Pepper Rasam to Puliyodharai: Coimbatore’s Chitra’m Craft Chocolates Wins Global Recognition

Coimbatore: Coimbatore-based Chitra’m Craft Chocolates has won multiple honours at the 2026 Indian Craft Chocolate Competition and the International Chocolate Awards World Final, for turning familiar Indian culinary flavours into fine chocolate creations.

At the 2026 Indian Craft Chocolate Competition, Chitra’m secured three awards. Its Sugarless Masala Buttermilk (Chaas) in the white chocolate category won Gold with a score of 89.9, along with a special recognition for Innovation. Its Pineapple and Mulligatawny (Pepper Rasam) chocolate won Silver with 87.8 points, receiving special recognition for Gastronomic Excellence. The Mango Lassi Dark Milk Chocolate secured Bronze with 85.6 points.

The brand went on to make its mark at the 2026 World Final of the International Chocolate Awards, competing against craft chocolate makers from across the world. Its Mango Lassi Dark Milk Chocolate won Silver with 88.6 points in the milk chocolate bars with infusion or flavouring category. The Sugarless Masala Buttermilk (Chaas) also secured Silver with 87.7 points in the white chocolate bars with inclusions or pieces category, receiving a special recognition for Reinterpretation.

For founder Arun Viswanathan, the awards are an encouraging recognition of an idea that has guided the brand from its inception: chocolate need not taste the same every time. "Right from the beginning, our focus has been on creating unique flavours. Chocolate need not always taste the same. The idea is to let people experience familiar flavours in an entirely different form. Imagine being able to indulge in a flavour like rasam or even temple-style puliyodharai in a piece of chocolate. That is the kind of experience we want to create," he said.

And for those who have tasted these unusual creations, the experience seems to be as intriguing as the idea itself. Temple puliyodharai in a chocolate was precisely what made Surya curious enough to visit the store and try one. Describing the experience after tasting Chitra’m’s newly launched award-winning chocolate series, Surya said, "The tangy flavours of sesame oil and fenugreek in the puliyodharai melted in my mouth, and yet, I could still taste chocolate! That was quite an experience."

An internationally award-winning chocolate maker, Arun has also created a cosy café, Infusions – Chocolate Refined, in Ramnagar, Coimbatore. Reflecting the same attention to detail that goes into his chocolates, the café features an intricately curated menu. Its hot chocolate, in particular, has become a favourite among regular customers, many of whom describe it as the best they have tasted.

The café offers visitors an opportunity to explore the Chitra’m experience beyond its award-winning creations.

Chocolate lovers and culinary explorers can purchase Chitra’m chocolates through its official website or visit the brand’s café in Ramnagar. The chocolates are also available at Go Native stores in Bengaluru and Chennai.

Visit: Chitra’m Craft Chocolates, 7, Sathyamoorthy Road, Ramnagar, Coimbatore.

Contact: 98438 00600.