The Peninsula Bangkok Unveils a Signature Selection of chocolate Delights to Tempt Every Taste Bud

Artisanal chocolate masterpieces redefine summer indulgence at The Peninsula Bangkok. From July 2019, guests can experience a delight with every mouthful through a hand-crafted collection of Valrhona flourless chocolate cakes, Madeleines, canelés and truffles served daily at The Lobby, and available to purchase at The Peninsula Boutique. Each desirable sweet sensation is created using a refined chocolate blend specially produced for the hotel by French luxury chocolate maker Valrhona and enhanced with exotic taste combinations.

Chocolate connoisseurs can sate their cravings with tantalising Thai twists, as the hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Pelloie and his team craft chocolate bonbons and truffles with tropical mango, coconut and chilli fillings. Guests seeking a healthy indulgence can choose from a range of chocolate bars flavoured with plant-based super foods, such as turmeric, quinoa, baobab and ginger, to combine pure pleasure with dietary nourishment.

Tempting desserts can be paired with a delectable trio of hot chocolate drinks for a highly satisfying early morning or late-night treat. The Lobby’s expert baristas will personalise a traditional cup of hot chocolate to each guest’s preference, expertly blending rich Valrhona chocolate with steamed milk and freshly whipped cream. Inspired by fruity Thai flavours, guests can also relax and unwind with a Cherry Chocolate or Durian and Coconut variation of the classic hot chocolate drink.

The Peninsula Bangkok’s new chocolate collection augments a successful collaboration between The Peninsula Hotels and Valrhona, two brands that share a heritage of quality, refinement, and a

dedication to excellence. Since 2016, Valrhona has produced an exclusive 66% pure chocolate blend using sustainable cultivation methods for The Peninsula Hotels’ chefs to use as a base ingredient for exquisite pastries, cakes and desserts.

Creating an alluring range of artisanal chocolates with healthy, sustainably sourced ingredients aligns with The Peninsula Bangkok’s Health & Harmony concept. This enriching guest programme offers cultural, lifestyle, wellness and dining experiences to immerse guests in the timeless joys of Bangkok living. Beyond the taste-bud temptations, chocolate contains vitamins B12 and E, calcium, iron, zinc and anti-oxidant properties. The diverse health benefits of eating chocolate include a reduced risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, stable blood pressure, stress relief and mood enhancement.

The history of chocolate can be traced back to 450BC, when the Aztecs (who occupied land in what is today Mexico), drank a fermented beverage made from cocoa (or cacao) beans. The cacao tree is native to the Amazon Basin, and ancient tribes in Central and South America were among the earliest consumers of chocolate, where it was flavoured with vanilla and spices. Conquering soldiers from Spain discovered the exhilarating sweet, and introduced chocolate to Europe in the 17^th century. Today, cocoa beans are harvested in Central and South America and West Africa, and they are roasted to perfection by chocolatiers and cherished by chocolate lovers on every continent.

• Special 9-piece gift boxes of The Peninsula Bangkok’s signature chocolate bonbons and truffles are priced at THB1,000 net

• Special 16-piece gift boxes of The Peninsula Bangkok’s signature chocolate bonbons and truffles are priced at THB1,600 net

• The Lobby’s bespoke hot chocolate drinks are individually priced from THB190++.

• Special flourless chocolate cake starts from THB 450++ for one pound.

For more information and pre-order of The Peninsula Bangkok’s signature chocolate bonbons, truffles and flourless chocolate cakes, please call The Peninsula Bangkok at +66 2020 2888 or e-mail diningpbk@peninsula.com.   

About Valrhona

Founded by French pastry chef Albéric Guironnet in the village of Tain l'Hermitage, Valrhona has been producing fine artisanal chocolate since 1922. For almost a century, it has mastered the entire process from nurturing the finest cocoa beans using sustainable farming methods and renewable energies on its own plantations to refined chocolate production and eco-design packaging. In 2017, the company received the Gold Award from EcoVadis, placing it among the top five sustainable suppliers in the world. It also undertakes agroforestry, education and training projects to support cocoa-growing communities in 10 countries. In 1989, Valrhona opened L’École Valrhona, a pastry and chocolate school offering private classes for chefs and non-professional gourmet enthusiasts.

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)

Incorporated in 1866 and listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (00045), HSH is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Bangkok, and The Peninsula Manila. Projects under development include The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Istanbul and The Peninsula Yangon. The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.