Rich, smooth, and decadent homemade Nama Chocolate! Made with quality dark chocolate and fresh cream, this ROYCE’s copycat chocolate is truly a special treat. It’s one of the most popular gifts from Japan, but you can easily make it at home.
If you are a frequent visitor to Japan, you probably have heard of or tasted this Japanese chocolate called Nama Chocolate (生チョコレート). You can’t really avoid it at the airport gift shops. They come in fancy packaging that makes them a popular gift item to bring home from Japan.
Nama Chocolate is rich, smooth, and moist, with a silky texture that literally melts in your mouth. Good news is you don’t have to fly to Japan to enjoy the luxurious sweet. With this recipe, you can make your chocolate dream comes true today!
Watch How to Make Nama Chocolate
Rich, smooth, and decadent homemade Nama Chocolate! Made with quality dark chocolate and fresh cream, this ROYCE’s copycat chocolate is truly a special treat. It’s one of the most popular gifts from Japan, but you can easily make it at home.
What is Nama Chocolate?
Nama Chocolate is a form of ganache, similar to the filling inside French truffles. It’s made of fresh cream and chocolate, cut into little cubes, and dusted with fine cocoa powder.
The chocolate can be called “Nama Chocolate” when it contains at least 40% chocolate and 10% cream by weight, and no more than 10% water.
Nama Chocolate is much easier to prepare than truffles because the chocolate is poured into a square pan, chilled until firm, then cut into mini squares. No messy hands since there’s no rolling required.
What Does Nama in “Nama Chocolate” Mean?
Nama (生, pronounce [na-ma]) means raw or fresh in Japanese. The name “Nama” Chocolate refers to the plentiful use of rich, fresh cream in the chocolate.
Because of the fresh cream, Nama Chocolate must be kept in the refrigerator at all times and it is best enjoyed fresh, within 4 days after being made. You can also keep in the freezer for up to a month.
If you’re planning to give Nama Chocolate as a gift, make sure to let the gift receiver know to consume soon.
History of Nama Chocolate
In 1988, the owner and chef Masakazu Kobayashi at the sweet shop Sils Maria created a new type of chocolate, and he named this chocolate Nama Chocolate and Nama Choco (生チョコ) for short.
In 1993, Meiji, a snack company, released a chocolate product called Meltykiss (メルティーキッス) which was produced and supervised by chef Kobayashi. You can purchase a box of Meltykiss at Asian supermarkets, convenience stores and train kiosks in Japan. This chocolate is known for its limited time offering during the winter months as the chocolate melts quickly during the rest of seasons.
Since then, major confectionery manufacturers started to sell Nama Chocolate, and it became a huge trend all over the country.
In 1996, Hokkaido-based ROYCE’ (ロイズ) released ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate. Many of you probably spotted this chocolate at the airports or gift shops at sightseeing spots in Japan. Due to their popularity, this Nama Chocolate is known to visitors who have been to Japan.
Although “Nama Chocolate” was invented in Japan in the late ’80s, this specific type of chocolate called “Pave de Geneva” was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1930’s. Pave de Geneva is made of chocolate and fresh cream, and cut into small cubes smeared with cocoa, just like Nama Chocolate.
I’m not sure whether the Japanese chef had traveled to Geneva and knew of Pave de Geneva, or he figured out the Nama Chocolate formula on his own. Regardless, this is not an original Japanese product as it existed in Switzerland.
If you’re a Genevan who tried both Pave de Geneva and Nama Chocolate, please share your thoughts in the comment below. Are they similar or exactly the same?
Tips for Making Nama Chocolate
1. Use Good Chocolate
High-quality chocolate is mandatory since that’s the most important ingredient for making delicious Nama Chocolate. Make sure the chocolate is made of 100% cocoa butter and does not include vegetable fat in the ingredient list.
2. Use Heavy Cream
American heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (they are the same thing) has 36%-38 fat content. The ratio of heavy (whipping) cream (gram/ml) and chocolate (gram) should be 1:2. For this recipe, please do not replace chocolate with white chocolate (which I used in Green Tea Chocolate).
3. Dry and Clean Utensils
Make sure the bowls and utensils you are using are perfectly dry. Even a small amount of water/steam can “seize” the chocolate melting process. It can happen all of the sudden from a smooth bowl of liquid chocolate to a lumpy, grainy mass of chocolate.
Here’s a Green Tea Matcha version!
These chocolate goodies are perfect for special occasions or as a hostess gift during the holiday season. I hope you enjoy making this Nama Chocolate recipe!
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Rich, smooth, and decadent homemade Nama Chocolate! Made with chocolate and fresh cream, this ROYCE's copycat chocolate is truly a special treat. It's one of the most popular gifts from Japan, but you can easily make it at home.
- 400 g good quality dark chocolate (70% cacao) (Semisweet for less bitter taste) (14 oz)
- 200 ml heavy (whipping) cream (38% fat) (¾ cup + 1 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp liqueur of your choice (optional; I use Brandy. Adjust the amount according to your liking.)
- unsweetened cocoa powder (to coat the chocolate)
Gather all the ingredients.
With a sharp knife, chop the chocolate into smaller pieces so that they will melt faster and more evenly.
Line an 8" x 8" (20 x 20 cm baking dish with parchment paper. Choosing the right size tray is important for the height of chocolate (If you use a bigger tray, the chocolate will be flatter).
Add the heavy cream into a small saucepan and bring it to ALMOST boil over medium heat. Whisk to evenly distribute heat and keep an eye on the cream.
When you see small bubbles around the saucepan, remove from the heat.
Add the chocolate into the heavy cream and stir to combine with a silicone spatula.
Mix the chocolate and cream and make sure there is no lump. The chocolate should be completely smooth.
If you like, add liqueur of your choice.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with the silicone spatula.
Tap the baking dish onto the counter a few times (to make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed). Refrigerate until firm, about 4-5 hours.
Remove the chocolate from the baking dish.
Cut the excess chocolate around the edges to have nice sharp corners.
Warm up the sharp knife with a hot towel, and cut the chocolate into 1” strips. Make sure to clean/warm the knife before each cut to achieve a nice sharp cut.
Depending on your baking dish, the 4 sides of the chocolate may not look good (mine has curved edges and corners). If that's the case, save these chocolate pieces for yourself to enjoy.
Then cut the strips into cubes. Remember to clean/warm up the knife before each cut.
Sprinkle the cocoa powder on the top. Optionally, if you prefer all sides to have cocoa powder, you can dip in cocoa powder to coat all sides.
Serve Nama Chocolate on a plate, or put it in a box as a gift. If the chocolate just came out of the refrigerator, I recommend waiting for 5-10 minutes before serving so it's soft enough to melt in the mouth instead of chilled and hard chocolate.
Keep in the airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or you can freeze the chocolate for up to a month.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE MAKING!
Make sure the bowls and utensils you are using are perfectly dry. Even a small amount of water/steam can "seize" the chocolate melting process.
The ratio of heavy whipping cream (ml) and chocolate (gram) should be 1:2. Please do not replace chocolate with white chocolate for this recipe. The ratio is not the same.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
The two most common problems of working with chocolate are separating and seizing.
1) Separation (oil came out of the chocolate) happens when you get the chocolate too hot. Dark chocolate should never be heated above 120 degrees F (Milk chocolate and white chocolate should never be heated above 110 degrees F). When chocolate gets too hot, the cocoa butter separates from the solids, and there is no way to salvage it (although you can bake with it and it tastes fine). The best way to prevent separation is to use gentle heat (simmer on lowest heat) and stir frequently. Since we're not using a double boiler in this recipe, make sure you do not bring the heavy whipping cream to a full boil. Remove from heat as soon as you saw bubbles around the edges of the saucepan.
2) Seizing happens when moisture is introduced to melted chocolate (even a tiny amount of liquid or steam). It happens all the sudden from a smooth bowl of liquid chocolate to a lumpy, grainy mass of chocolate.
To learn more details and how to fix the overheated or seized chocolate, please read HERE.
Recipe by Namiko Chen of Just One Cookbook. All images and content on this site are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without my permission. If you’d like to share this recipe on your site, please re-write the recipe in your own words and link to this post as the original source. Thank you.
Editor’s Note: The post was originally published on February 6, 2012. The content has been updated.
perfect for valentine’s day!
Looks great. I never realised Japan had its own version of truffles.
That is so so pretty! Love the pink box and the gorgeous chocolate inside!
I love your presentation of these nama chocolate! So tempting and beautiful. I’m a sucker for all kinds of chocolate. I love how easy it is that your recipe doesn’t involve “rolling” (that could get real messy). 🙂 What a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift idea.
These chocolates look so tasty and easy to make (hopefully)! I love your special week of recipes and the idea of listing requested recipes from your readers! 😉
Lovely and delightful post!! I have never thought of making chocolate in my own kitchen. This looks so easy beyond belief to make. I would give a try someday. Thanks.
Ciao Nami, how are you? These are lovely, I hope they are not giri choko 🙂
Oh I cannot think of anything I would rather be eating right now than this nama chocolate. Your photos are lovely!
