The latest generation of a 132-year old European confectionery brand takes sweet inspiration from Vietnamese culture and motifs
Savall, a luxury chocolatier brand dating from 1892 in Barcelona, has opened an outlet in the heritage destination of Hoi An in central Vietnam.
Guests visiting Chocolate Corner by Savall in the Wafaifo Resort Hoi An are presented with a seductive range of confected delights such as chocolates, bonbons and catanias — roasted and caramelised nuts covered in white chocolate and a thin layer of cocoa powder.
Many of the chocolates have been made in the shape of local Vietnamese attractions and symbols such as the Japanese Bridge, Dragon Bridge, the lanterns of Hoi An and the walls of Hue Citadel. Bamboo forests have inspired the design of some chocolates.
The ingredients are 100% Vietnamese. There are no artificial preservatives, dyes or flavourings.
Pieter van der Hoeven of Wafaifo Resort said: “Chocolate Corner by Savall is a fine example of a literal melting pot where culinary heritage, skills and local ingredients mix together to create delightful results.”
The Savall workshop, based in the city of Danang, near Hoi An, is the passion project of 30-year old Chef Victor Ceano Savall. In 1892 his ancestors opened the Pastelería Reñé in Barcelona. To this day, the ornate shop remains an icon of local renown in the city.
Chef Victor moved to Vietnam in 2014 and worked in local restaurants and hotels. In 2016 he took the leap to open Savall in Danang, utilising the chocolatier skills his grandfather taught him.
“The recipes that grandfather Joaquim Savall Reñé taught me can be tasted for themselves at Chocolate Corner by Savall. Using the best Vietnamese ingredients we have created luxurious artisan sensations that, I believe, look and taste beautiful,” said Victor.
“Whatever the occasion, our chocolates and confectionery have been created to convey the cultural beauty of Vietnam to friends near and far.”
Visitors to Chocolate Corner by Savall at the resort can sample products before purchasing. They can then taste the chocolates and other treats accompanied by a selection of teas, coffees and juices at the Bang Huu coffee shop in the resort.
Q&A with Vietnam-based maestro chocolatier Victor Savall
Are there any products available at Chocolate Corner at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An not sold elsewhere at other Savall outlets?
All the branded Chocolate Corner by Savall products are sold exclusively in Wafaifo Resort Hoi An.
What items available in Wafaifo are you particularly proud of?
All of them, but the Japanese Bridge sculpture, Japanese chocolate bar, and the lantern collection are of special note.
What percentage of your ingredients are made in Vietnam?
100%
How many people do you employ at Savall Danang?
At Savall we have 17 team members.
What are the trends in the high end confectionary business?
Generally we see things like artisanal and small-batch production, sustainable and ethical sourcing, health-conscious options, innovative flavours and combinations, and luxury gifting. At Savall we are engaged in all of these.
What non-alcoholic drinks go well with Savall chocolates?
Tea, coffee, juices and shakes such as mango juice, banana and strawberry milkshakes.
What alcoholic drinks go well with Savall chocolates?
Whisky, Riesling white wine, rum, Champagne
Do you recommend mixing both chocolate and drink in your mouth at same time, or should they be tasted separately?
It’s a matter of customer choice, but I recommend sipping the drink first and then tasting the chocolate.
Can guests at Wafaifo taste before they buy?
Yes, we have samples available. They can also buy the product and enjoy it at the Bang Huu coffee shop in the Wafaifo.
Apart from Chocolate Corner, are Savall chocolates and items available elsewhere in Wafaifo Resort?
Yes, in the minibar.
ABOUT WAFAIFO RESORT HOI AN
Privately owned Wafaifo Resort Hoi An is a new boutique hotel in Hoi An UNESCO-listed heritage city of Hoi An, Quang Nam province, central Vietnam. [Wafaifo derives from “Faifo” an ancient name for Hoi An and the historical role of “water” in the city’s maritime heritage.] The resort opened in December 2024 with a variety of rooms, the all-day Xua & Nay bistro (with Josper Grill), a 25 x 6-metre pool, a pool bar, coffee shop, 24 hour room service, eight-seat private cinema, kids’ club, wellness and spa centre, sauna, fitness centre, retail lobby shop, and free WiFi. Download the resort’s fact sheet here. Or visit Wafaifo.com.
