For the love of cocoa: Indian chocolates worth falling for this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is many things. It is red roses photographed to exhaustion, playlists titled soft romance, and that one question everyone quietly asks: Which chocolate feels special enough this year? If the answer is still an imported box picked up last minute, it may be time to pause. India’s chocolate story has changed dramatically, and some of its most exciting chapters are being written close to home—among cacao farms, coastal humidity and small-batch makers who treat chocolate like craft.

From Kerala-grown beans to experimental flavour pairings that flirt shamelessly with spice, fruit and nostalgia, Indian chocolatiers are offering bars that feel indulgent. This Valentine’s Day, here are ten Indian chocolate brands that deserve a place in your gift box—and possibly in your secret stash.

1. Paul & Mike, Kochi
If Kerala had a signature chocolate brand, this would be it. Paul & Mike’s bean-to-bar journey begins with cacao sourced from Kerala farms and ends in bars that are playful without being gimmicky. Jackfruit, jamun, sitaphal and mango are folded into dark chocolate with restraint, letting the cacao remain the star. Their chocolates feel rooted, confident and quietly celebratory—ideal for gifting someone who likes their romance thoughtful rather than loud.

2. Pascati, Delhi–Idukki connection
Pascati’s chocolates carry the assurance of certifications—organic, fair trade—but what really stands out is how gently Indian flavours are woven in. Much of their cacao comes from Kerala’s Idukki region, and the bars often carry a fruit-forward brightness that works beautifully for first-time dark chocolate converts.

3. Mason & Co, Auroville
There is a calm confidence to Mason & Co’s chocolate. Made with South Indian cacao, their bars lean towards clean, elegant flavour profiles, with the occasional surprise—rosemary, sea salt, black sesame—that keeps things interesting. They are especially good if your Valentine prefers subtlety over sweetness and believes dessert should linger.

4. Naviluna, Mysuru
Naviluna approaches chocolate like a storyteller. Their bars are often linked to place, season or memory, using Indian cacao exclusively and pairing it with ingredients that feel intentional rather than trendy. A Kerala single-origin bar from Naviluna tastes deeply cocoa-forward, with gentle acidity and warmth—perfect for slow, shared bites.

5. La Folie, Mumbai
If Valentine’s Day had a dress code, La Folie would be tailored elegance. Chef Sanjana Patel’s chocolates balance European technique with Indian sourcing, including cacao from Kerala’s Malabar region. Expect polished flavours, refined textures and packaging that already feels gift-ready. Ideal when you want the chocolate to do some of the talking.

6. Soklet, Tamil Nadu
Soklet’s tree-to-bar philosophy is serious business. Growing cacao on their own farms and controlling every step of production, they make bars that are intense, unfiltered and unapologetically dark. These are chocolates for purists, the kind you gift someone who enjoys discussing flavour notes and percentages over candlelight.

7. Kocoatrait, Karnataka
Chocolate with a conscience. Kocoatrait’s zero-waste approach and organic sourcing make them stand out, but the flavours ensure they are remembered. From coffee-forward bars to spice-tinged experiments, these chocolates feel contemporary and thoughtful—great for eco-minded couples who still want indulgence.

8. Subko Cacao, estate-driven craft
Subko’s chocolate arm treats cacao the way speciality coffee treats beans—estate-focused, terroir-led and carefully processed. With sourcing that includes Kerala estates, their bars are complex, layered and deeply aromatic. These are chocolates for sharing slowly, preferably with conversation and very little distraction.

9. Amul, the familiar comfort
Sometimes love looks like familiarity. Amul’s chocolates may not be artisanal, but they carry a nostalgia few brands can compete with. Their darker variants, especially when paired with fruit or nuts, remain dependable crowd-pleasers. Perfect when you want to balance new-age craft with childhood comfort.

10. Kerala’s small-batch chocolatiers
Beyond the well-known names lies a quieter chocolate scene—small makers in Kochi, Munnar and plantation towns experimenting with couverture, truffles and locally inspired flavours. These chocolates may not travel far, but they carry a sense of place that makes them especially meaningful as gifts. Sometimes the most romantic choice is the most local one.

A taste of India this Valentine’s Day
Chocolate is no longer just about sweetness. It is about sourcing, intention and the pleasure of discovery. Indian brands—especially those working with Kerala cacao—offer something rare: flavour with context.

This Valentine’s Day, choosing an Indian chocolate is not just a romantic gesture; it is a delicious way to support craftsmanship that begins in our own soil.