Gosh! I love ‘Royce’ chocolate! Thank you very much for sharing this recipe. Would love to make this for Valentine’s day 🙂
I don’t know why you don’t make more desserts because you really do them so well! These are really pretty and homemade chocolates are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Oh I’ve had Royce chocolate before and it’s so lovely and smooth. So it’s like a ganache but with more cream than normal? Really interesting! 🙂
wow homemade ROYCE?!?!! i didnt know you could make it. They look exactly like ROYCE! 🙂 I used to get them from the nrt airport when i visited tokyo – i rem they had to be refrigerated all the time!
i cant wait to try this soon (maybe after my sisters wedding as i am trying to fit into my bridesmaid dress!)
Wow. Wow. WOW! These look sinfully perfect!
Sensational Nami! They look just like Royce chocolates! And they are definitely easier and less messy compared to making truffles. Your presentation is gorgeous…you’re really quite an expert at food styling now. Love the pretty ribbons and pink background 🙂
You must know how I approve of your foray into the world of desserts! These chocolates look marvelous…and my family would be thrilled if I made these beauties! Have a great week, Nami!
Nami! glad u post this recipe since I’m a BIG fan of dark chocolate! 😀
as always… chocolate is everyone fav dessert, even when we make it in a simpliest way 🙂
How I wish I lived next to ur house so I can get one of them before the box go to ur brother in law! Haha ha!
I’m sure he will enjoy the nama 🙂
Tq for sharing sweetie! 😉
These are so pretty Nami! You know how excited I get when I see desserts on your site. I could see these on one of my dessert tables. Gorgeous!!!
Nami, what an incredible recipe, perfect for Valentines Day and every other day of the year!
🙂 Mandy
I’ve tried ROYCE chocolates in Singapore before and it’s delicious! I love how smooth it is and it’s real popular in Singapore. I didn’t realise that it’s so easy to make though. They also had this chocolate covered potato chips which sounds a little odd but they actually went quite well together! Lovely photos as always!
Wow Nami,
These looks so beautiful and delicious! Cannot wait to make these.
Lovely chocolate and look tempting , nice presentation too.
They look awesome!! So sweet to melt one’s heart! Your presentation is fantastic! 😉
Nami,
I love having an excuse to eat up fresh goodies like this in a couple of days! They look delicious. Great to hear of Nama – beautifully romantic.
I have never herd about this delicacy, thank you for sharing it with all of us. the parcels are so pretty , i like it!
An ideal gift for Valentine’s Day…but really good anytime because chocolate is just so yummy!
I would love to get this sweet treat for Valentine’s day!! It looks amazingly rich and decadent!! Perfectly done! 🙂
We used to travel on JAL a lot and I became addicted to the truffles they’d bring around. Oh to be before the financial crisis and be able to fly first class again. LOL
Now I can make my own Japanese truffles!
This is divine and How lovely to make your own. I feel like running to the kitchen and make some.
Yummm! These look amazing and easy to make! About how much liquor would you add? Thanks 🙂
Hi Jess! Hmmmm maybe about 2-4 Tbsp…but it’s really up to you. 🙂
How beautiful! And they are easy as well! Love them!
Hi Nami! I can just imagine how creamy this chocolate must taste, too bad my skin would get horrible breakouts if I eat even a little bit of chocolate, so this recipe can only be appreciate by afar… Hope you have a great week, it’s pretty cold at Houston so I am thinking stews for dinner would be good!
Lovely chocolate bites Nami! Have a nice week!
I like these chocolates! And they’re easier to make then truffles (’cause they’re cut with a knife, instead of rolled into balls)!
Great recipe, Nami..!
What an amazing treat for Valentine’s Day.
My mouth is watering, Nami. LOVE this!
Nami, these are beautiful! PERFECT for the special people in our lives! 😀
They look perfect! I love the thought of truffles without the messy rolling 🙂
Never heard of this kind of chocolate treat, very similar to ganache indeed. The squares look wonderful, love chocolate that melts in my mouth.
Beautiful!!!!!
I am a chocolate addict, this will make me so happy Nami…
Beautiful presentation….
These look so amazing, and the steps are so easy to follow! Thanks for sharing the recipe and the lovely photographs. I definitely plan on trying these out when I get the chance~
YAY a dessert and chocolat recipe 🙂 I know you don’t really make a lot of sweets but I love it when you sure these recipes with us! I’ve definitely had NAMA chocolates before but i didn’t know that it meant ‘fresh’ and that it was so similar to French truffles hehe
I’ve bought Royce nama chocolates before but didn’t really like them and i think it’s because the lady that served me wasn’t very nice either >_< so i think i'm just gonna make my own hehe
Perfect for Valentine's day that's only a week away!!! I have NO idea what i'm gonna make or get Mr Bao ~
Thanks again for the recipe and i'm sure you're brother in law is enjoying the truffles!
Nami, the chocolates look extraordinary! Especially with your lovely presentation. I wish I had such a box now. I would finish them instantly. Instead of the dinner. You are totally right: they are like a simplified version of black chocolate truffles 🙂 I must try making them one day. Thank you for your kind mention and link!
WOW! WOW! WOW! Not many more words to describe this than WOW! You are so amazing woman!
I’m with Jessica….WOW! You did such a wonderful job, I love when you bake on here. 🙂 Fantastic Valentine’s Day gift. And gorgeous photos, as always!! x
Yummy! I’ve never had Japanese truffles before but I’m so willing to try 😀 This looks so yummy!
Thank you so much for sharing such a delicious looking treat!
Oooh these look just like melty blends! Awesome job Nami! 2012 is the year of sweets for you.
I’ve never heard of this, but it looks awesome! I love that the base is dark chocolate–the only chocolate I’ll eat as candy.
Dear Nami,
Even though I’m not a big fan of chocolate, these ones look so exquisite and best of all they are homemade too! They rival those very expensive ones that I have seen at specialist chocolate shops.
I love Royce chocolate! どれどれ、ロイスさんに近い味か調べてみようーっと！実は昨日作ろうかなと思ってました。私も似たようなレシピ持ってますよ。写真がとってもきれいです。
I really like these cocoa covered chocolates! original, beautiful and surely delicious 😉
Great #chocolate bloghop!
These look amazing, Nami! They look exactly like store-bought ones! haha.
Gosh! Nami u you have again caught our heart on this quick and easy Nama Chocolate!!! Looking at it now makes me craving for some… i think i can eat 5 or more in one go :p And your photos look awesome!!!!
They look so lovely in the box. Good as a valentine’s day gift.
こんばんわ！
ホームメイドのチョコ、、すご〜い！
私は甘いのがそんなに好きじゃないので、自分では食べないのですが
家族はチョコとか大好きです！
そして箱もとっても可愛らしい〜〜
This looks amazing! I love anything chocolate; I didn’t realize Japan had much chocolate. If I wasn’t trying to eat healthier, I would be making this tomorrow!
Wowsers! Very impressive. I’m hooked on Ghiradeli so this recipe definitely has my attention!
So when should I visit your house for a pick up for these chocolates ?
Looks sooooo yummy!
I have never had this type of chocolate, but it looks so rich and delicious! I would love to get a box of these for V-Day!
I have no doubt your brother in law is enjoying your silky, gorgeous Japanese chocolates Nami…(what a perfect gift!) – they look beautiful and the dusting of cocoa is the perfect finish. Happy Valentine’s Nami :).
mmmm… chocolates! You’re really amazing to think of all this recipes and love your presentation.
You’re driving me crazy with this chocolate! Rather than make it myself, can I just order a batch or two? Seriously, I’ve never made chocolate but both Bobby and I love it so I can see this in our near future. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Hey Nami! Long time, no see! Wow, these chocolate look delicious and yet, so easy to make! I will definitely try them! Perfect gifts for family and friends! I see that your blog is doing SO well! Congratulations!! Jon and I are restarting our blog after a few months of neglect :/ Looking forward to more recipes! – Jackie
I am so in love with Japanese chocolates. I love the creaminess and richness of these delicacies but I have never thought of making it myself. I can’t wait to try these out soon. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Nami
Thanks for another lovely recipe. May I know what size of the tray did you used?
Hi Caroline! It’s 8″x8″. I added to tray’s size in the recipe after I published the post, so you didn’t probably see it in my email subscription. I’m sorry about that. 🙂
If you want to get bigger squares, use smaller containers (anything square works) so the height of chocolate will be taller.
If you plan to give it away as a gift and want to put in the box, you can line the box with plastic wrap and then pour the chocolate directly into the box, so that you chocolate squares will match the box. Hope this helps. 🙂
Hi Nami
I was planning on making this chocolate for valentine’s day but one problem. The chocolate melts very easily and i was wondering whether it would get melted by the time i reached school. I can’t find 70% cocoa, can i use some other chocolate?
Hi Shahreen! You need to use ice packs to keep it cool especially if where you live is warm. And yes, you can use other chocolate. 🙂
What! You make fancy chocolate too? That is a most beautiful gift!
I sure would love a box of those… ^_^ You’re too sweet!
