Manam Chocolate Karkhana In Hyderabad Is A Cacao Wonderland For Every Generation!

Disclaimer: We are serious about content integrity. The author was invited for an experiential tour of this place. However, all the information mentioned in the article is completely unbiased and honestly written, to offer valuable travel information to our readers. Read about our editorial policies.  

Most of you reading this may have secretly dreamt of visiting or owning a chocolate factory at some point in your life. Regardless of whether you’ve watched Charlie & The Chocolate Factory or not, ain’t it? Manam Chocolate Karkhana in Hyderabad fulfills that very dream. Yet, the chocolaterie goes way deeper than simply catering to a child’s chocolate fantasies. 

Sure, it does that too. But, the chocolaterie offers an immersive understanding of the complexities behind creating a fine-flavored craft chocolate, through a sensorial experience. Recently named among TIME’s list of ‘World’s 100 Greatest Places – 2024’, Manam Chocolate Karkhana is a must-visit if you live in Hyderabad (India), or are visiting as a tourist.  

Come, let me take you on a virtual walk into the internationally acclaimed and award-winning chocolate factory in Hyderabad – including what you can expect to do at Manam Chocolate, the kinds of treats you can try, and the incredible story behind it all. Shall we get in?

Firstly, What Exactly Is Manam Chocolate Karkhana?

I wouldn’t hesitate to call Manam Chocolate a chocolate atelier, where exceptional chocolatiers create artisanal couverture chocolates out of carefully-grown cacao beans from their farmer partners. It houses a chocolate factory where you can take a tour, a lab where you can get your own chocolate customized, a store where you can taste and purchase myriad flavors, and a stunning cafe where you can savor a global meal. 

But, there’s a lot more to it, which starts even before the cacao beans make it to the Hyderabad chocolate factory. Let’s dive into it all now. 

The Dream-Like Ambience & Unapologetic Celebration Of Chocolate

When we arrived, a facade that mimics an actual chocolate bar, led us into its brightly-lit 10,000 sq. ft. space. I paused for a second, allowing my senses to relish the sweet fragrance of cacao, which lingered in the air. 

I was not sure where exactly to focus, because on the left, a glass-covered counter stacked with chocolate bon-bons, barks and truffles (sprinkled with mouth-watering toppings) called for my attention. Parallely, a countertop on the right with bars, gifting chocolate boxes and mini samples beckoned me incessantly. 

It’s probably part of Manam Chocolate Karkhana’s design strategy to make a visitor feel like they have entered a cacao carnival of sorts, with single-origin craft chocolate being celebrated as it rightfully deserves. Every element stood out against the pristine white walls and evoked a sense of nostalgia. 

Further inside, you could watch their chocolatiers meticulously working inside the glass-covered tempering station. An interactive screen next to it narrated the story of their 100+ farmer community. Adjacent to this area was probably the most exciting part – an interesting lab with dark, milk and white liquid chocolate flowing out of three taps! But, we’ll come back to it a little later.

Best Things To Do At Manam Chocolate Karkhana Hyderabad

# 1. The insightful factor tour with chocolate tasting

Once you soak in the ambience of the store, you notice that a small staircase leads you into the production area. We had pre-booked a factory tour scheduled for that morning, which are usually conducted by their chefs. 

As the small group of enthusiasts gathered, we were first given disposable gowns, caps, and shoe covers to avoid contamination of the factory zone. The tour began with chef Sukumar Maharathy (Head of Operations) giving us a brief introduction to how their cacao pods are grown and stringently selected. Questions were welcomed and addressed in detail.  

TWT Trivia: At the fermentary of Distinct Origins (Manam’s parents brand), cacao beans are dried on raised, retractable racks, unlike the industrial way of drying on the ground or ground-level mats. This helps protect the beans from dust, rain, pollutants and excess sunlight. 

Post the introductory session, we moved on to the roastery, which offered a glimpse of how their cacao beans are carefully slow-roasted for days. Surprisingly, when we were offered some of the beans to sample, they didn’t taste as bitter as one would expect! He explained that it’s because of their unique post-harvesting process, which brings out the original delicate flavor of the cacao bean, without the need of using additives, unlike mass chocolate brands. 

