When I first moved to Salem many years ago, I immediately fell in love with the rich history and celebratory spirit of this unique North Shore community. I spent days exploring the fascinating museums, eclectic stores, and delicious restaurants scattered throughout the city’s limits. Along the way, I discovered Salem has a hidden sweet side, filled with various bakeries, candy shops, and cafes featuring an array of decadent treats.
Only In Your State has previously told you about Salem’s Goodnight Fatty and Ye Olde Pepper Companie, and now it’s time we let you in on another tasty secret called Kakawa Chocolate House. This unique specialty shop offers an authentic chocolate experience you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in Massachusetts.
As you wander down the Essex Street brick pedestrian walkway, you will come upon a boldly-colored shop adjacent to the world-renowned Peabody Essex Museum. Kakawa gives off a southwestern feel because the shop is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where you will find three sister locations. The chocolate is vastly different than anything you may have experienced before. Kakawa chocolate is the real deal, made by hand in small batches by expert chocolatiers. Kakawa products, filled with unique and rich flavors, are based on historical Colonial and Mesoamerican recipes.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day (or any day in my book), Kakawa features delicious, one-of-a-kind treats, including bonbons, truffles, caramels, dark chocolates, bars, and more. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the chocolate house; you can order many shop items online.
I highly suggest visiting the shop if you make the trip to Salem. Kakawa is well known for its delicious drinking chocolate elixirs; you will want to savor one during your visit. Try a Mesoamerican chocolate drink made with herbs, spices, and chilis, a historic European chocolate elixir with floral flavor, or a more contemporary elixir. All are made with fresh, globally sourced ingredients and lots of love.
Have you sampled the chocolate at the Kakawa Chocolate House? What treat or elixir was your favorite? Find out more about this specialty shop at the Kakawa Chocolate House website and the Kakawa Chocolate House Facebook page. Once you’ve stocked up on sweets, use our new Travel Planner to see what other surprises Massachusetts has for you!…