Those are perfect Valentine treats, Nami! I’m so jealous of your brother-in-law! Is there a box of those yummy chocolates coming my way too? 😀
Hi Nami – I just adore ROYCE chocolate – I think it’s made in Hokkaido, right? (I’d love to visit Hokkaido… but anyway) – My ex girlfriend always used to bring me some boxes when she came to visit – I’ve been trying to get my friend who lives in Japan now to send me some but he says he can never find it. In Tokyo apparently there are not so many places where you can get it – I think there’s a store at Shinjuku train station… maybe?
Anyway – I’m so glad you posted this, and to be honest I didn’t realise it was so simple to make. I might just be making this for Valentine’s Day 😀
Impressive you are making your own chocolates.
A great Valentine’s Day treat/gift! Those look so divine. I’d love to taste Japanese chocolates.
Cheers,
Rosa
Just in time for Valentines Day! Too bad I’m overseas and can’t make this at home. 🙁 I’ll try to find it in Japan instead. 😀
These would be perfect for valentines day! Your pictures are stunning Nami!
I love this no bake dessert! I can imagine that it does melts in the mouth. Beautiful photos and great recipe too..I will try making it! Thank you for sharing dear friend and have a great day!!!!
Nami Nami Nami :DD
Happy Val’s day~
Ready to try this recipe!!!
I do love choco~ Easy to make :9
I hope my BF and family would loved this choco~
THANK YOU :DD
This is indeed “fresh” and beautifully simple – the chocolate is the star as it should be.
Wow, do you accept orders? Ship me a few boxes please 🙂
These gorgeous homemade chocolate make beautiful valentine gifts. perfect!
This a perfect for Valentine’s…beautifully done Nami.
Oh! I live near LA…if you have a chance to be in the area, please let me know and we sure should meet.
Hope you are having a wonderful week 🙂
Your Nama chocolates look beautiful and rich. What a special gift indeed. I’m thinking that you have a very lucky brother in law!
Oh my. This is such a sweet recipe! Perfect for V-day!
I LOVE chocolate and I can’t even recall why I haven’t made my own homemade chocolate before. Since you posted this recipe (which I am so happy you did), I will definitely be trying it this weekend.
Oh my gosh, how talented are you!
That looks fantastic Nami! A good idea to make. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
That looks SO good!!!! It’s like…Meiji chocolate truffles, right?
Mmm, looks like little squares of decadent ganache. You can’t beat that! 😉
That looks super yum. Did you line the pan with parchment paper, is that’s what’s shown in the one picture?
Yes, it’s in step #2. 🙂
Nami-your chocolate squares remind me of truffles, but made in a sheet pan. Love the recipe, and the gorgeous photos!
Congratulations…yet, on another fabulous dessert you made:DDD
Hi Nami, thanks for sharing this wonderful delicious chocolate. Looks extremely good and tempting. Love your presentation. Have a nice day.
Nami, I’m so glad you shared this recipe! I’ve had these Japanese chocolate before – they really just melt in your mouth. So delicious! And I’m surprised to find out that they are not that difficult to make. And next time I’m in a Japanese grocery store, I should look for the Joyce brand as well.
Oh I would love to go to Japan and among other wonderful things taste such chocolate 🙂
divine recipe, Nami! and such charming photos. I’m not one for making sweet things – but I know what to ask for next time my husband goes to Japan, that’s for sure!
Oh yes! I know Royce’s chocolates very well! I’m so glad you shared this post- It’s a winner and great for any occasion for presents!
Perfect for Valentine’s Day! This chocolate must not be too sweet as no sugar is used. Very easy to make too. Will have to give it a try one of these days.
Hi Nami – I fell in love with Nama chocolate the first time I tasted it! 🙂 Thanks for this great recipe, I’m definitely going to make it! How would you make a maccha version?
Hi Jack! I haven’t created the recipe yet, but I know you need white chocolate, fresh cream, and matcha powder. The method is pretty much the same. But be careful to use white chocolate because it’s harder to handle compared to regular chocolate. 🙂
Thanks so much Nami! I will try and make both the dark chocolate as well as match a 🙂
WOW! Homemade chocolate?? Pretty sure this is the best thing I’ve come across today! 🙂
I was looking at your gorgeous chocolates and I was thinking that they just look like french chocolates. lol I have to try this recipe out, I still have some belgian dark bitter chocolate in my freezer (its in the freezer because of the ants), I can surely use that one right? arrigato nami! XD
Hi Nami! I love the simplicity and elegance of this dessert. I would love to grab a piece and just devour it! Beautifully styled too!
P.S. I think you should do more dessert posts :).
This is so perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any day for that matter! Need chocolate now!!!
Homemade chocolate nothing can beat that. And with few ingredients no messy rolling this recipe is gonna be on my cookbook. Thanks Nami.
Why buy some when you can make it? These chocolates ARE perfect for valentines day coming up and they are not even difficult to make! Another great post, Nami 🙂 I love all your recipes, food styling and photography but I hope you keep posting more desserts! 😀 I will definitely try this. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Nami, It has been far too long since I last visited your lovely website. Just subscribe to your feed so I won’t miss your posts anymore:) Nama chocolate is new to me but it looks amazing! I love that you made this for readers requests, so sweet 🙂
These look absolutely perfect!! I love easy truffles like this and can’t wait to try. I haven’t heard of nama chocolate before, but now I must try them!
Who knew the Japanese loved chocolate as much as we do? Reminds me of fudge!
How fresh looking is that, Nami! Nami’s Nama Chocolate! 😀 I love it that it rhymes
I am just drooling over your homemade chocolate. If you do ship some to Shannon, can you ask her to hand some over to me too please? LOL.. Simple and delectable and it’s Sharffen Berger. I bought a couple back while I was in San Fran. I have yet to use them. Lets just say I couldn’t bear to use it since I have no clue when will I be back. Missing ya and Happy Valentines Day in advance!!! Hugggsss
Hey Jo! I remember you were talking about Sharffen Berger. Glad you bought a couple of them. If you want more, let me know. I’ll ship to you more, so bake something delicious with them! 🙂
Stop cooking/baking right now and become a chocolatier! If only my mouth were my eyes! So delicious my mouth is already set at drool factor five! Have a good valentines Nami!
Those are just gorgeous!! I personally love that you don’t have to roll them!
Gorgeous! Love the neat little squares.. my husband doesn’t like cocoa powder coated chocolate (crazy, right?), so I might dust this with some drinking chocolate instead… Love this recipe, Nami! Your brother-in-law has finished the whole box, I’m sure… Thanks for sharing 🙂
These look delicious! I just love your photos. They make me want to reach in and take a bite!
I really love this version of truffles, they look amazing!
Hi i was given some boxed chocolates and LOVED them so went looking where i could buy them in aust and came across this reciepe, my friend said she’d give it ago and put a bit of baileys liquor in it and they turned out bitter and not very nice she used your normal type of thickened cream & Lindt 70% chocolate. Should she be using a different cream?? HELP as i really wanted to make my own and give to her
Hi Stella-May! If it’s bitter, then try with milk or semisweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate. It will be less bitter. You have to use cream, and that’s not the reason why it’s bitter. I really like rich dark chocolate, but I know some people prefer milk or semisweet chocolate. Hope this helps! 🙂
thankyou so much, I will try with a semi sweet chocolate, i am inlove with this chocolate and not sure where to buy it, so try and make i shall… again thanks will let you know how it goes 🙂
wow, this is so easy to do…I love to make this on Nami is it okay to use a tray with different shapes?
Hi Raquel! Sure, you can use small mold etc. If it’s big container, make sure you cut into small pieces. It’s very rich chocolate and you definitely don’t want to bite a big piece. Small tiny bites and you enjoy eating one after another… 🙂
I am waiting for a box — these look divine, Nami 🙂 Your brother in law is super lucky. And I am jealous 😉
These are awesome Nami 🙂 LOVE IT!!
I didn’t realise (without sounding ignorant I hope) that Japanese had their own version of truffles – I know there are a lot of cute sweet snacks, etc but didn’t know rich chocolate truffles were one of them!
Nami, your homemade chocolate is incredible! It looks so rich and intense… I have featured this post in today’s Friday Food Fetish roundup. Let me know if you have any objections and thanks for the inspiration
Nami, what a great recipe! I can’t wait to try it. Perfect Valentine’s gift for my husband!
Really, home made chocolate? Amazing Nami! 🙂 Thank for this recipe, I will definitely try it 🙂
This version sounds so simple N. I make one with milk powder butter and sugar. When overcooked, the chocolate doesn’t turn out well. Everytime I make them, I will be stressed he he 🙂 But now I am going to try your version. Simple and straightforward.
Oh, I miss the chocolates from Royce. They never last in this house. What a wonderfully easy recipe. As I’m not much of a baker, I’m so glad your recipe has such simple ingredients. Definitely would like to give this a try as your pics are just too appetizing.
Thank you so much Kit. 🙂 I hope you enjoy making and eating it! 😉
Those chocolate bars look divine! What a great recipe for Valentine’s Day! Also a great gift idea to give out. Hope you are having a wonderful day.
Natalie
Ah, it’s so nice to see you making desserts! And chocolate! Love the chocolate! These treats would make stunning gifts for any occasion (at least I’d be happy to receive them any time)! 🙂
I’ve tried once to make chocolate and let’s just say – it didn’t turned out as expected 😛
I love how simple yours is. And the photos are stunning! You’ve come so far since I started reading you!