Next, chef Sukumar led us into the cracking and winnowing station, followed by the refining and tempering rooms, where we got to see and taste grainy chocolate before they turn into a smooth bar. From milling the cacao nibs, to grinding them in an idli grinder (from Coimbatore) for the luscious liquor, from freshly pressing out aromatic cacao butter, to conching the liquor with the right proportions of ingredients as per their recipes, we got to witness the entire process. Finally, we went to the tempering room where Chef Ruby Islam (Manam’s head chef) showed us how they get each end product’s desired snap, gloss, and consistency with meticulous tempering techniques as per their respective recipes.

Hearing the sounds of the winnowing, milling and melanging, while also smelling and tasting the cacao at every step, enhanced the overall experience. The tour ended with the best part — trying samples of their finished chocolate creations. However, this can be done in their store area, even if you don’t opt for the tour.

Did You Know?

The natural flavor of cacao is majorly influenced by the soil quality, climate and the crops it is grown along with. A finished chocolate’s inherent flavor depends on the post-harvesting process of cacao. Single-origin chocolates are superior to compound chocolate or industrial chocolate, because they are made from natural cacao butter and cacao beans procured from just one particular region, which adds its distinct flavor profile. Vegetable oils or artificial additives are not used in single-origin chocolates. 

# 2. Customizing your own chocolate at the lab

The next activity we tried was getting our own chocolate bar created with ingredients and toppings of our choice. We chose the dark chocolate, which they confirmed was vegan. It was therapeutic to watch their staff fill the tablet palette with flowing dark chocolate from one of the taps. 

Little boxes on the side had topping options like Kashmiri walnuts, freeze-dried strawberries, pecan pralines and more. We chose to go for some cacao nibs (my absolute favorite ingredient and rightly called nature’s chocolate chips), a few dried rose petals and candied orange peels. These were sprinkled right in front of us and then placed in the refrigerator for the bar to set. We were asked to collect it after an hour. 

When we went back for the bar, they wrote our names on the label! It was extremely special to see them feature on our very own customized chocolate bar. 

# 3. Getting myriads of flavors under one roof & sampling them for free! 

The store is a real treat for chocolate lovers, with 300+ varieties of chocolate creations made with single-origin cacao. From bars with distinct flavor notes and toppings, truffles, bon-bons, barks, thins, pralines, and baked desserts, you will surely be enticed to pick up at least a couple of their products. 

And the most exciting part is that you can sample little chunks of their chocolates for free! The samples include pieces made with single-origin cacao beans from Vietnam, Costa Rica, Uganda, Kerala, and Manam’s own cacao farms in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. I will tell you about my favorite flavors in the upcoming sections. 

TWT Tip: Always remember to let a good chocolate melt in your mouth, instead of biting into it. Personally, I find it even more enjoyable when I keep my eyes closed, as it helps you recognize every flavor note of the chocolate enwrapping your taste buds — almost like a slow dance on your palate! Consume palate cleansers like water or a savory snack from their bakery in between the sampling session to cut the sweetness and to truly understand each distinct flavor. 

# 4. Finding surprises and information of the chocolate farmer inside your chocolate

The Manam magic continues even after you reach home and are ready to taste the chocolate bar you’ve purchased. You realize that the label features names of the farmers who have grown the cacao! Once you open the paper wrapper, you can also read information about the levels of bitterness, acidity and melt duration of the chocolate bar.  

When you scan a QR code printed on the label, you land on a page that takes you through the entire journey of the bar, including the date of packing, where the cacao bean was grown, and details on the farmer who grew them. These are followed by info pages on how the beans were harvested around tropical crops like coconut, pepper and banana. 

You also learn here about how their cacao beans are sorted and inspected by hand to chuck out defected beans or dirt – quite a laborious process! The final page tells you when the fermented cacao arrived at Manam Karkhana to get roasted, ground, refined, and conched to turn into the craft chocolate bar you’re about to relish. 

TWT Trivia: To my pleasant surprise, when I went home and opened the Manam 66% Dark Single Origin Tablet No. 6 that we’d bought, there was a special souvenir inside – a bar shaped fridge magnet featuring Manam’s cacao farm! We were stoked to add it to our collection of fridge magnet souvenirs that we usually bring from every place we travel to.

