The remarkable rise of artisanal chocolate brands that blend traditional techniques with innovative flavours has birthed curious consumers who are keen to know where their chocolate comes from. And that’s why, Indian chocolatiers are inviting enthusiasts and connoisseurs to not just indulge in their offerings but also witness the magic behind the scenes via chocolate factory tours.
Brands provide a unique opportunity to explore the journey of Indian cacao pods transforming into exquisite chocolate bars. From understanding the intricacies of bean-to-bar production to indulging in exclusive tastings, these tours offer an immersive experience into the world of fine chocolate and let you take on the role of Willy Wonka. Join us as we embark on a sweet adventure through India’s most captivating artisanal chocolate factories, uncovering the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bite.
1. The Cacao Mill by Subko, Mumbai
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Known for its robust coffee, Subko also ventured into the space of chocolate last year and holds chocolate factory tours twice a week in its Cacao mill in Colaba. Here, you learn how fine Indian cacao pods turn into craft chocolate bars. From cracking open cacao pods to tempering and setting chocolate, the tour will take you through the meticulous stages of creating chocolate. Explore The Cacao Mill and gain insights into the different types of equipment used to create craft chocolate, taste fine cacao from the Indian subcontinent and experience the Pod to Bar platter where each component of cacao in various stages is explained. The tour ends with you making your own chocolate bar with customisable toppings and tasting the Subko Cacao shot made with cacao juice.
Date: Every Tuesday + Thursday
Time: 5-7 pm
Price: INR 1299
For more information, read here.
2. Manam Chocolate Karkhana, Hyderabad
In the bustling area of Banjara Hills stands Manam Chocolate Karkhana featuring a large Manam chocolate tablet-inspired wooden door. Step inside a chocolate lover’s paradise that graces you with a chocolate fountain wall, and an expansive range spanning over 250 products. But before exploring the elaborate retail selections, take a 90-minute tour of how these indulgent bites come to life.
At Manam Chocolate Karkhana, you get to watch the live chocolate-making process, starting from the magical transformation of raw cacao beans into luscious chocolate as it goes through necessary industrial processes of cracking, winnowing, grinding, refining, conching, tempering, and moulding. The chocolate experts also give you a glimpse of how Indian cacao should be grown, harvested, and fermented to unlock its characteristically robust flavours.
Along the way, you’ll visit the kitchen, learning how our chefs turn velvety couverture into an endless array of desserts and confections. Every tour winds down with a sampling session, where you’ll delve deeper into the nuances of flavour, texture, and aroma. And before you leave, you get to make your own chocolate bar with your choice of toppings.
Price: INR 2,000 per person
For more information on bookings, read here.
3. Colocal, New Delhi
Colocal Chocolates’ Dhan Mill outlet was conceptualised to introduce the audience to the world of Indian craft chocolate and bring them closer to the bean-to-bar experience. While a tour of the chocolate factory is available on request every day for walk-in guests, Colocal has now introduced an immersive Chocolate Tasting Workshop that gives you a taste of the magic of cacao and single-origin Indian chocolate every step of the way.
Led by Colocal’s co-founder Anshi Saxena, this insightful workshop begins with a guided tour of the chocolate factory, followed by a sit-down experience where you put your tasting skills to test and discover the beauty of Indian cacao in its many forms. It ends with a fun DIY session, where you get to make your own personalised chocolate bars to take home.
When: Once every month; upcoming workshop on 20th July 2024
Timings: 10 am-12 pm
Price: INR 2500 (Early bird registrations at INR 2000, valid till 7 days in advance)
To register: DM @colocalchocolates
4. Mason & Co., Auroville
This artisanal brand from Auroville gives you a tour of the bean-to-bar process at its chocolate factory. Here, you’ll get to watch the skilled workforce that consists of local female workers from the village who are trained in the art of chocolate making and also taste Mason & Co.’s unique flavours along the way.
For more information on bookings, read here.
