A Celebration of Thai Cacao and Chiang Mai Strawberries at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Thailand's Growing Chocolate Trend

Across the country, chocolate has evolved from a simple indulgence into a celebration of terroir and creativity. Young chocolatiers, innovative entrepreneurs, and homegrown brands are gaining momentum, driven by a growing interest in origin?focused craftsmanship. Despite early doubts about the climate, Thailand's cacao now stands out for its natural fruitiness, aromatic depth, and the nuanced character that reflects its tropical landscape. This new wave of chocolate aligns beautifully with the country's passion for locally grown, premium produce.

Inspiration From the Land

At Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, this cacao renaissance finds elegant expression in the Strawberry & Chocolate Afternoon Tea. Executive Pastry Chef Yanisa Wiangnon draws from her travels across Thailand, creating desserts that reflect the landscapes, stories, and traditions that shape her culinary identity. "I want every bite to transport guests—to feel the cool mountain air, the richness of our soil, the dedication of our grower,s" she shares. "Each creation should embody elegance, authenticity, and the unique character of Thai flavour."

Celebrating Chiang Mai's Local Ingredients

Chef Yanisa's work is rooted in working closely with the region's farmers. She selects refined Thai cacao from MarkRin farm and pairs it with fragrant sun?ripened strawberries from Sakura Ichigo Strawberry Farm, cherished for their sweetness and natural acidity.

Shaped by the cool northern climate and fertile highlands, her approach is guided by seasonality, small?batch precision, and a deep appreciation for how careful cultivation shapes flavour. Drawing inspiration from the rice fields, orchards, and forested hills surrounding the resort, she translates the landscape into textures and tones that feel silky, bright, and softly aromatic, allowing provenance to be felt as much as tasted.

"Our growers bring such precision and passion to their work," she shares. "Their ingredients carry the soul of this region and allow me to create desserts that feel both authentic and elevated." In every detail, from the restraint of her recipes to the harmony of cacao and fruit, her creations echo Chiang Mai's terroir—quietly elegant, deeply expressive, and unmistakably local.

A Crafted Showcase of Chiang Mai's Flavours

Reflecting the resort's dedication to local artistry, the Afternoon Tea arrives as a beautifully composed journey through Chiang Mai's terroir. Wooden trays reveal an elegant assortment of strawberry?inspired pastries, chocolate petits gateaux, colourful macarons, artisanal chocolate bonbons, and delicate confections set among fresh blooms.

Savoury selections, including miniature sliders, a light strawberry roll and refreshing strawberry-tomato bruschetta, offer a thoughtful counterbalance, while warm scones with house?made spreads bring a comforting, classic touch.

Fresh seasonal strawberries accompanied by warm chocolate sauce highlight the region's produce at its peak. "Thai chocolate has an identity that deserves to be celebrated. Through this afternoon tea, we honour our community and share the exceptional quality of Chiang Mai's growers with our guests," smiles Chef Yanisa.

Strawberry & Chocolate Afternoon Tea

Guests are invited to indulge in this celebration at KHAO by Four Seasons, where the Strawberry & Chocolate Afternoon Tea is served daily from February to April 2026, between 1:00 and 5:00 pm.

"It is an afternoon designed for discovery, a chance to experience Thai chocolate in all its expressions—playful, elegant, and profoundly local," Chef Yanisa shares.

For reservations, call +66 53 298 181, email [email protected], or connect via the FS Chat App.

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