El Rey offers 8 oz. Bags for $10.95 for Roasted Cocoa Nibs and although that may sound like a lot—there isn't any place I can think of in the other parts of the world to get them. Besides, you can be the first person on your block to snack on cacao (if you can handle it, that is) and keep in mind that just a little goes a long way. There is something about getting chocolate from makers that have the beans grown locally but often, countries that produce the beans ship them off to larger, more developed nations for processing. Buying from El Rey supports an entire local economy and although this might not be of primary concern in your quest for good chocolate, it is something to think about.
So now, we'll skip over to the Middle East, not surprising keeping in mind that people everywhere love chocolate. Israel isn't normally someplace you'd remember when you hear "chocolate" but there is a small company called Momentum that makes kosher chocolate that they distribute all over the world. My friend Roxy had some of this chocolate and it was just great—not as high class as some of the companies I've mentioned recently, but many off-the-rack American chocolates couldn't hold a candle to Momentum. Although you may be able to find kosher chocolates where you shop, these Israeli chocolates can be delivered in bright colorful cellophane parcels right to your (or a friend's) door. This company also offers other treats and Jewish eats and it is fun to look at their English-language website.
The only criticism I have of any international chocolate I've tried is the Japanese brand Meiji. I haven't had sufficient familiarity with Chinese or Japanese chocolate to suggest a better product, but Meiji tastes a tad like unrefined sugar doused in molasses. It is appallingly sweet and ignores any of the natural taste of the bean. Even though I am not a admirer of the taste, it is interesting and fun to try the chocolate of other cultures, not only to see if it's tasty or not, but just to take part in the global love of the treat, so it's worth trying, just to pick up the difference in processing and refining. While I am still on the lookout for a quality Asian chocolate, I also continue sampling brands that I haven't mentioned here. I can't tell you what a wonderful idea it is to make gift cases for your friends with chocolates they've never tried before and while it may sometimes make a costly gift, it is always worth it when you see that singular smile that comes over someone's face at the idea of chocolate!
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