The first thing we did in Fukuoka was visit Xxocoa. It was priority, and it didn’t disappoint. At 11am, a glass door opened, showing off a long display of beautifully crafted bonbons.  Here you can drool over cakes literally dripping with layers of chocolate, and bonbons that look more like works of art than food. 

But there is a secret room. 

We asked if we could enter and were told to sit on a small bench on the side of the shop. A few moments later, we were escorted down a narrow, wood-panelled hallway. Before pushing through the curtains into the small bar area, we were told the rules you have one hours, and everyone needs to order something. Too easy.  

Inside is an L shaped counter with space for maximum eight people, although we are the only ones at the moment. Behind the bar is a display of glasses, different ones for the different drinks and desserts that they offer. The staff stay in a separate room until you are ready to order and then prepare your drinks and desserts in front of you, like a ceremony. 

The chef carefully assembles the desserts piece by piece, each component taken (with tiny tweezers) from separate preparation boxes with precise movements and quiet focus. 

While we ordered one of each of the 4 desserts offered that day (there were four of us, I didn’t eat them all by myself!), the Sphere Flamme was our favourite and the most impressive. The chef takes a half sphere of tempered chocolate and carefully layers inside of mango, passionfruit and vanilla icecream. The top of the sphere is delicately put in lace before the dessert is set alight with in front of you.  We also ordered the hot chocolate which is only sold as “fair trade organic”. Not much of a pedigree for such a fancy preparation, but quite tasty. I also recommend ordering the matcha which does have an impressive pedigree and is prepared while you watch. 

You’d think we would be stuffed after all of that, but we were very content. We spent the next few hours walking around the neighbourhood, one if not my favourite in Fukuoka. There is a fascinating mix of old buildings with tiny family run shops selling old fashion sweets, and large, multistorey shopping malls. Something for everyone. It was a perfect start to a fantastic time in Fukuoka. I hope I can travel back again soon to do it all again.

XXOCOA: 1-8-38 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka Open 11am to 7pm