If you still have some chocolate left I’ll be glad to take it off your hands, you know, that’s what friends are for :d
Hi Nami…was wondering is the cocoa dusted over the top if the chocolate only or all over each slice?
Hi Fern! It’s up to you. I dusted on top, then I also applied more on sides when I transfer to box and plates. I like cocoa texture, but if you don’t care for it, it’s not necessary. 🙂
I’m SO impressed that you made your own chocolate! WOW!
Made these yesterday and relished them! I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Since I made these for my lil one, i simply avoided adding any liqueur and it was pleasure to watch him enjoy homemade chocolate 🙂 surprisingly for a 20 month old, he rather likes bitter chocolates! Thanks, Nami for posting a winning recipe!
Hi Sia! Thank you for trying this recipe. I’m really happy your little boy even liked this! 😀 Yay!
Hi there! I was just wondering if you could tell me what the fat percentage of the heavy cream is? I can’t find it over here (i guess they just don’t call it heavy cream) but i figure if something has a similar fat content it should be ok?
Thanks!
I just threw away the package this afternoon (arh!), but according to Wiki, the fat content is 36% or more. Hope it helps. 🙂
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream
oh what a shame! but thanks! ^_^ I’ll make them this weekend!
Thank you for the great recipe, it taste exactly how I remember Royce to be. Can’t thank you enough!!
Aww thanks so much, S! I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed it. I need to make your cognac version soon! 🙂
hello, i LOVE Royce nama chocolate but it is kinda pricey in the Philippines so I would really like to try this recipe. I have no knowledge about alcohol so can you recommend good liqueur? and how much should i add? thank you so much.
anyway your site is awesome 🙂
Hi girlie! I also don’t put alcohol but I know people put Grand Marnier or Cointreau. You can start with 2 Tbsp, and add more if you like. Thank you for your compliment!
Hi, Nami I have been missing for a while trying to catch up on things Iv’e missed this looks so good and your explanation of the word (Nama) only adds to my chocolate vocabulary. The + side as well is I can experiment with the alcohol element.
I really love chocolate, and these looks sooo good at this hour:)
I just made it today and it turned out great, I love it, I heard about nama chocolate for awhile but since I live in America, I couldn’t taste the “real” nama chocolate, now I have my own nama at home. Thank to u 🙂
Btw, I really love green tea flavor so I hope that u can give us the recipe for that by any chance 🙂
Thank u so much !!!
Hi Mimi! Thanks for trying this recipe and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this nama chocolate! I haven’t created a recipe for the green tea version, but the method is pretty much the same: you will need white chocolate, fresh cream, and matcha powder. But be careful to use white chocolate because it’s harder to handle compared to regular chocolate. 🙂
I am so glad to learn that Nama Chocolate can be made. I thought that’s the range of chocolate under Royce brand. Tasted it once when my friend brought it back from Japan. Yah, he got it at Narita Airport. We can get it locally in Isetan but it costs more than double the price paid in Japan. Now I can make my own Nama Chocolate in my kitchen!!! Yabedabedoooooooo! My birthday is just around the corner. Probably will made it as a treat for myself and as an offering to the monks in our temple on my birthday.
Thanks a lot for this recipe!
I just saw this recipe on Fern’s blog and found out that it’s your recipe! Cool! I love chocolate. Homemade chocolate? Sounds delicious! I’m saving the recipe for Christmas time. 🙂
Thanks for posting this! I love ROYCE’ Chocolate. I used to buy it when I was still in the Philippines. Unfortunately there’s none here in the US. So thanks for posting, I will try this soon!
why i cant release or remove the nama chocolates from baking sheet, it stick very firm, how to remove it
Did you line with parchment paper? If so just lift it up and peel from side – it should come off quickly.
is it the paper we use to bake cake?i was using that paper, is hard to release, sticky and i need to cut it off especially the bottom part and waste part of it.anyway i would like to thank you for providing such good recipe, can be say is 90 per cent similar to royce name chocolates, i love it so much, thanks again Nami.
Thanks for your feedback – I really appreciate it! Yes, so you used the parchment paper but stick to the bottom part. I try to think what could cause it, but I’m not sure. Maybe fat content inside the chocolate? I don’t make dessert enough that I’m not experience enough to come up with any possible reasons. I’m very sorry I’m not very helpful here.
I’m glad though that the taste was okay. I hope you didn’t ruin too much of a good chocolate! >_< Thanks again for leaving your feedback! 🙂
Hi Nami, I made some nama chocolate with a recipe similar to yours last week, but it is very hard and not soft. Need help, do you have any solution to save my precious chocolate?
Hi Lilian! It’s hard for me to say why yours is very hard even the recipe you used is similar to this recipe. Mine is not like a chocolate bar hard, and it’s soft enough when biting into it. If I leave it at room temperature it would probably melt or get too soft. If you keep it out and doesn’t become softer, I’m not sure how you can save it… Sorry I couldn’t help more. 🙁
Hi Nami! Came to this post from Mel’s blog and I’m going to make this for Xmas! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Nami, just saw this post, utterly tempting! I am going to try making it this weekend. Am thinking of adding alcohol, maybe rum or kahlua. If so, how much should i add? Thanks for this lovely recipe 🙂
Hi Esther! I’m terribly sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I assume you already made it this past weekend.
Someone asked the similar question above and I mentioned 2-4 Tbsp. Hope your Nama Chocolate turned out well. 🙂
>w<.. Uhm.. me and my friend saw this recipe and decided this was the recipe we are going to use to make Valentine Chocolates. I was just wondering how long can the chocolates last not in a refrigerator/cooler since Valentine's Day will be on a school day?
Hi Kelsey! Depending on where you live – do you live in a cold place? This chocolate is preferably kept in fridge or in cold place until about 5 minutes before eaten. They should be eaten when they are slightly soft and cool. Some readers who commented above live in Southeast Asia and said it started to melt while cutting. Hope this helps… 🙂
Hello Nami. I am doing an article for valentines in a independent illustration zine and found this recipe which is wonderful. Would I have your permission to include this in my article if I make sure you are credited on the page?
Warm Regards,
Deborah Clerkin
Hi Deborah! Thanks for your email – sending you email. 🙂
its looks so delicious, can i just shape it into heart instead retangle? I want to make it for valentine’s day
Hi El! Sure, you can do it. How big the heart shape is going to be? Ideally, you should cut into pieces before you give away. Nama Chocolate is rich and it melts after you take it out from fridge. If you can, I recommend you to cut nicely before packaging, so you can pick up a piece to enjoy. Hope this helps. 🙂
Hey Nami! this recipe looks wonderful! & i’m planning to use your recipe to make it for Valentine’s Day. However, i was wondering if I could use silicon molds (http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00DvjaLPYWnFqO/Silicone-Chocolate-Mould-Candy-Mold.jpg) instead of an 8″ square baking tin? I happen to live in Singapore, and I’m afraid it would melt by the time I reach school. Is there any other solution other than using a cool pack to keep them not melted? Also, is it possible to use either cocoa butter or powdered sugar to make the chocolate sweeter? So sorry for the many queries!
Hi Christel! Although I’ve never used silicon molds before, I think it’ll work out just fine. 🙂
Well, cool pack or ice or anything to keep it cold is necessary. As long as you can keep it cool ALL THE TIME like refrigerator temperature, it should be fine.
If you could use milk chocolate instead of semisweet if you don’t like the bitter taste of chocolate. I personally prefer more cocoa in it, but milk chocolate will be more mild and you don’t really need to add sugar in it. But of course feel free to adapt to your liking. 🙂 Hope this helps!
thanks so much for your help, Nami!
since that i’m using silicone molds, do i need to grease it before pouring in the mixture?
Hi Christel! I did a little bit research for silicone mold method. It looks like the best way is to apply thick coating of tempered chocolate on the mold first (you need additional chocolate for this). Put the mold in the refrigerator to let it cool. You make nama chocolate until step #4. Then let it cool down before you pour the chocolate into the molds. You only put 80% full. Drop the mold on the kitchen counter to make the surface flat and smooth. Keep in the fridge till the chocolate is firm.
I haven’t tried this method on my own, so this is what I could advise from my online research. I hope it will work out! Good luck!
thanks so much Nami! tempered chocolate is where i have to let the chocolate cool until a certain temperature and add cocoa butter right?
really sorry, i researched on tempered chocolate before, and there were so many ways, i’m unsure of which method to use!
No problem at all! Here’s the link of Chocolate Tempering in case someone else is interested: http://candy.about.com/od/candybasics/ht/temperchoc.htm
Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask me. 🙂 I’ll answer the best I can.
hey nami!
i would like to do a follow up (:
sadly, due to hot climate, the nama chocolate was still too soft even after refrigerating them for almost a day. i put them in a freezer instead for at least 8 hours, and it’s fine!
as the nama chocolate was too soft, i wasn’t able to take it out from the silicon mold nicely, was they would break.
Wow Singapore is really warm this season. I wish to be in such warm weather as it’s been so cold here.
Thank you for your tip on freezing them. Sounds like that’s a necessary step if the chocolate melts so quickly! Must be hard to give chocolate gifts….and I assume stores won’t carry them at room temperature there.
