Luxury chocolatier from Spain now at Hoi An

Savall, a luxury chocolatier brand dating from 1892 in Barcelona, has opened an outlet in the heritage destination of Hoi An in central Vietnam.

Guests visiting Chocolate Corner by Savall in the Wafaifo Resort Hoi An are presented with a seductive range of confected delights such as chocolates, bonbons and catanias — roasted and caramelised nuts covered in white chocolate and a thin layer of cocoa powder.

Many of the chocolates have been made in the shape of local Vietnamese attractions and symbols such as the Japanese Bridge, Dragon Bridge, the lanterns of Hoi An and the walls of Hue Citadel. Bamboo forests have inspired the design of some chocolates.

The ingredients are 100% Vietnamese. There are no artificial preservatives, dyes or flavourings.

Pieter van der Hoeven of the Wafaifo Resort said: “Chocolate Corner by Savall is a fine example of a literal melting pot where culinary heritage, skills and local ingredients mix together to create delightful results.”

The Savall workshop, based in the city of Danang, near Hoi An, is the passion project of 30-year old Chef Victor Ceano Savall. In 1892 his ancestors opened the Pastelería Reñé in Barcelona. To this day, the ornate shop remains an icon of local renown in the city.

Chef Victor moved to Vietnam in 2014 and worked in local restaurants and hotels. In 2016 he took the leap to open Savall in Danang, utilising the chocolatier skills his grandfather taught him.

“The recipes that grandfather Joaquim Savall Reñé taught me can be tasted for themselves at Chocolate Corner by Savall. Using the best Vietnamese ingredients we have created luxurious artisan sensations that, I believe, look and taste beautiful,” said Victor.

“Whatever the occasion, our chocolates and confectionery have been created to convey the cultural beauty of Vietnam to friends near and far.”

Visitors to Chocolate Corner by Savall at the resort can sample products before purchasing. They can then taste the chocolates and other treats accompanied by a selection of teas, coffees and juices at the Bang Huu coffee shop in the resort.