comment by Philip Tan — December 9, 2008 @ 9:07 am


There is Royce Nama already in Konbini Japanese store in Connecticut St. Greenhills. :)

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Comment by Dang — March 5, 2009 @ 6:05 pm


just an update…. there are 2 royce’ stores in makati, rockwell and greenbelt 5.

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Comment by garfield — March 6, 2009 @ 1:47 pm


Hi Lori. I’m not sure if you’re also the person who created an account for Royce Chocolates on Facebook. In case you aren’t, it looks like part of this post was plagiarized. Take a look at it here: http://tinyurl.com/cbq2ht

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Comment by Anonymous — April 2, 2009 @ 2:44 pm


Hello, last December I pass through Narita airport and I went a Roice shop to expend some coin.
I bought 2 x Rum Raisin Chocolate.
Today I try.
What is this?
Ubelivable. The taste is perfect. Really high quality and I and my family can’t stop before finish the both pieces. Congratulations for this high quality chocolate,
I hope I have another oportunity to travel to Japan.

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Comment by Lindroth — February 3, 2010 @ 8:02 am



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