Thank you very much for trying this recipe and giving me feedback though. I now learned about the difficulty of making this chocolate in hot climate and can advise others properly. 🙂
Hello Nami,
I really want to try this recipe of yours as a gift for my boyfriend on Valentine’s. I want to ask if I have to use the type of chocolate that is specially made for cooking, or just any chocolate brand will do (the normal chocolate bars in supermarkets like Lindt or Cadbury). Thank you ^^
Hi Anh! No, you don’t have to but I recommend you to use good quality chocolate. Your choices look good – pick the best one you can find at the supermarket! 😉 Hope you enjoy this recipe. 🙂
Wow! Those look awesome.
I had an attempt at this…I followed the recipe as far as I could…but I didn’t get too far…I used very high quality cooking chocolate 70% cocoa…and the right cream..however in the end when I used all 400g of the chocolate, the end product became super oily and lumpy, what happened? :/
Hi Ceres93! I’m sorry it didn’t work out. I think I know the reason because I’ve done it before. I think some of your utensil or pot might have been wet, even small amount of water could cause this. I attach a link here just in case you are interested.
http://candy.about.com/od/workingwithchocolate/a/chocmistakes.htm
Hi Nami, with my pots and utensils I made sure they weren’t wet because I knew it would seize if there was any water in it…is 400g of chocolate too much maybe..?
Thank you for your response Ceres93! I always like my cream to chocolate ratio to be 1:2 for rich flavor and it works for me.
My blogger friend just made Nama Chocolate using my recipe but she increased the cream and added butter and honey.
http://www.notquitenigella.com/2013/02/14/nama-chocolate/
Hope you can adapt and make Nama Chocolate because it’s soooo good… 🙂
Thank you for your friend’s recipe! I’ll have a go at using hers…hopefully I won’t fail this time! |:
Good luck! 🙂
thanks so much for this recipe. i want to try these. royce just came to nyc and i’m addicted. i’d love to make my own.
Thank you Dina! Oh so lucky! Hope SF will get ROYCE’ soon too! Enjoy! 🙂
Gratitude chocolates for my family! Just made them, and now I’m waiting for them to become stiff. I tried the “batter”, A-MAZ-ING! It is soooo good! I just really want to try the chocolate after it is completely done! I wanted to put a cherry or an almond in them before they became stiff, but I forgot to get some at the store…but I know they are going to be good either way! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, I have been looking for this! A-MAZ-ING!
Hi Shelby! Thank you SO much for your feedback, and I’m really happy to hear you and your family enjoyed this chocolate! Thank you for your time to drop by and write feedback. 🙂
Do you think I could use this recipe for a 7″ by 7″ square pan??
Thanks. btw, your blog looks great 🙂
Hi Raymund! Sure you can use 7″ x 7″ but the height of chocolate will be a little taller than mine. Thank you so much for your kind compliment. 🙂
I bought a few boxes of royce chocolates from japan. Can i freeze them?
Hi Grace! From what I found on Internet (I have never made enough that I need to store in freezer), you can freeze in the freezer up to 2-3 months. However, alcohol in the chocolate (if any) will be evaporated by then and the quality will not be as good as when it’s fresh. It’s also highly recommended to pack in air-tight container so your chocolate won’t absorb other food smell in the freezer. Hope this helps!
i made this by adding milkmaid ,coco powder chocolate,
Thank you for trying this recipe! I hope you liked it. 🙂
made this yesterday, it was really delicious!!! Thanks for the recipe! But it was SUPER HARD to cut it :'( it’s all sticky and starts to melt few minutes after I took it from the freezer… maybe due to hot weather? SO, my bro said that it tastes good but looks =_=|||
Hi Rein! Thank you for trying this recipe. I heard from some readers in SE Asia that nama chocolate starts to melt when they put it outside. I can probably suggest to cut inside the A/C or cut at night when it’s cooler? Another suggestion is to make small batches so you cut less? Sorry I can’t be much of help…. 🙂
excellent recipe..easy and yumm..my nama chocolates are getting ready in the fridge:)
I have a question.. Is this the same as Meiji’s MeltyKiss chocolates?
Hi Stephanie! I love those MeltyKiss! But this is a copycat of Royce’ nama chocolate. 🙂
http://www.e-royce.com/english/product/index.html
Hi, Nami,
My whole family are chocolate crazy, I would to make myself. May I know using van houten coco powder ? Or have to use coco in bar?
Thanks for your recipe!
Regards,
Lf
Hi Lf! You will need to melt a chocolate bar AND later you sprinkle cocoa powder to finish. You can use any brand of chocolate and cocoa powder, but I recommend a very good kind. van Houten cocoa sounds perfect. Hope I answered your questions…
hi Nami! I’ve just made a batch of this recipe and can’t wait to dig in!!! how long does yours usually take to firm up in the fridge?
Hi Yen! Of course it depends on temperature, but it didn’t take too long, maybe a couple of hours at most. Hope you will enjoy it! 🙂
thanks so much! it was perfect after two hours, and i might try using a pizza cutter next time to avoid shards, think that might work? my son loved royce chocolates when we visited singapore so this is a very nice treat for him (if i don’t gobble it all down myself first)!
Hi Yen! Hope your son enjoy(ed) the chococlate. 🙂 This nama chocolate is very dangerous to keep it around for me too. About the pizza cutter – hmm good knife always works for me, but never thought of using a pizza cutter. I can use more strength when I use a knife, so as long as it’s sharp, I like using a knife. Don’t forget to warm up the knife when you cut too (but please wipe the water if you use hot water). Enjoy! 🙂
Delicious, thanks Nami, I am a big fan of your blog, what a beautiful project. I will definitively try it with some premium peruvian dark chocolate!!! Saludos!
Just made these a few days ago; the Italians LOVE them!! 😉
Such an easy recipe and such a delight!! Thank you Nami!!
Hi Catt! So happy you liked these chocolates! 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by to give me feedback. xo
Hi Nami, I love how your recipes are fuss free and easy to follow. One quick question, how do you coat all sides on each piece of the cut nama chocolate without making a mess? I don’t want my mother screaming at me for the mess I’m making in her kitchen. Thanks!
Hi Nic! Thank you! I’m so glad to hear you enjoy my recipes! Haha, I totally understand. After you cut nama chocolate into cubes, you can pick up each chocolate and dust cocoa all over it (using fine mesh sieve, I use one I use that’s for tea here – it’s small so mess area is only the area above chocolate.). If you want to do it nicely, you just need to focus a bit more and take time… for this picture, I made sure I don’t leave my finger print. 😉 Hope that helps, and hope you enjoy it!
I love this chocolate, and I tried your recipe last weekend and got nice compliments from my friends. However I wonder have you ever tried to make matcha green tea nama chocolate? I love matcha, and if you can share your recipe to make that, it’s great! Thanks!
Hi Amy! I’m glad you and your friends enjoyed Nama Chocolate! 🙂 Yes, you can add green tea powder to it. You need to use white chocolate and matcha powder. I haven’t tested the recipe, so it’s hard to say the exact measurement for each ingredients. I’ll add this to my list of requested recipes. Thank you!
Hi Nami!!
I MADE “NAMA CHOCOLATES! And they were sooooooooooooooooooooo good! 😀 I even made them from locally sourced products that I got from an Organic Farmer’s trade fair.
I am very new to cooking (especially baking and desserts!) so I was so surprised these turned out so well ahaha ! Here’s a picture of a bunch I made. They look totally bad compared to your photos but they tasted so wonderful.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/166753_161688447323876_776527822_n.jpg
Hi Aicha! Wow they look so delicious! So happy to hear they come out well and I would love to share your photo on Facebook fan page when I get a chance next time. Thank you for sharing the photo!
The first time I had a sample of these in Japan, I was hooked! I am happy to try and make my own now…just in time for Christmas!
Hope you enjoy it Susan! 🙂
I am making these today with Kahlua! I’m so excited!
I hope it turned out well. 😀
Hi Nami! Valentine’s is coming up and I wanted to make Japanese chocolates for me and my friends and came across this recipe 😀 I bought some dark chocolate with 52% cacao, is it sufficient for the nama chocolates or do I need a bar with higher cocao content? I’ve read in other blogs that if the chocolate is not good quality it melts easily, and I’m afraid this happens when I carry them to my friends T_T
Hi WKN! I think that should be okay. I’m not sure if quality and melting fast is related (I’m not familiar with that, but I’m not expert in chocolate field. :)), but if you live in a warm place, you need to make sure to chill the chocolate ALL THE TIME. The chocolate is very soft, melt in your mouth, which means it’s easy to melt. Make sure to pack enough ice and deliver in that case. 🙂
Thanks for the reply, Nami! I suppose the English weather will be suitable for the chocolates. though. Well, hopefully. ^_^
Then you have nothing to worry. 🙂 Enjoy!
Hi Nami-san.
I’m a follower of your blog as i loved to try out Japanese cuisines. This nama chocolate looks tempting, and i wanted to try it out. I’m just an amateur and didn’t know much about ingredients. I’m from Malaysia. It would probably be hard for me to find fresh cream/heavy whipping cream specially in the area i’m currently living. May i know if i could substitute it with something else? Plus, i’m not sure how to differentiate between Heavy Cream and the normal whipping cream. Here, they didn’t really specify the fat percentage. So, all of them looks the same to me.
