Nama. Nama Chocolates.
If you are to learn just one Japanese word, make sure that it is Nama, the Japanese word for Fresh. Put nama beside chocolate and voila, you have one of the best chocolates in the world.
Nama Chocoate is simply a Japanese kind of fresh chocolates. The Japanese, being the great innovators that they are, actually had the chocolate eureka moment back in the 1980's when nama chocolates were a craze in Japan. What makes Nama chocolates truly unique is the cocoa butter and fresh cream content. By Japanese standards, nama chocolates should have a minimum cocoa (kiji) content of 60% and cream content of 10%.
Because of the high fat content, Nama chocolates have a sinfully rich and smooth consistency. A small bar of nama chocolate is dusted on the outside with cocoa powder that releases a slight bitterness when it touches your tongue, but instantly after, the chocolate begins to melt and you soon taste the sweet and creamy chocolate goodness that automatically send triggers to your brain to release those endorphins. Who wouldn't feel loved when savoring nama chocolates?
Freshness is a key element for nama chocolates. They have to be stored in a cold temperature, otherwise, they would lose their fine consistency and texture. Nama chocolates often come infused with liqueur. But the added flavors are not overpowering. The taste is very subtle. Don't expect to get real vibrant flavors though, just soft and delicate sensations in your mouth.
One of the major players in the nama chocolate market is Royce. I first got to try Royce in Singapore last year. My sister's friend, Myles, said she stumbled upon a Royce Store in Suntec Mall and she took us there for us to sample what she said was "the best chocolate she has ever tried". It was an instant hit for me and my sister.
Around quarter 4 of last year, Royce opened its first store in Rockwell Power Plant Mall here in the Philippines. But unfortunately, I was not able to get myself a box or two for health and wealth diet reasons. (Each box retails for P580). So when my sister in law asked me what goodies I wanted from Japan, I simply told her Royce Chocolates. Thank God, they found a Royce store in the Narita airport. It is much cheaper in Tokyo too, around 660 yen, or just P330.
Royce Goodies from Tokyo
Now, close to one year since my first encounter with Royce in Singapore, my taste buds had a second date with Royce. Imagine all that pent up demand (no, make that desire) that were unleashed on the first bite. I had to restrain myself from finishing the entire box in one sitting.
Fortunately, there is a less expensive alternative to Royce, that is, Sachi nama chocolates. These are sold exclusively in Heavenly Chocolates in Roces Ave, Quezon City. Each box retails for only P350. I understand that these brand of nama chocolates is all about strong, vibrant flavors. I will definitely check this out soon! Photo courtesy of clickthecity.com
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