feb 2025-01
bookshelves and dust | a poem | the best of Indian craft chocolate
Of bookshelves and dust
I’m a 70s Kid.
I have never owned a Barbie doll or a Lego set. My aunt’s father-in-law gifted me a wooden Scrabble set when I was around ten, and I was hooked. Anyone who visited HAD to play—and lose—at least one game to me. I had plenty of books but no real toys to speak of.
When my aunt from the US sent me a plush teddy bear—the kind I had only dreamt of—it was promptly wrapped in plastic and locked away in a showcase. I still remember its sad little face staring out through layers of plastic and glass, trapped in its two-layered prison. Because outside the plastic, it would "gather dust." I longed to hold it, to play with it, but it remained untouched—a beautiful thing, denied its purpose.
Yesterday, I rearranged my bookshelf. Naturally, I shared a picture on Instagram. And, of course, the most common response to it was—What about the dust?
As someone who’s been blogging since 2006 and on social media for just as long, I’m no stranger to this pattern. There will always be kind, encouraging people, but there will also be those whose first instinct is negativity.
📚 Share a pic of your bookshelf—Oh, but what about the dust?
🪴 Share a pic of your plants—Oh, but what about the mosquitoes?
🕯 Share a pic of your incense sticks—Oh, but what about cancer?
We deny ourselves the good in life with this relentless “but what about…”
If a glorious sunset unfolds before you on a beach in Goa, don’t go “Ugh, this humidity.”
When beauty presents itself, let yourself enjoy it. Don’t let a stray negative thought steal your moment of joy.
That, right there, is the best way to live.
This is also on my Instagram in a different format - do look it up.
What are your thoughts on this?
Dust If You Must
A lovely reader (@hereandafter) shared this poem with me in response to my post on Instagram. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading it and feel inspired to make time for the things you love—rather than always prioritizing the endless list of mundane must-dos.
The best of Indian craft chocolate 🍫
The Indian bean-to-bar chocolate scene is thriving! Recently, I asked for recommendations on artisanal, handcrafted Indian chocolates (not the mass-produced factory kind), and the responses poured in.
So, here’s a curated list of some of the finest Indian craft chocolate brands. Save this post for when you're craving a truly good bar of chocolate—or need the perfect gift. And if you’re someone who associates Valentine’s Day with chocolate, consider this your ultimate guide to gifting (or indulging yourself).
Top Indian bean-to-bar chocolate brands
Manam (Hyderabad) – Working directly with farmers, they offer 300 varieties across 50 categories. Their website is a treasure trove of unique flavors like pistachio fudge and raspberry-rose.
Mason & Co. (Auroville) – One of India’s bean-to-bar pioneers, they have incredible flavors like rosemary-sea salt and sourdough-sea salt—a dream for savory chocolate lovers.
Paul & Mike (Kochi) – The first Indian brand to win Gold at the International Chocolate Awards, known for their milk chocolate-coated salted capers and the unique brunost cheese milk chocolate.
Darkins (Delhi) – Specializing in single-origin bars up to 95% cocoa, with intriguing flavors like Sanikatta salt (a variety from Uttara Karnataka), pineapple-paprika, and khus-scented bars. Bonus: Their packaging features beautiful artwork.
Naviluna (Mysuru) – Handmade in Karnataka, their stunningly packaged bars include flavors like Tres Bale (featuring three types of local bananas in 72% dark chocolate), Tokai coffee, and pineapple. They also have a café!
More Brands to Explore
🔸 Kocoatrait
🔸 Anuttama
🔸 Chitram
🔸 Soklet
🔸 Kuruvinakunnel Tharavadu Farms
🔸 Horaco
🔸 Chocolate Philosophy
🔸 Pascati
🔸 Bon Fiction
Most of these brands have their own websites—just a quick Google search away! You can also find them at local fairs, vegan markets, and handmade craft events. If you're in Bengaluru, keep an eye out for events like The Indian Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival (which took place in November 2024)—a great place to discover and shop for these brands.
A quick note: When ordering online, these chocolates often come with extra packaging, including cooling packs to prevent melting in transit. Be mindful and recycle responsibly.
Have a favorite brand that I’ve missed? Drop it in the comments so more readers can benefit! 🍫✨
What I’m reading: A Death in Tokyo - Keigo Higashino
What I’m eating: Korean veggie pancakes (Yachaejeon)
What I’m listening: The Mel Robbins podcast / Women and autoimmune diseases
What I’m watching: My old fav Jeeves and Wooster series starring Steven Fry and Hugh Laurie (the whole series is on YouTube)
What I’m doing: Brewing litres of kombucha
In case you missed it!
Glimpses of my trip to Goa for my medical college class reunion
At the Vadodara Litfest - the only litfest organized by students
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Good chocolate list! I have my own list where I say what some of my favorite bars or other products from each brand are, and which brands excel at what. A few like Naviluna, Subko, and Manam offer different origins to try which is great for a chocolate tasting. Some like Paul & Mike have really fun flavors, while some are just all around good quality. https://www.sammendelsohn.com/post/a-personal-guide-to-india-s-bean-to-bar-chocolate-brands
Thank you for the lovely blogs, that poetry is so poignant! So beautiful