May i ask your opinion then? Which one would fit better to your recipe?
http://www.fonterrafoodservices.net/en/sg/products/23/uhtcream/Pack
or
http://www.summitstore.net/goods/html/?3277.html
I hope i could try it out! Thanks yea.
Hi Sha! Thank you so much for following my blog! 🙂 Check this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream
According to this, the American “heavy whipping cream” or “heavy cream” is for cream that contains 36% or more milk fat.
After looking at your links, I think http://www.fonterrafoodservices.net/en/sg/products/23/uhtcream/Pack is better choice. Don’t use Thickened Cream (read in “Australia” area – it says gelatine and other thickeners are added).
Hope this helps. 🙂
Hello! When you heat the cream, what heat is it on? Medium or high? Also what does it mean by almost boiling? Is it when small bubbles form on the edges of the saucepan?
thank you so much and hope u can reply asap for valentines day tomorrow!!!
Hi Jenny! I updated the recipe with a little more info. Heat over medium heat. When you will see bubbles form around the edges of the saucepan, that’s when you turn off the heat.
Thank you for bringing it to my attention. 🙂
PLEASE tell me how to do it with white chocolate!!!
Hi Nico! Try making this without green tea powder. 🙂
https://www.justonecookbook.com/recipes/green-tea-chocolate/
All the chocolate used baking chocolate, couverture or those eating chocolates we find in chocolates snacks section?
Hi Jennifer! Make sure to use good chocolate, not cheep chocolate that fat and other things are added. It will separate and may not solidify. 🙂
In this recipe doesn’t need butter? So how about the soft of the product?
Can i use Lindt Excellence 85 or 99%?
And if i want use 200g of chocolate, how ml of fresh cream should i use?
Nope, no need. We put butter into white chocolate to make it smooth. Without it, the texture is not as good. 🙂 If you use 200 g of chocolate, then use 100 ml of heavy cream. 🙂 I think 85% sounds better.
Thank for your reply
So with matcha nama chocolate 200g white chocolate + 1/2 of 125 ml whiping cream?
I never eat chocolate 99% cacao because in my country doesn’t have that product, but i see some review of chocolate 99% cacao, it look very impressive so i wonder if i make nama chocolate by chocolate 99% cacao how it tatse 😀
1 more thing is should you recommend some chocolate 85 or 99% brand?
Wait, I’m a bit confused. Are you making matcha (green tea) nama chocolate or regular nama chocolate?
If you’re making matcha, please use white chocolate.
If you are going to use half amount of chocolate, the rest of ingredients have to be half as well.
It’s all about preference – some people think dark chocolate is too bitter. I like dark chocolate more than milk chocolate, but semi sweet is also good. So it’s really up to your preference. 🙂
thank for your guide 🙂
i will try more.
omg, first time i add some cognac in this and it doesn’t look smooth like before 🙁
many times ago i make it’s perfect, now the first time i use liqueur look so bad
waiting more 6 hours to see the results
I think I’ve responded to you via Facebook. 🙂
Sorry for make a mistake, i just have done 1 time make matcha nama chocolate follow exactly your recipe, but now i want to use just 200g white chocolate so i should use 1/2 whiping cream? Like the formula you said at this topic: ” If you use 200 g of chocolate, then use 100 ml of heavy cream.”
Dear Nami
TQ for a wonderful recipe. Tried but could not get the chocolate to stay firm even left in the freezer overnite.
It was way too soft and ended up with lumps of chocolate. the taste was there. wondering was it becos I used whipping cream instead of heavy whipping cream?
Hi Puilengc! What fat % was your heavy cream? I wonder if your chocolate got seized or separated. Could you read my Note section to see if you think this could be your case?
Dear Nami San
TQ for the prompt reply.
I made sure that I the cooking utensils were dry during the melting process and the result was a smooth texture chocolate.
I cut with a knife dunked in hot water and wiping dry with kitchen towel. But the chocolate kept sticking to the knife and unable to lift from the parchment paper.
The chocolate was soft and unlike the firm texture as shown in your green tea nama chocolate video.
The cream was 35.1% fat
Hi Puilengc! Thank you for your response (and I apologize for my late response). The chocolate DOES stick to the knife even you heat up the knife and when you touch the chocolate, it easily melts. Which is why Nama Chocolate has to be ALWAYS kept in the fridge (and take out right before serving). I think your room temperature was also warm. Also make sure to work fast. 🙂 Your cream content sounds right.
Dear Nami San
TQ for your reply. i live in a hot climate country.
will it help if i dust cocoa powder b4 cutting?
my frenz simply adore this chocoloate and i had been distributing y our recipe/recommending them to your blog.
Puilengc, unfortunately matcha powder doesn’t prevent from melting, and the powder is so fine that it’ll be messy when you hold onto the chocolate. Do you have latex gloves? It can act as insulation from the heat, so I think it doesn’t melt as much as bare hand. If it’s melted tiny bit (mine does too, if I leave it out for some time), you can hide with matcha powder. But when it melts like butter, it’s not going to work. Hmmm maybe put it in the freezer (not to freeze, but to make it very cold) right before you cut? Hope you can figure out the best way to cut.
Thank you so much for introducing my blog to your friends. You’re too kind. Thank you!! xo
Hi Nami,
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I’ve made this Nama chocolate for my son’s teachers day present. It taste nice but I’m not able to get as perfect cut like yours and further to that my chocolate seems like melting very fast. Do you suggest I put it in the freezer instead?
Hi Frances! Thank you for trying this recipe! If you make this let’s say in hot summer day, it’s very difficult to cut nicely as chocolate starts to get soft and melt as soon as you take out from the fridge. Nama chocolate needs to be always refrigerated and you only take it out when you eat. Therefore, if there is a way to keep your room temperature cool when you cut, it would be great. Wear (food-safe) latex gloves also helps as they insulate heat from your hands. Basically keep the chocolate cold when you cut and quickly put it back in the fridge. Maybe temporary put it in freezer might help right before you cut? I’ve never done that (SF is always cold or cool so I don’t have to worry this part), but it might help. Hope this helps you a bit. 🙂
Hi Nami,
Thanks for your reply. I shall try using latex gloves next time 🙂
I love nama chocolate so much and I desperately wanted to make my own. I even bought chocolate of different coca content to try to make it work. I used light whipping cream to subsitute fresh cream, which ended up giving me chocolate just taste the same as Royce’s except for the fact that it is too soft to be cut into pieces! Do I have to use fresh cream? It is unavaible in the market where I live and I was hoping you could give me a way to subsitute the fresh cream! Thank you so much! Love your work!
Hi Huan! I believe heavy cream is necessary to achieve the good nama chocolate texture. The richness comes from the cream. And with ingredients that are very minimal, the outcome relies on good ingredients.
Now about the softness. Do you live in a place with hot weather? That can be it too. Even where I live, which is relatively cool all the time, Nama chocoalte gets melted after I put it out for some time. It gets too soft to cut. Nama chocolate requires to be in the fridge all the time (besides a few minutes before eating), and if you live in a hot place… it’s really hard to cut into cubes.
Thank you so much for following my blog and for your kind comment. I really hope you can make it work!
Hi,May I know can I keep the chocolates for how many days
Hi Shirley! You can keep them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. 🙂
Hi can I ask one more question? Do I need to put the chocolate in the freezer to harder the chocolate? thank you
Hi Shirley! In a refrigerator. 🙂
Hi, Nami! 🙂 These are really awesome chocolates!! I made some just tonight and they had such an amazing flavor and consistency!
I didn’t use cream because I’m vegan, but I found that canned, full-fat coconut milk worked quite well (you’d need to used the canned variety because it’s different than the variety that is normally used as a beverage). The coconut milk in the can separates at room temperature and part of it is solid and the other part is liquid. I didn’t heat it to mix them back together because I wasn’t sure if the ratio I needed for the chocolate would be the same. I just alternated between adding the solid coconut milk and the liquid (both from the same can) until the chocolate in the double boiler seemed like it had a good consistency. — I use a double boiler because then I don’t have to worry about burning the chocolate (which I might otherwise do — eek!). At one point, the chocolate/coconut milk mixture became a little gritty and lumpy, but adding some of the liquid coconut milk from the can fixed that and it became smooth again without a problem. Then I added some Heering brand cherry liquor until I could smell the cherry aroma just a bit on the chocolate, and it was strong but not overwhelming to taste. It became a nice smooth, velvet solid consistency in the fridge without any problem. The liquor I added really added an amazing flavor, and a tiny 2cm x 2cm square is extremely satisfying and rich, all on its own!
Thank you for this amazing recipe idea!! I was just trying this recipe early in preparation for Valentine’s day, but I really think the people I want to share it with will be very happy! 😀
I also hope that my information about the coconut milk can help anyone who may be curious as to how to make this without milk (as some people are lactose-intolerant and/or vegan). I made it entirely without milk and I couldn’t taste the coconut in the chocolate after it was finished, either. Another amazing recipe! Thank you again for sharing! 😀
Oleander, you’re very kind and awesome! Thank you very much for sharing! I’ll refer to your comment if anyone asks me for vegan/lactose-free version! It’s great to know that you made these without cream! Thank you for sharing this valuable information with me and my readers! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed this chocolate recipe!
