Hyderabad's Manam Chocolate Bags A Spot In "World's Greatest Places 2024" List

Be it whiskey, wine or coffee, India has put itself on the map as one of the leading producers of each. And chocolate is next on the list, with TIME Magazine declaring the Hyderabad-based Manam Chocolate as one of the "World's Greatest Places 2024." Started just a year ago by Chaitanya Muppala, Manam Chocolate has crafted its own niche in India's artisanal chocolate space. Coming from a generation of confectioners, Muppala had it in his mission to put the spotlight on Indian cocoa through mindful production and out-of-the-box creations that celebrate the country's trove of unique flavours as well.

The Origin Story

Meaning "we" or "us" in Telugu, Manam Chocolate's philosophy is simple: to synthesise every step of the process to create fine single-origin chocolates. While most bean-to-bar producers begin their process at the sourcing stage, Manam's USP is that it is particular about the beans they use and how it is fermented to ensure that the inherent unique flavours of the Indian cocoa are truly elevated in their creations. To do so, the team at Manam is specifically engaged with a 100+ farmer-member community and their sister-concern, Distinct Origins Cacao Fermentery in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. According to their website, Manam ensures "progressive farm practices and scientific fermentation and drying processes" to harness Indian cocoa's true flavours.

The Experience

While Manam achieves a lot at the making stage, their obsession with putting Indian cocoa on the global stage is also proudly on display for chocolate-lovers to see at the Manam Chocolate Karkhana in Banjara Hills. Spanning multiple levels, the Karkhana is comprised of a spacious and beautiful cafe, a 24-hour factory, a chocolate lab, a chocolate, a retail section, and even a chocolate classroom. The Karkhana offers workshops and tours that lets you see the work and research that goes into crafting the Manam bars and chocolates closely. While the tour, which typically lasts 90 minutes, takes you through each stage, from roasting to tempering, the workshops is where you can learn to make desserts with it.

The Top Picks

If you think you are great at making decisions, wait till you find yourself staring at all the different varieties of chocolates available at Manam. With over 250+ concepts across 45 categories, you will be sure spoilt for choice with the most unique combinations. While you will find classics and usual favourites, the team at Manam stretches itself to include typically Indian ingredients that have never taken the chocolate avatar before. Think flavours like curry leaves and chai biscuit. If you're interested in other options, Manam puts up quite a show with their selection of bonbons filled with flavours such as coconut and curry leaf, apricot and pistachio, and pumpkin spice latte, among others. For a complete taste of Manam's ingenuity, go for chocolate palette selection that compiles the best of their truffles in one box.

The Information

Address: Road No. 12, Kaushik Society, Ministers Colony, Anand Banjara Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

Timings: 10 am to 12 am

For more information about their offerings, visit www.manamchocolate.com.