From Craft to Ceremony

Thai chocolate has been gaining recognition for its unique flavours and high quality in recent years. Whether its craft chocolate or ceremonial cacao, this wonderful Amazonian superfood is gaining ground as a versatile ingredient for a variety of sensorial occasions. Revered as both a natural stimulant and relaxant, It is one of the highest sources of magnesium found in nature, packed with flavonoids and antioxidants.
Cacao ceremonies are ancient spiritual rituals with roots in Mayan tradition, involving the communal consumption of high-grade cacao as a medium for personal introspection, connection, and mindfulness. Cacao ceremonies are still relatively niche globally and across Thailand. With its tropical climate conducive to cacao bean cultivation, the country has attracted the interest of both local and international chocolatiers, as well as shamanic therapists and cacao ceremony and event facilitators. Mark Rin, KokoMary, Kad Kokoa, PRIDI Cacaofevier, Shabar Chocolate, Cacao King, Seeds of Dreams, Matchima Chocolate Kan Vela Chocolate, Simaya, Xoconat, Choco Dealers are just a handful of cacao brands that have emerged in the last eight years across the country. This allure has led innovators to source beans in Thailand and work with this potent superfood in various ways.
Bangkok based shamanic power couple Nalinee Diosara and Michael MacDougall, have a deep rooted passion in sowing the seeds of ancient stories, aiming to dispel the misconception of chocolate as merely a confectionery. “Instead, we seek to restore its rightful place as a sacred medicine,” she notes. According to many tribes in the Amazon and Mesoamerica, cacao is associated with the energy and opening of the heart chakra. “Cacao [serves as a guide for] humanity, [reminding us of the path to living in gratitude and harmony with Mother earth and each other]. To embody this wisdom, each of us needs to find a way back into our hearts and connect with the heart of all beings, not from a place of fear but through unconditional love - [the very] essence of [our spiritual existence.”].
The Taste of Thai Cacao
Cacao in Thailand is grown in all parts of the country due to a very similar humid climate to the Amazon forest where cacao originated. According to experts, cacao was initially brought to the Philippines by the Spanish in the late seventeenth century, eventually making its way to Thailand. “Cacao came to Thailand thirty years ago via Chumphon, and only became popular five years ago as a beverage in coffee shops. Not much in a spiritual ceremonial way yet,” says Temp Jiradt, a musician and owner of KokoMary, a cafe & community space in On Nut, Bangkok, incorporates Thai cacao as part of a ritual aimed to soothe the body and the mind. According to Temp, Thai cacao is often less bitter than other regions with citrus and fruity notes. Cacao hailing from the Northern hilltops of Chiang Rai exudes the best flavour, with “notes of rum, nutty and even buttery undertones. There is an energy of warmth, love and kindness,” he says. Cacao from the Nong Khai province is also particularly special due to its monoculture plantation in the jungle. “Its taste is more earthy, offering grounding energy,” he says. While cacao from Phetchabun stands out for its exceptional strength, providing uplifted energy. “It’s taste leans towards the fruity and floral side,” he adds.
In Southern Thailand, the cacao from Nahkon Si Thammarat province is renowned for its robust flavour profile. With hints of spices and fruity notes, it offers a unique sensory experience. In the case for Temp, he describes the taste as “activating the heart”, adding a distinct emotional dimension to the chocolate.
Nalinee has facilitated cacao ceremonies since 2019. She blends Maya heirloom cacao with Thai cacao together so that everyone can connect with both the grandmother spirit of Maya cacao and the spirit of Thailand. She describes, “Thai cacao is often silky in texture and can be blended with other flavours. The flavour and energy of cacao vary from hands to hands, land to land, soil to soil.”
“We are currently using cacao from Uthai-Thani for its silky texture. The taste [is] not too sour, [reflecting] the ancient energy of Thailand that Uthai-Thani offers,” she adds.
Cacao properties may vary depending on cacao origin, composition and manufacturing procedures. Andrew Anunciation, Founder of Cacao King, is a supplier of locally sourced Thai cacao, as well as beans from Peru and Ecuador. He explains that his Thai cacao undergoes fermentation with a special pine wood, imparting a deep smoky flavour to his beans.

Cacao came to Thailand thirty years ago via Chumphon, and only became popular five years ago as a beverage in coffee shops. Not much in a spiritual ceremonial way yet.
Emotional Revelations
For those needing an extra cognitive boost, cacao can help increase awareness and gain deeper insights into oneself. With every sip, and every intention, cacao may serve as an effective conduit to contemplate your feelings and sensations. “Cacao is high in Theobromine, [a mild stimulant] which helps the blood flow and carry more oxygen around the body. This brings clarity to the mind and helps the blood flow better through the heart,” explains Nalinee. “It is also a natural antidepressant [as it serves as a] precursor to seratonin. She [cacao] is also rich in anandamide, tryptophan, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium. To the Maya, it is a liver tonic. Maya midwives offer it to mothers before labour for strength building.”
While most people are familiar with cacao's physical health benefits, such as its antioxidant properties and mood-enhancing effects, few are aware of its spiritual merits. Cacao contains psychoactive compounds that can enhance your meditation practice, making it easier to enter a state of relaxation, presence and mindfulness. Nalinee explains, “the bitterness of cacao can activate our spirit. This is beneficial as illness might be caused by the imbalance and misalignment of our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical bodies. To the Bribri indigenous tribe of Costa Rica, cacao is said to be the medicine that helps us remember who we are. Cacao is also the spirit that can guide us, as we walk through our own underworld - the shadow.”