Nami san,
Can I use normal whipping cream or thicken cream to replace heavy whipping cream?
Can use Hershey chocolate to make this chocolate?
Hi Alice! Use higher fat content cream. Heavy whipping cream is 38% and I think whipping cream is 35%. I think it should work, but I haven’t tried it with whipping cream yet. Hershey should work… 🙂
Ive never liked using heavy cream in recipes…is there any other cream i can use to combine with chocolates such as semi sweet or bitter?
Hi Kara! Nama chocolate is a very simple recipe, but the ingredients and portion has to be just right. I haven’t tried omitting heavy cream before and I’m not sure if heavy cream can be replaced with something else to get good final result with the right texture/flavor. I wish I could suggest something else but I made this as a copycat recipe of ROYCE’ chocolate, so the flavor and texture is very similar to ROYCE’. 🙂
Hi Nami,
I do this on yes”day, I put at refrigerate for over night, but how come it still soft? May I know what went wrong?
Hi Alice! It looks like the chocolate you used has vegetable fat, instead of 100% cocoa butter. When the chocolate is made of good quality, it will not solidify. That could be my first guess. If you used high quality chocolate, then I have to see what else went wrong… so far, people who failed seem to have used the wrong kind of chocolate. Hope this helps!
This is amazing, I had Royce chocolate at the airport just before boarding my plane and I was sad I hadn’t found it earlier in my 3 month stay, it was just that good! Now I can make it at home! Thank you! 😀
You are very welcome! Hope you enjoy this recipe, Celine
I tried this recipe, but the chocolate was too goey to work with, even after leaving it overnight in the fridge! What did I do wrong??
Hi Ana! Thank you for trying this recipe! Some people who had trouble with this recipe always tell me that their selection of chocolate was not good after we discussed possible cause. Make sure the chocolate you use was good kind (should contain ONLY cocoa butter, not vegetable fat). Also, make sure your chocolate didn’t seize due to water (please read in my Note section). When you describe “goey” it sounds like your chocolate got seized by either over heating or water got into the chocolate for some reason. Hope this helps.
How much liqueur should I add?
Not sure how much you like but try from 1-3 Tbsp depending on how much you like and also on a kind of alcohol. 🙂
Hi, Ling here from Malaysia . Would like to enquirer that my country hard to find the heavy whipping cream . There only whipping cream available in all store which is 35% fat. Is it ok to use the whipping cream to make this nama chocolate ? Thanks
Hi Ling! You can use 35% fat heavy cream. Many people from Malaysia tried this recipe, so I’m sure it’ll work. 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
OMG I really want to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Mitty! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I was wondering if you’re able to make a milk chocolate version, and if so, whats the chocolate to cream ratio? Thanks so much!
Hi Amy! You can just swap the chocolate without changing the cream ratio. 🙂
Hello!
First off, I would like to thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe! I had good luck and no troubles on my first attempt but I tried making it again today and for some reason, when I tried cutting the chocolate into pieces, it kept cracking/breaking. This didn’t happen the first time around so I’m not sure what’s causing this problem. Any suggestions?
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Judy 🙂
Hi Judy! Thank you so much for trying this recipe! Did you use the same ingredients as before and you prepared in exact same way? I am not sure why – the texture should be trouffle like (not easy to crack), so I don’t know why it was cracking… was the chocolate thinner this time? I wish I could help, but I am not sure…
I’m so excited to try out this recipe! My uncle just brought me some Nama chocolate as a souvenir from his trip to Japan and I instantly fell in love with its smooth, creamy texture.
Hi Christine! I hope you enjoy this chocolate recipe! Your uncle knows what to bring back from Japan!! 😀
Is there any reason why you didn’t melt the choc first then only combine with the heavy cream which has been warm up? When I used your method by heating up the heavy cream first, the choc was not completely dissolve, it still left some very tidy pieces of unmelted choc and in the end I put it into Thermomix to cook slightly under 100 degree n it turned out quite nicely but don’t think it is as smooth as Royce choc though. Hence would like to understand whether there is any reason why u did u this way. Was wondering whether it will be smoother if we melt the choc first.
Btw, I love all your recipe, they r easy n good. Hope to learn more fr u. Thanking u in advance.
Hi Pei! The common method is to heat up cream and pour over shaved (finely chopped) chocolate or put the shaved chocolate into the heavy cream. Save time and save pot/bowl to wash. Did you cut the chocolate finely? It should melt pretty easily. 🙂 I’m so happy to hear you enjoy my recipes. Thank you!!
The recipe came together well but if you’re like me and find dark chocolate to be incredibly bitter and almost inedible, make sure you use milk chocolate. I used 60% cacao and winced and made faces at the taste.
Thanks for trying this recipe and for your feedback! I know, dark chocolate is not for everyone. 🙂
Help. I tried recipe above but it was too sticky. Still tasty and taste good. not sure what went wrong
Hi Eiv! It is sticky, because it’s like truffle texture. I recommend cutting while the chocolate is still cold, and put back to fridge when it starts to get soft again. Hope this helps! 🙂
Hi I came across your recipe and I must say that I am absolutely in love with the simplicity of this. Can I know how much alcohol you put into that amount of chocolate? Does the amount change depending on what alcohol is used? For say rum VS Irish cream VS Moscato. What about tea flavors? I know that you have a green tea matcha recipe. What about other teas like Darjeeling?
Thanx!
Hi Sam! Thank you! The amount of alcohol you want to add is really up to you (how strong you want in chocolate), but 2 Tbsp. should be a good starting point. Sure, you can make tea infused chocolate! I really want to do earl grey version… 🙂 Green tea version use green tea powder, but for earl grey or darjeeling version, you probably need to infuse while heating up cream. 🙂
I made these today, as I am addicted to Royce! Lol, I usually get the milk chocolate one but this recipe is for dark chocolate which I also love. I used Cadbury chocolate 70% and they turned out delicious! Mine don’t look as good as yours Nami but they taste almost as good as the real thing! Gonna try milk chocolate next time ???????? ariagato!
Hi Emma! Thank you for trying this recipe, and I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Hope you like the different versions too! 🙂
Do you have a recipe for pork soup dumplings? And can you give me an exact recipe for the nama chocolate for an 8×8 pan? Meaning 1 cup of cream to how much chocolate. And how much liquor if I want to add? I LOVE your recipes and have made several. The gudon being my favorite. Thank you!
Hi Kim! Xiao Long Bao is very hard and time consuming and I most likely won’t make it…. it’s just one of those things that you need to put your whole energy to it….
This is one of my favorite Chinese food blogs: http://thewoksoflife.com/2014/09/steamed-shanghai-soup-dumplings-xiaolongbao/
I use 8 x 8 pan and the recipe is in the post. 🙂 Liquor – 2 tsp. to 1 Tbsp, but it’s up to you. 🙂
Thank you for trying my recipes! I’m so happy to hear you like gyudon recipe!
How much liqueur should I add into a batch of the recipe?
Hi Doreen! 2 tsp. to 1 Tbsp.? It’s up to you and you can adjust. 🙂
In my country we dont have Heavy cream orr Heavy Whipping cream we just have Whipping. I try to use whipping cream but it didnt right. So can you tell me what i can replace Heavy cream in this recipe? Thankyou
Hi Huyen! Whipping cream is different from heavy / double cream. You will need heavy cream for this recipe. I googled and found this link. Hope this helps?
http://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=311215
Thank you so much for sharing this! I can’t wait to try it. Can you tell me how much liquor to use, I don’t see an amount anywhere. I’m sorry if I missed it.
Hi Christine! Alcohol in chocolate is really up to your preference. My kids don’t like it so I don’t usually put in the chocolate. Start with 1 Tbsp. to see if you like the amount? 🙂
Oh my goodness this looks delicious and so easy! If I wanted to try and use semi sweet chocolate chips (it’s what I have on hand haha) would it still work as long as it melts well? Thank you for the wonderful recipe! 😀
Hi Stacey! Yeah I am pretty positive that it works too – I remember I’ve used it once… 🙂 Let me know how it goes!
Perfect! I may try it for Valentine’s day for my husband. <3 Thank you.
Hi I’m wondering what kind of high quality chocolate you would recommend using for this recipe. I was thinking Hershey’s or Meiji but I’m not sure if that’s considered high quality..
Hi Trina! As long as it doesn’t contain vegetable fat in ingredients, you can use it. The one I use in this recipe is from Scharffen Berger: http://www.scharffenberger.com/
I love Royce Nama chocolate! So happy to have discovered it in Japan and then found it in Hong Kong and now Vancouver 🙂 Matcha and milk are my favourites.
Hi Rosie! I love matcha too! So lucky you can buy it in Vancouver! 🙂
I made these today to see if I needed to change or troubleshoot anything before valentine’s day, but they were perfect 😀 I made them into individual little hearts with a silicone hearts pan. These will not last through the weekend so luckily I halved the recipe so I can make more on the 13th 😀
Thank you!!!
