Of dark desires in Bangalore

Chocolates were created, I am sure, to mend a broken heart, make a baby yelp in glee and bring joy to any jamboree. These scrumptious bites are so divine that had there been a place called cloud nine, it certainly would have been made of chocolates.

Other than the regular chocolate brands like Cadbury and Nestle, Bangalore’s sweet tooth also gets pampered by unbranded ones that come under the garb of homemade chocolates. From sugar-free chocolates for the weight watchers to the melt-in-the-mouth custom-made delights—the city’s chocolate makers do them all. Once popular only among a niche clientele, homemade chocolates today enjoy an upsurge in demand, thanks to competitive prices, quality, and innovation.

There are many in this chocolate-wheel who churn out such delights. So let's take a walk on the sweeter side of the city and meet a few from this new breed.

Dipika Pradeep is a housewife and a great chocolate maker. Her hobby of making small quantities for family gatherings got her motivated as the chocolates were polished off the moment they were handed around, with guests asking for more. Today, she runs a small unit called Dipika’s Chocolates from her house at Sultanpalaya and caters to weddings, parties and corporate events. Her beautifully-packaged chocolates are ideal as valentine-day gifts.

Chocolate Junction near Ulsoor Lake is managed by Anupama Amarnath. This shop is open from 10 am to 8 pm on all days and as you nibble on the free samples you can check out the great bonsai collection here.

Naked Desserts is the online business venture of Malini Suryanarayanan. All you have to do is click on their website to place an order and get your chocolates delivered at any address within the city. Delivery charges are extra.

Allenberry Homemade Chocolate Products is based at Rajajinagar and, besides chocolates, stocks candy, confectionery and cocoa powder.

Ready for some?