Photos: Wishing Treats Caramel Studio offers handmade artisan candies in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

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      Artisan caramels characterized by their miniscule artwork have been popular in Asian regions like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan for quite some time. Now, they've finally made it to Vancouver.

      Wishing Treats Caramel Studio (49 West Hastings) recently opened up as the city’s first hand-made artisan caramel (not the creamy and chewy confectionary that Canadians are accustomed to) candy studio.

      It utilizes a traditional candy-making method to create warm sticks of candy that is cut into bite-sized pieces. It showcases words, artwork, and personalized messages—think Pokeballs, assorted fruits, and emojis.

      “These candies are all vegan and hand-made,” said Amir Hassan, founder and CEO of Wishing Treats, to the Straight. “Since hand-made, they can be personalized, can be made into any designs, and we have hundreds of flavours to choose from.”

      Assorted candies with different designs and messages.
      Tammy Kwan

      Tasty caramel flavours range from blueberry to peach, root beer to watermelon, and curry melon to tutti-frutti, among others.

      A rigid multi-step process is carried out to make these caramels each day. From boiling a large pot of sugar to adding specific colouring, sculpting certain shapes to stretching the caramel—making artisan candy isn’t an easy feat.  

      “The most important element of this [shop] is the process of making the candy,” explained Hassan. “That’s the experience that makes it different from any other candy in the market today.”

      The founder also explained that he deliberately chose to open his shop in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with a good-hearted intention. He hopes to be able to train and nurture individuals from the less fortunate community, who may have an interest in becoming an artisan caramel-maker.

      “We create experiences that people carry with them, and I think it’s perfect for Vancouver,” said Hassan.

      Scroll through the photos below for a look at how the tasty candies are made.

      Caramel artisan Wes Raley making a batch of rock candies.
      Tammy Kwan

       

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      Caramel artisan Wes Raley.
      Tammy Kwan

       

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      Wishing Treats Caramel Studio's storefront in Downtown Eastside.
      Tammy Kwan

       

      Tammy Kwan
      Follow Tammy Kwan on Twitter @ch0c0tam and Instagram @ch0c0tam.

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