Hot Pinoy Choco

In the tropics, any drop in temperature is cause for celebration. During the cooler months from November to February, Filipinos like to enjoy the more moderate weather with comforting cups of hot chocolate.

Known locally as tsokolate de batirol, these are traditionally made from tablea or whole tablets of pure ground roasted cacao beans. Tablea is produced by first drying the beans of fresh cacao fruit, then they are shelled and roasted. The roasted beans are then ground into a thick chocolate paste that is shaped into discs—a defining characteristic of the product. These are made to dry before they are packed in cylinders with wrapping paper.

The beverage is called tsokolate de batirol and prepared with the use of a few simple ingredients and vital tools. The tablea is mixed with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and water in a silver pot over fire. The name is derived from the tool used to whisk the liquid together making it smooth and frothy. Called a molinillo in Latin America, the batirol is a wooden whisk with a textured end that is utilized for scraping the bottom on the pot so the chocolate does not stick and burn. It usually takes at least thirty minutes of gentle simmering and whisking for the drink to attain a smooth consistency, although some prefer the grainier mouthfeel tsokolate is known for.

There are cafes and restaurants that offer this decadent drink that goes perfectly with local rice cakes, breads, and pastries. It is a beloved Christmas time tradition to have tsokolate batirol with bibingka and puto bumbong, especially during colder mornings. But for those who wish to make it at home, there are many talented artisanal brands that make quality tablea.

Davao is known for their chocolate and Sikwate is proud of their certified organic tablea from single-origin cacao. The Dalareich brand from Bohol is an award-winning tablea that earned a gold medal in the 2019 Academy of Chocolate Awards in London. Popular Auro Chocolate also has tablea coins that are guaranteed tree nut and peanut-free, making sure they are safe for those with allergies.