Socola Chocolatier — Local services in San Francisco

I'd never heard of this chocolatier until my cousin told me it's actually a big deal. After trying it, I can now see why.

The Background: Socola offers high-quality chocolates with unique Vietnamese flavors. A unusual but brilliant concept that produces delicious treats.

The Taste: I had the soda chanh, which would normally be a drink with 3 simple ingredients: lime, sugar, and carbonated water. I had no idea what to expect because chocolate is not the first thing I think of what someone says soda chanh, but I have to say this is one of the best white chocolates I've ever had. Somehow the drink flavor works as a chocolate!

I also had the toasted coconut and black sesame milk chocolate, which was also unexpected but also delicious. It tastes exactly as it sounds, and yet all the disparate components complement each other perfectly.

The Conclusion: Socola offers a unique East-meets-West approach to chocolate that works in such unexpected but amazing ways. The prices are certainly premium rates, but you get what...

Whenever I take coworkers out for a coffee chat, this is the place I will suggest unless it's really hot outside. If my friends at work have had a bad day and need fancy hot chocolate to at least have that, then we must go here. Their lovely beverages, tasty chocolate samples, and room full of alpacas is delightful.

If you're getting a drink, be sure to ask for one of their fancy marshmallows! It can be added to anything - last time I got a matcha latte and yes, of course, marshmallow was the first thing I asked about. I usually go in the late afternoon so there aren't as many tasty pastries (good for me), but they always have a selection of their signature chocolates and other fancy candies from other places displayed on their counters.

There's always water in the corner next to the ice cream freezer (in case you find you want something cold). The chairs are nice and comfy if you can snag one of them. Overall, a lovely place that I recommend to folks I work with since...

I was on the hunt for locally made treats in SF (other than my "usuals") to gift to friends abroad—and let's be honest, I wanted something for myself too 😄—when I thought of Socola. I had scoped out their website beforehand and was excited to try some of their AAPI-themed chocolate bar flavours.

The shop is small (I overheard it's mostly used as their kitchen and that they also supply their airport location), but it's packed with a lot of tempting options—it was challenging to narrow it down to just a few! I ended up going with toasted coconut and black sesame, soda chanh, and turon. I've had Socola chocolates before (and got to sample a few in-store), and I can confidently say turon is my favourite so far. Sadly, it's only available for a limited time... might need to stock up!

The staff were friendly and attentive to every customer who came in. I appreciated the warm service and recommendations. Can't wait to see what new flavours they come...