The Food At Manam Cafe Hyderabad

Before we begin talking about the food, I need to take a moment to describe the tranquil ambience of Manam cafe. A narrow staircase from the chocolate lab leads us into the beautiful basement cafe. It is accentuated with wooden furniture nestled amidst lush green flora from Manam’s farms. A glass-covered roof allows just the right amount of sunlight to seep in. The seating area overlooks their glass-covered open kitchen, and a lovely coffee bar on one corner. I love the transparency that Manam brings on to every aspect. 

Coming to the food menu at Manam Cafe, it is crafted keeping in mind dishes that would complement the fine chocolate creations guests may have tried before coming down for the meal. You will find sandwiches, croissants, meals bowls, salads, and a range of coffees and teas. 

Here are the details of the dishes we tried at Manam Cafe:

• Quinoa & Avocado Salad – The avocado mash sitting on the bed of quinoa offered a beautiful buttery texture to the dish. Lettuce and rolled cucumbers on top added a burst of freshness. I’ve never been a fan of quinoa-based dishes, but this was a total winner because of the delectable & creamy avocado mash. It usually contains feta cheese, which was excluded on my request to make everything vegan.

• Tofu Crostini – Little slices of toasted sourdough bread were topped with steamed tofu slices, juicy cherry tomatoes and pesto made with cashew cream. Though it was cold, we thoroughly enjoyed the flavorful pesto, which added depth to the otherwise bland tofu. The bread was delicately soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. 

• Falafel with Avakaya Oil Hummus – We have had falafels numerous times before, but Manam’s unique take on this dish made it all the more interesting and appetizing. The freshly-made hummus was delightfully creamy and lined with a generous drizzle of oil from Avakaya (mango pickle). This offered a subtle punch and regional flavor to the dish. The falafels with a crisp coating oozed out hints of nutty sesame flavor. 

• Manam Pazhampori – This seemed like a match made in heaven – ripe chakkarakeli bananas fried in a tempura batter, drizzled with their 66% single-origin dark chocolate from Idukki, Kerala, and cacao nibs. Honestly, I am not a fan of bananas, but the tempura coating combined with the heavenly cacao powder and crunchy nibs elevated the dish to another level! 

• Godavari Dark Chocolate Mocha – Let me begin with the presentation of the coffee, customized with oat milk. The cup came on a wooden tray with an info card that specified the chocolate used in the coffee and where the coffee was sourced from (Auroville). There was a tiny bar of chocolate that was to be paired with it. Regarding the taste, it had gotten quite cold by the time we finished our food, but I didn’t let a single drop of coffee remain in the cup! Hope that explains how aromatic, delicious and refreshing it was.  

Note: Barring the salad, all the other dishes mentioned above are naturally vegan. They also have more vegan options on their menu, such as Gongura Spaghetti, Veg Mango Curry Red Rice Bowl, Avocado Truffle Sourdough Toast and beverages with plant-based milk options like oat, almond and soy. Soon, they plan to introduce a few jackfruit-based dishes too. 

Our Top Shopping Recommendations From Manam Chocolate Karkhana 

1. Indian Origin Tablet no. 6 – 66% dark single origin bar from Idukki, Kerala with fruity and caramel notes.
   
2. Dairy Preference No.1 – Made with cacao from West Godavari and 55% oat milk, especially for vegans and lactose intolerant folks.
3. Sea Salt Cacao Nibs for snacking, or to add a layer of crunch to your desserts back home.
4. Customized chocolate with toppings of your choice at their lab.
5. Farm Tablet no. 2 – 62% dark chocolate from West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, with hints of berry notes.
6. The Baker’s Collection (specially curated for artisanal bakers).
7. International Origin Tablet No. 15 – 75% dark chocolate made with cacao from Lam Dong, Vietnam, for people who prefer more darker, intense, spicy notes.
8. Sugar Preference Tablet No. 1 – 60% dark chocolate made with cacao from West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, and sweetened with cane jaggery instead of sugar.
9. Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle – These beautiful pinkish white balls are stuffed with a creamy dark chocolate ganache and a luscious raspberry jam filling – loved the surprise element inside! 

