Haigh's, Sydney

So it seems my information sources were wrong and Haigh's actually opened today!

We ducked up at lunchtime and were impressed by the efficient but friendly staff in crisp white uniforms, the goodie filled windows and, of course, the chocolate heaven inside.


I didn't realise that Haigh's are the only chocolatiers in Australia who start with raw (imported) cacao beans: roasting, grinding and then conching them into a velvety smooth bliss. And did I mention that John Haigh trained with Lindt & Sprungli? No wonder their chocolate tastes so good!

Meanwhile, in the swish new Sydney store, a huge assortment of chocolates had me running around in circles unable to come to a decision. Thick slabs of dark chocolate with ginger? Or peppermint? Milk chocolate chunks with roasted almonds? Hazelnuts? Fruit and nut?

What about peanut brittle? Rocky road? Peppermint creams?

Oh and is that chocolate counter beckoning me to come hither? Ordered flanks of chocolate armies marching towards me and my puddle of drool? Truffles of sparkling shiraz, plum liquer bites and logs of peppermint truffle... where does one begin?

I exercised modern restraint and ended up with a bag each of milk and chocolate pastilles ($7.20 for 200g) and a peppermint truffle log ($1.95). The pastilles are perfectly delicate, smooth and melt-in-the-mouth. And the peppermint log is minty, buttery-rich and satisfyingly decadent.

Three varieties down. About 82 to go. And I've definitely got my eye on those bright and shiny foil-wrapped giant chocolate frogs ($16.00 for a 375g frog). Incredible chocolates. Now if only they'd update their website.

Haigh's Chocolates
Strand Arcade, 412 George St, Sydney
Tel: 02 9221 6999

Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm (Thu til 9pm)
Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.