Sometimes, a little encouragement can go a long way, and for Dhruti Bandodkar, it sparked the beginning of something truly special and sweet. What started as a casual introduction to making chocolate by a relative, soon turned into a full-fledged passion.
At 18, Dhruti began experimenting with chocolates in her home kitchen. Sharing her creations, like her signature Oreo chocolates, with her friends and loved ones, garnered an overwhelming response. And, this encouragement led her to take the first step and start Chocobucks, a brand that’s all about homemade chocolates in Goa.
But, the beginning wasn’t that easy, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when there was a period of six months when she went without a single order.
That, however, didn’t deter her spirit and introducing her Raksha Bandhan collection, changed course for her as people started taking notice.
“I realised that many people in Goa were making chocolates, but they were mostly simple and common. So, I decided to try something unique. I purchased special chocolate moulds from Mumbai, which helped me create distinctive designs that people loved,” Dhruti says.
“I used to be addicted to eating chocolates, and now I'm addicted to making them!” says Dhruti, who enjoys the process of making them, whether it's a small or large order.
Her love for chocolate has led her to bring some unique flavours to the Goan market. Be it the Rasmalai, Rajbhog, Motichoor, Blackcurrant or the Gulab Jamun chocolates, these unique flavours have received some great responses.
“While my chocolates haven't traditionally incorporated Goan elements, l’ve recently created a chocolate stuffed with coconut and coconut jaggery, a popular Goan combo. The feedback was amazing, friends loved it. I'm excited to introduce this fusion in my Ganesh Chaturthi chocolate modak menu,” she reveals.
But, it's not just Indian flavours, Chocobucks has also introduced the crispy kunafa, layered with gooey chocolate, bringing a flair of Middle Eastern flavours to Goa.
“Our Nutella kunafa Chocolate, Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate and Lotus Biscoff Kunafa Chocolate have been receiving rave reviews, with the Nutella Kunafa Chocolate being our bestseller, so far. These unique and delicious flavours have quickly become the new favourite among our customers,” she proudly shares.
Apart from locals, tourists visiting the State are also fans of Chocobucks, having discovered it via Instagram and don’t hesitate to place their orders.
“One memorable experience was when a couple from the UK, who were having a destination wedding in Goa, ordered a bulk batch of chocolate roses and other unique chocolates from me,” shares Dhruti, adding that these experiences motivate her and leave her feeling grateful.
While shipping chocolates within India and Goa is feasible, exporting them internationally can be tricky. For those travelling, she recommends chocolates with a longer shelf life.
“Chocolates like, from the kunafa chocolate range (pistachio, nutella and lotus biscoff are highly recommended), plain chocolates, premium chocolate (with nuts, flavoured) etc. I don’t recommend carrying gulab jamun chocolates on long journeys as these have a short shelf life of just around three days; but taste wise, it’s highly recommended.”
Chocobucks is also known for their customised chocolates for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and anniversaries, and festive specials like for Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj.
Orders are primarily taken via Instagram, and customers can pick them up from Margao or get deliveries through local courier services. She also stocks her festive collections at Trimart in Margao.
Initially balancing her academic journey, and now, her job with her chocolate venture has been challenging, but also deeply rewarding.
“When you truly love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. For me, making chocolates is a passion, a hobby that I cherish deeply,” she says, striving to make Chocobucks Goa’s top destination for customised chocolates.
So, this World Chocolate Day, if you're craving something unique and unforgettable — especially the hit Kunafa chocolate range — Chocobucks promises to delight in every bite.
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