How Was Manam Chocolate Karkhana Born? The Inception Story

Manam Chocolate Karkhana has been conceptualized and founded by Chaitanya Muppala, second generation heir of Hyderabad’s legendary sweet brand – Almond House. He is a level 3 certified chocolate taster from the International Institute Of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting, USA, and now, also the CEO of Distinct Origins. 

So how and why did he think of Manam? Chaitanya says, “It all began when Almond House’s customers started requesting for chocolate-based products. We didn’t know anything about chocolate back then. While researching, I realized everybody who’s doing anything in chocolate is buying chocolate, melting, molding, putting nuts and calling it their own chocolate. It didn’t feel like a sustainable-enough differentiation to me. So we started reading and learning about what small batch chocolate making is, how craft chocolate is made, and then I got myself certified.”

He adds, “Eventually, we realized that your chocolate is only as good as your beans are. So, we spent the next three years amongst farmers, understanding the history of cacao in India, what problems we could identify and the opportunities that could come from it. That led us to build our own cacao farm with a new business model, which disrupted the way cacao is procured in India. We export the beans globally now, besides creating our own fine flavor craft chocolates at Manam, aimed at displaying the versatility of what a good chocolate can be.”

They have won 17 awards already for their chocolates since they launched in 2023! And Chaitanya credits this success to Manam’s evolved post-harvest technology. Also thanks to their unique business model, Chaitanya informs that their farmers are paid 40-75% premium over the commodity price. 

“In industrial cocoa, profit pooling is very disparaged. 80% of profit pools with the manufacturer and retailer, about 8% pools with the trader, and only 6% of profit in that value chain pools with the farmer. So what we did is – we cut out everybody else. We work directly with the farmer. We share profits with the farmer and they are paid immediately after the purchase of the fruit,” he explains. 

His company is on an estimated 12-year-long project to bring in new cacao genetics in India that helps bring out all its unique flavors. In the coming months, Chaitanya also plans to open a chocolate beverage bar in Knowledge City, Hyderabad, besides expanding Manam’s presence across three other cities. 

TWT Trivia: During my conversation with Chaitanya, he also shared another interesting fact – “Typically, a cacao farmer pulls out the beans from the fruit, does a crude fermentation for a day or two under a tree, and then dries it out on the road under the sun. The chicken walks on it, and dogs pee on it. Some beans are even infected. But they end up becoming your industrial chocolate bar consumed widely!”

How Can You Book A Factory Tour At Manam Chocolate Karkhana?

The Manam Chocolate Karkhana tours conducted by their chefs are usually organized on two Fridays/Saturdays in a month. You can check the schedule for their upcoming tours and book your slot on their website or Instagram page. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 8 visitors and is ideal for visitors aged over 15 years. Additionally, they conduct craft chocolate making workshops for kids in their classroom. 

If you wish to book a custom private tour for your group, you can call on +91-8978747520 or email at [email protected] with your requests. However, these are subject to suitability of group, availability of dates, etc.

Note: Most parts of the factory are accessible to visitors on all days, even if you don’t book a paid tour led by their chefs. The space is designed in such a way that visitors and customers can tour the entire area on their own, with touch screens that explain the chocolate making process. Clear in-store signages make it easy for guests touring on their own. The actual production area (chocolate making and chocolatiering sections) are limited access areas. However, they are also behind a glass wall, ensuring that guests can view the process without actually entering the production zone. 

Best Time To Visit Manam Chocolate Karkhana Hyderabad

The most ideal time to visit Manam, especially if you’re a tourist, is when they organize tours of the chocolate factory conducted by their chefs (usually twice a month). However, if you’re not looking for the factory tour and just wish to indulge in peace, weekdays are usually less crowded, when compared to weekends. Manam Chocolate Karkhana is open from 10 AM to 12 AM (midnight) on all 7 days of the week. 

Ideal Duration To Be Spent At Manam Chocolate Karkhana

If you’re coming for the factory tour, it takes over 90 minutes to complete, while tasting the samples, customizing your chocolate at the lab, and enjoying a meal can take more than an hour. We spent over 4 hours during our visit. Without the factory tour, you can easily finish your exploration in about an hour. 