Hi Katrena! AWESOME! So happy to hear that, and you’re very good at practicing and making sure ahead of time. 🙂 Hope you have a lovely V-day! Thank you for your kind feedback. xoxo
This looks delicious, i must give it a try.
Hi Linda! Hope you enjoy! 🙂
how much sugar is needed? I think it might be bitter.
Hi Judi! No sugar, just heavy cream and chocolate. If you prefer sweeter taste, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. ????
Thankyou for providing such wonderful recipes. I live in Tasmania so our cooler weather is perfect for your recipes. Keep up the great work and thankyou again for imparting your knowledge.
Hi Liz! Thank you so much! You live in Tasmania! Wow… I wish to visit one day! 🙂
Thankyou for providing such wonderful recipes. I live in Tasmania so our cooler weather is perfect for your recipes. Keep up the great work and thankyou again for imparting your knowledge.
Nami, why don’t you write the equivalent of USA measurements in 400ml ( ), and 200g ( )? Then only one person has to look them up. I know we are way behind with our measurements in the US but it doesn’t look like change is happening very soon and I am old. Best Regards, Judy [email protected]
Hi Judy! All my recipes for the past 3 years have both measurement. This post was re-post, so my recipe was from the original 2012. Here’s the update:
400 g (14 oz) good quality dark chocolate (70% cacao) (Semisweet for less bitter taste)
200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 Tbsp) heavy cream (38% fat)
I checked online for the chocolate weight – everyone seems to have different measurement for 1 cup, so I recommend following weight instead of cup for chocolate. 🙂
Oh my goodness!! These look like melt in your mouth chocolates. If my husband hadn’t bought me a box of chocolates today, I’d be making these tomorrow. They look mouthwatering. Happy Valentine’s Nami!
Wow! This is so cute! The presentation is awesome. I missed the post this year, but next year I will definitely make this. I usually make royal icing cookies for my friends on holidays, but it’s good to mix it up sometimes.
Thank you Erin! 🙂 Your cookies sound delicious, and your friends are so lucky! 🙂
HI!Nami,
I am much inspired and appreciatedo to you for your wonderful skill sharedo with me.
Best regards.
Alex Thai
Thank you Alex! 🙂
Hi…. I’m Shierly. I tried your recipe but the chocolate stick to the paper. I already refrigerate for 5 hours but it still stick to the paper. I use parchment paper btw. What must i do? Thank you…
Hi Shierly! I am sorry for my late response. The parchment is attached to the chocolate BUT it should come out clean….
Question: how do you clean a fine mesh sieve after using it to strain kanten?
Hi Natalie! Which recipe are you talking about? I try to understand when I strain kanten…
Hi Nami, thank you for sharing the recipe. I want to make these for a dinner party, but there’re people that I don’t know well and I’m afraid that not all of them enjoy dark chocolate. Can it be made with half milk and half dark chocolate?
Hi Phuong! Sure, it doesn’t have to be dark chocolate. Semi sweet might be good as well. 🙂
Thank you for this lovely recipe. Can I keep the Nama chocolate in the freezer so that it can last longer instead of just 2 or 3 days? Thank you.
I think you can – I haven’t tried (ours are gone very quickly….). You just need extra time to defrost. 🙂
Thank you for the recipe!
I noticed my end product is a bit less sweet than royce’s regular nama choco when tasted side-by-side, can I re-melt my finished product in a double boiler and introduce a bit sugar? (Either add sugar straight or dissolve in a small amount of heavy cream)
Thank you!
Hi Karina! I’ve never tried it, but I looked it up and yes you can melt and add cream/sugar and it works again. 🙂
Hi, I’d like to try your delicious nama chocolate. What is the size of the tin you used, so that the chocolate has the perfect height?
Hi Marie! It’s in Step 3, 8″ square baking dish (20 x 20 cm). 🙂
I wonder if we keep the chocolate in the fridge for long time, is it still good? how about the maximum time to keep it and can I use any Biological preservative to keep it stay longer? Thanks a lot.
Hi Quoc! You can keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and I highly recommend eating it soon because of using fresh cream. I’ve never used biological preservatives so I can’t tell… 🙂
Can you keep the refrigerated for more the. 3 days?
Hi Mii! Hmm sooner is better though. Maybe 5 days max? These chocolates never last that long in my household. 😀
Hello, I want to make your recipe but unfortunately, I can’t find any heavy cream in Jakarta, but the recipe requires 38% heavy cream, I can only find 36%. Is there any substitute I could use?
Hi Ebi! I think 36% should work. Let me know how it goes! 🙂
What need to add or substitute if I want to make coffee flavor?
Hi Lilly! Coffee flavor… I’ve never tried making it. It looks like it’s best to use instant coffee (not liquid, that’s why).
https://delishkitchen.tv/recipes/162951862469788140
Hope that helps. 🙂
Hi! This looks soooo good! I am going to try your recipe very soon! But before that, I have a question, will the texture be different if i use CHOCOLATE COINS instead of chocolate bar/s? Thank youu!!!
Hi Chu! I hope you enjoy this recipe! Hmmm it all depends on the ingredient. Make sure the chocolate does not include vegetable fat and it uses 100% cocoa butter. 🙂
Instead of cutting the chocolate block after it has cooled, is it possible to pour the chocolate into ice cube moulds?
Hi Yvonne! To me, it’s more work to unmold each piece… but if you have silicone mold that has whatever shape, it will work better. But not sure about the plastic ice cube mold though… 🙂
Thanks for replying, Nami! I shall be brave and try it with a plastic ice cube mould 😀
I just realised this question has been asked before, didn’t know I have to click a button to see comments.
Hi Yvonne! Let me know how it goes! Yeah… it’s hard to see the comments. My new web design which will release the end of this month has a question tab, hopefully, it’ll be easier to go through everyone’s questions (and my answers).
Thank you for sharing! I recently discovered the Royce chocolates and was thinking to surprise my husband for his bday. This is probably just better idea than buying it from store.
Quick question, can I use cocoa nibs instead of chocolate for a slightly bitter taste?
Hi Akshata! So happy to hear you got to try Royce and how sweet of you to make it for your husband’s birthday!
I don’t think cocoa nibs will melt? How about using bitter chocolate?
Made this for my boyfriend on Valentine’s Day 2 years ago. He must have loved it so much because now we’re married! HAHA
AWWWWWW!!!! Congratulations!!! Thanks so much for sharing your happiness with us! I love it when the food and story are combined. 🙂
These look beautiful! Will try making them soon and reply back with what I think. 🙂
Hi Sophie! Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Hi Nami! I just tried your recipe! It took me a while to cut all the chocolate but I made it! Except I wish I read your recipe notes earlier as mine turned out lumpy and oil separated =( I think the maybe cream was too hot. It’s in the fridge right now, but hopefully it’ll at least taste ok?!!?
I forgot to mention.. I also used whipping cream that’s 33% — not sure if that makes a difference
Hi Jasmine! What type of chocolate did you use? Make sure that it contains cocoa butter because some inferior brands contain vegetable fat and that could cause separation. If you remove the heavy cream before full boil (Step 5) it should not cause the issue. Your heavy cream should be okay. Is it possible your kitchen equipment has water or moisture?
Hi Nami! I Used Lindt EXCELLENCE 70% Cacao chocolate bar. It shows cocoa butter on the ingredients — doesnèt look like it contains vegetable fat.
It wasn’t at full boil, I had the heat on Medium for a few minutes I think? My equipment was dry I believe as it was just in the cupboard.
The taste turned out ok, but it had white spots from the oil after it dried up~ My only assumption is the cream was too hot.
I’ll try again in a couple of weeks!
Thank you for letting me know Jasmine! Yes, please keep me posted and wishing you good luck on your next batch!
I am going to add powdered strawberries!
Hi Aimee! Oh that sounds delicious AND pretty! 🙂
Hi!
I followed the recipe but I can’t seem to get it right? The chocolate doesn’t harden even though it’s been in the fridge for 5 hours, and half a day in the freezer and it’s like nutella or some kind of spread… How do you think should I go about with it?
Much love, Jona
Hi there! Thank you for trying this recipe! With the 2 ingredient recipe, I really need to know what kind of ingredients you used for this recipe. The chocolate should harden even with room temperature if you keep it for 5 hours, but we speed up the process by putting in the fridge. If it does not harden, then something is not right. First, your chocolate didn’t separate, right? Everything looked like mine till you pour and spread the chocolate evenly? Any different texture etc?
this time I was planning on putting the chocolate into silicone heart molds I bought last year
Hi Judi! I’ve never used the silicone molds before. Keep me posted how it goes! Good luck! Happy V-day! xo
Beautiful recipe! Can I call it Nami Chocolate hehe =)
Quick question, is it possible to avoid the shredding of the chocolate by melting the whole bar and then adding it to the cream?
Thank you Moosie! Haha, you’re sweet. 🙂 I think you can do that, but you still need to chop the chocolate into chunks so it melts evenly and faster. So if you have to chop chocolate anyway, I think this method is faster?
Is there anyway i can do this without liquor or and alcohol??
Hi Sam! You can skip it. I make it without for my kids. 🙂