With deep roots in the ancient world, chocolate has long been associated with passion and desire. Montezuma of the Aztecs, the indigenous people who ruled northern Mexico, used this smooth, silky and super-sexy delicacy as an aphrodisiac. More recently, an Italian study indicated that women who normally consume chocolate have better sex than the ones who don’t due to the mesmerizing and infatuating powers it possesses. Not surprsingly, chocolate is one of the most popular gifts to give and receive on Valentine’s Day.

Which means that people who deal in chocolate are especially busy this time of year. “Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Easter are chocolate seasons, and it is the busiest time. I’ve never taken any days off during this holiday,” says Eric Perez, pastry chef and chocolatier at Visage, “I’m also surprised how much chocolate people consume in hot and humid country like Thailand.”

Here are some choice venues for chocolate in Bangkok.

Duc de Praslin

Duc de Praslin is well-known among chocolate lovers for its rich and mellow Belgian chocolates. The range includes original Belgian flavor and delicious choco-fusions between homemade Belgian chocolate and Thai ingredients like coffee beans, macadamian nuts and tropical fruits.

Valentine’s specials: For Valentine’s Day, Duc de Praslin has created a range of adorable items with cute pink packaging, from white chocolate to dark chocolate and everything in between.

Where: 16 Soi Prasertsit, Sukhumvit 49-14 Rd., 02-381-6691, 02-392-1120-1.Open daily 8:30am-6pm. 1/F, Central World; 2/F, Central Rama 3 02-673-5555. Tops Supermarket Central Pinklao, 02-884-8000. G/F, The Mall Bangkapi, 02-734-1400-59. AE, V

Le Gourmet

Scene: Chocolate shares center stage at this French style high tea and bakery shop. Le Gourmet offers over 400 kinds of tea from all over the world, while their cakes and chocolates are made from imported French ingredients. Choose from a wide selection of dark chocolate, white chocolate and tea flavors filled chocolates. Their best selling item is “Exotica”—delicious chocolate and tea combinations. The dark chocolate pistachio-filled truffles come highly recommended. For the widest selection, stop by the Sukhumvit shop.

Valentine’s specials: Heart-shaped chocolates come in four different styles—Valentine’s praline (S/B50, L/B190), Valentine’s box (B250/piece), Valentine’s Romeo and Juliet (B250/piece) and an oval cute cartoon character chocolate box (B450/piece). Choose from a variety of different flavors like almond praline, strawberry praline and caramel praline. Feb 12-14, the first 100 couples to shop will receive a special gift while supplies last.

Where: 59/3-4 Sukhumvit 33/1, 02-259-8850. Open daily 9am-9:30pm. G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-670-7509, 5/F Emporium, 02-664-8000. AE, D, MC, V

Le Nôtre

People recognize Le Nôtre as a staple for incredible cakes. Though its chocolate is delectable, selection is very limited even at the main shop at Langsuan. Friendly staffs welcome you at the front door. Chocolates are displayed on a tiny table beside a large cake showcase. All items are stylish with original French flavor. In addition to the popular cakes, Le Nôtre also serves meals and offers great sorbet to accompany lonely cakes.

Valentine’s specials: During Feb 5-14, heart-shaped volute chocolate will be available as well as a "love you" almond meringue. All Valentine’s gifts will be packed in a pink design box with a heart on top.

Where: G/F, Natural Ville Executive Residences, Langsuan, 02-250-7050. Open daily 6am-10:30pm. 5/F, Emporium, 02-664-8289. G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-129-4364-5. Sofitel Silom, 02-267-5292. AE, D, MC, V

Oriental Shop

These luxurious shops from the five-star Oriental Bangkok are famous for, in addition to gourmet meats, ice cream, fabulous waffles and homemade chocolate. Popular chocolates have ingredients like peanuts, green tea and raspberries. Everything is rich in flavor and is made at the hotel.

Valentine’s specials: It’s a heart extravaganza with heart-shaped chocolates in a red silk or wire box, heart-shaped chocolates in wire bags and five chocolate praline hearts wrapped in white netting. Since Cupid is the poster-boy for this romantic holiday, you can find him there as well. If you’d like something other than chocolate, try the Valentine cakes, cookies and strawberry candy.

Where: (G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9845-6. 5/F, Emporium, 02-664-8185. G/F, Isetan, 02-255-9813)

Visage

Homemade chocolate is prepared at the largest branch in the Face complex on Sukhumvit—which is home to more varieties and selections than other shop. To maintain high quality and delectable flavor, almost all ingredients are imported from France. Both white and dark chocolate are available with a variety of flavors including caramel, raspberry, passion fruit and milk chocolate.

Valentine’s specials: Chef Eric personally likes the heart-shaped raspberry most because of its attractive red color, but it also comes in several different flavors. Recommended items include a chocolate box with three chocolate hearts—hazelnut, raspberry and milk chocolate and three passion fruit white chocolate (B210). See Chef Eric demonstrate how he creates his chocolate masterpieces Feb 11-12 at 2 and 5pm at Visage@Central Chidlom.

Where: 29 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-713-6048-9. Open daily 7am. 2/F, Central Chidlom, 02-251-9202. G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7511. V, AE, DC, M