The Prices At Manam Chocolate Karkhana Hyderabad

• Guided factory tour at Manam Chocolate Karkhana – INR 2000 (includes tour, tasting and a chocolate gift box)
• Creating your own custom chocolate at the lab – INR 550 (for an 80 gm tablet with a maximum of 4 toppings)
• Getting a customized sundae with options of gelato stick, scoop or soft serve with toppings of your choice – INR 200 to INR 300
• The collection of chocolates & cacao-based treats – INR 200 to INR 2400
• Meal for two at Manam cafe – INR 1500 to INR 2500 (depending on the number of dishes you order) 

Location Of Manam Chocolate Karkhana Hyderabad 

Manam Chocolate Karkhana is located on Road no. 12 of Banjara Hills, a prime area in Hyderabad. You can easily reach Manam in a taxi or auto from any location in the city. Alternatively, you can get on the metro and alight at the Irrum Manzil or Jubilee Hills station, from where you can hop on to a 15-minute rickshaw or cab ride. 

Location: Google Maps

TWT Experience Summary Of Manam Chocolate Karkhana Hyderabad

Manam Chocolate Karkhana is a place every Hyderabadi or Indian chocolate connoisseur should be proud of. We were tantalized, intrigued and smitten by the experience curated by Manam’s passionate team. 

Further, learning the fact that a premium is paid to their farmers, who in turn ensure to grow the Theobroma cacao tree in the most sustainable way, justified Manam’s premium prices. It also elevated our respect for them permanently. 

Whenever you’re here, don’t miss out on customizing your own bar, factory tour & taking home some of their craft chocolate treats. By the time you come out, you will be enriched with a deeper understanding of a good cacao’s tree-to-chocolate journey. 

It’s an experience that must be ticked off at least once in a lifetime, more so if you’re a chocolate lover. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Manam Chocolate Karkhana

 

1. What sets Manam apart from other chocolate brands and why are they expensive?

Manam’s chocolates are batch-made, fairtrade & sustainably-produced using only natural ingredients. They grow cacao in their own farms using new techniques that allow the original flavor and complexity of the Indian cacao bean to get fully developed. This is very different from industrial manufacturing, where additives and chemicals are used to standardize the taste of their mass-produced chocolates, which also includes use of infected beans. 

2. Can we find vegan or dairy-free options at Manam Chocolate Karkhana?

You can find a variety of vegan, dairy-free options at Manam, which range from dark chocolates bars to oat milk bars, snacking cacao nibs and more. 

3. Are customized chocolates available for purchase at Manam Chocolate Karkhana?

Manam Chocolate Karkhana has a chocolate lab where you can get your customized chocolate bar created using ingredients and toppings you prefer. The customization option is not available on their website at the moment. 

4. How can I get Manam’s chocolates?

You can either purchase Manam chocolates from their store in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad or order them online from their official website. 

5. Does Manam Chocolate Karkhana allow a tour of its factory?

Manam Chocolate Karkhana allows visitors to tour most areas of their factory on all days for free, offering a good glimpse of their craft chocolate making process. They also organize immersive 90-minute paid tours (conducted by their chefs) twice a month for small groups of 8 people at a time. At these organized tours, you can understand how the fermented cacao beans are roasted, winnowed, ground and tempered. You can also taste the cacao at each step to understand how the flavors are brought out. 

6. Are there good gift packing options at Manam Chocolate Karkhana?

Manam Chocolate Karkhana’s physical and online store offer a wide range of gifting chocolate options that are packed in vibrant boxes. They make for the perfect gifts for your loved ones, especially for the chocolate enthusiasts in your life. 

7. Who owns Manam Chocolate Factory?

Manam Chocolate Karkhana is owned by Chaitanya Muppala, the second generation scion of Hyderabad’s famous sweet brand Almond House. He is also a level 3 certified chocolate taster from IICCT, USA and owns other brands such as Indulge Ice Cream, Gappe Vappe and Greater Gud, besides Manam’s parent brand Distinct Origins, a cacao fermentery. 

8. Is there any entry fee for Manam Chocolate Karkhana?

There is no entry fee involved to access the store, lab, classroom and cafe at Manam Chocolate Karkhana. Anybody can walk in and taste the chocolates or have a meal. However, for a guided tour of their factory, you will be charged INR 2000 per person, which will include a tasting session and a box of chocolates to take back home. 

 

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