In the narrow lanes of Jaipur's walled city, small shops often turn out flavours big brands can't match, and Shop No. 101 Chocolate Zone on Chaura Rasta is one such name. It has built a reputation for over 100 varieties of handmade chocolate, all crafted under one roof, and has become something of a stop for anyone exploring the old city market.
A Hobby That Began During Covid
Owner Sanjay Soni says he first started making a few chocolates at home during the Covid period. The response from people who tasted them was so encouraging that what began as a hobby soon turned into a business idea. In 2023, he opened his shop on Chaura Rasta and has been experimenting with new varieties ever since. Today, the shop offers more than 100 kinds of chocolate, and demand runs especially high among children.
From Rasmalai to Paan, Every Bite Tastes Different
According to Sanjay Soni, chocolate does not have to mean just Dairy Milk or a single standard flavour. Working from that idea, he created rasmalai chocolate, falooda chocolate, kulfi chocolate, dry fruit chocolate, ruffle chocolate and paan chocolate, among other varieties, each with a taste distinct from the rest. That is also why customers say they prefer buying chocolate for their children from this shop over anything else.
No Packaging, Sold Purely by the Kilo
The shop makes chocolates in sizes ranging from small to large, but none of them are individually packaged, they are kept loose on display. Every chocolate is sold strictly by weight, and prices range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 per kilogram, so buyers can pick up as little or as much as they like.
Why It Beats the Chemical-Laden Chocolate Sold in the Market
Sanjay Soni points out that the market is flooded with hundreds of chocolate varieties from different companies, but most of them rely on chemicals and additives for flavour and are churned out by machines. They may taste fine, he says, but they can be harmful to health over time. His own chocolates, in contrast, are made using only milk and other nutritious ingredients, which he says makes them both tasty and better for health.
Peak Demand During Festivals and as Gifts
Whether it is tourists visiting Jaipur or residents of the city, both groups keep up a steady demand for chocolate from this shop. That keeps Sanjay Soni and his team busy constantly preparing fresh batches. Demand climbs the highest during the festival season and when people buy chocolate as gifts, with many visitors also carrying a taste of Jaipur back home with them.
