Taste of love

Maison Chaudun pave box. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

It's not a truffle, insists French chocolatier Gilles Marchal of Maison Chaudun, whose surreal sweets are on offer during an extended pop-up at the hotel's cake shop. "That first bite of a pave is sheer ecstasy," says Marchal of the little square of ganache dusted with bitter cocoa powder that has become his signature. The ganache is made from a blend of three types of chocolate combined with whipping cream. Left to mature for 24 hours, it is cut into small squares using a guitar cutter, matured for another 24 hours, and then delicately coated in bitter cocoa. Free from preservatives, added sugar, and additives of any kind, this exceptionally fresh chocolate confection is best enjoyed when taken out of the fridge 15 minutes before eating. A box of 9 paves is HK$198; 25 pieces cost HK$558, available until Feb 28. Marchal has also introduced a decadent limited edition of chocolate lucky gold coins in honor of Chinese New Year.

5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong. 852-2825-4008.