Manam Chocolate Opens A New Experience Space In Delhi
- Arushi Sakhuja
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
It felt like I had stepped onto the film set of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. That was the first thought that crossed my mind as I entered Manam’s experiential store at New Delhi’s Eldeco Centre. Hyderabad’s beloved Indian craft chocolate brand, Manam Chocolate, is the brainchild of Chaitanya Muppala. His vision? To create Indian chocolate that rivals the world’s best—think Swiss standards—while capturing nostalgic childhood flavours and memories, and proudly placing Indian cacao on the global map.
Founder and CEO, Manam Chocolate, Chaitanya Muppala has built this destination with heart, intention, and a clear purpose. Every word he speaks carries a sense of passion and pride, grounded in the goal of sharing India’s cacao story with the world. “We’re reintroducing chocolate experiences to Indians—and to the world,” he says with conviction. “Indian cacao has always been grown for productivity and high fat content, never for flavour. That’s the story we want to tell through Manam Chocolate.”
The History and Origin of Manam Chocolate
In 2018, Chaitanya set out in search of quality Indian chocolate—a journey that proved to be a turning point. He discovered the vast difference between industrial and craft chocolate and began crafting a business model around fine-flavour Indian craft chocolate. In 2021, he founded Distinct Origins Private Limited (DOPL) to establish the West Godavari region in Andhra Pradesh as a recognised origin for premium cacao. That same year, he built India’s largest fine-flavour cacao fermentery in Tadikalapudi, West Godavari—one of the biggest in the world. Through DOPL, Chaitanya created a fair, transparent supply chain in partnership with over 150 farmers across 3,000 acres of cacao plantations. Later in 2021, the idea for Manam Chocolate took shape—a brand that reimagines what Indian craft chocolate can become.
“We’re reintroducing chocolate experiences to Indians—and to the world,"- Chaitanya Muppala, Founder, Manam Chocolate and CEO, Distinct Origins Private Limited (DOPL)
In August 2023, Manam Chocolate Karkhana opened its doors in Hyderabad, launching what many now consider a new wave in Indian chocolate. In less than two years, it has garnered international acclaim and changed the Indian consumer’s palate for craft chocolate. But what truly sets Manam apart? It’s not just a bean-to-bar brand. As Chaitanya puts it, "We are farmers, fermenters, chocolate makers, chocolatiers and storytellers, exploring the endless possibilities of cacao in our pursuit of bringing about a new era of Indian Craft Chocolate."
Before The Bean, Beyond The Bar - The Process of Chocolate Making
Going beyond the traditional bean-to-bar philosophy embraced by most craft chocolate brands, Manam Chocolate proudly champions its own ethos: ‘Before the Bean, Beyond the Bar.’ This Indian craft chocolate brand works closely with over 100 farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, using proprietary fermentation and chocolate crafting techniques—making it a brand that truly begins before the bean. And when it comes to going beyond the bar, Manam is all about creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Each store is designed to go far beyond just retail, featuring live chocolate-making, chocolate-themed baking workshops, a café, and more. Manam takes ownership of every step in the journey: from farming and fermentation to chocolate making and crafting a diverse collection of confections.
The process starts with Distinct Origins Pvt. Ltd., network of over 150 farmers cultivating more than 3,000 acres of cacao farms in West Godavari—India’s largest cacao-growing region. This cutting-edge facility—the largest of its kind in India and among the biggest in the world—uses science-led innovations and proprietary technology to unlock the true flavour potential of Indian cacao. Once the beans are fermented and dried, they’re transported to the Manam Karkhana in Hyderabad. Here, they are transformed into premium couvertures and a wide array of innovative chocolate confections. The journey continues at Manam's new experience store in Delhi's Eldeco Centre. Both spaces sell more than just premium Indian chocolates—they offer a rich narrative and a window into the journey of cacao. In Delhi, visitors can even view live chocolate-making processes via large screens streaming directly from the Karkhana.
The Delhi Chapter
Bonbons, truffles, pastries, gelato, crunchy chocolate confections, brownies, cacao nib croissants, barks, thins, spreads, snacking nibs, cookies, baking tablets, cacao butter, hot chocolate stirrers, drinking chocolate mixes, cold chocolate bottles, hazelnut praline lattes, raspberry brownie fudge shakes, blueberry oat iced chocolate—the list is endless. At Manam Chocolate’s new experience store in New Delhi, Head Chef Ruby Islam has curated an expansive, thoughtful selection of treats for every kind of chocolate lover. “My work starts with the farmers, where we interact to understand the taste and flavour of the fruit itself. The flavour comes from fermenting the fruit pulp, which seeps into the bean,” explains Chef Ruby Islam.
“My work starts with the farmers, where we interact to understand the taste and flavour of the fruit itself. The flavour comes from fermenting the fruit pulp, which seeps into the bean.” Chef Ruby Islam, Head Chef, Manam Chocolate
The New Delhi store elevates the humble cacao bean across multiple experience zones: a snack bar, a patisserie, a beverage bar, a gelato counter (don’t miss the banana gelato!), and a café—all woven into one sensorial experience. The interiors pay homage to the chocolate-making journey, echoing the look and feel of a real-life chocolate factory. Think: dusty pink walls, large glass kitchen windows, and ceiling pipes flowing with molten dark, milk, and white chocolate. “In Delhi, the entire space is designed to communicate the brand’s message through experience,” says Chaitanya Muppala. It’s a chocolate paradise—one that has to be seen, smelt, and tasted to be truly understood. "With our new experiential store in Delhi, we aim to present chocolate not just as a confection, but as a deeply Indian, immersive craft rooted in origin, process, and possibility,” adds the founder. “This space reflects our commitment to showcasing the potential of Indian cacao on a global stage.”
"In Delhi, the entire space is designed to communicate the brand’s message through experience." - Chaitanya Muppala, Founder, Manam Chocolate
Spread across 3,200 sq. ft., this one-of-a-kind experiential space invites you to discover, explore, and interact with cacao and chocolate in all their forms and expressions. The interiors have been thoughtfully designed by Dhruva Kalra (Partner, I’m D’sign), Aarushi Kalra (Creative Director, I’mX), Shifaa Kalra (Partner, I’m D’sign), along with Azmat Khan, Vatsal Gaur, and Nisha Saifi.
As you enter the store, you're welcomed into the chocolaterie, where a curated ingredient library forms a striking backdrop. In front, an immersive display narrates the story of cacao’s transformation into chocolate. Inspired by the concept of a karkhana (factory), the space features molten chocolate flowing through tanks and overhead pipes, seamlessly linking each section and making the chocolate-making process a living part of the experience.
A long, continuous counter anchors the store’s design, guiding you through the bakery, patisserie, beverage bar, and café kitchen, creating a smooth and sensorial journey. The interiors reflect a warm, earthy palette, layered with tactile materials and lush greens that keep the product at the heart of the experience. This immersive narrative comes to life across various zones at the Delhi outpost—including a retail section with India-crafted bonbons, truffles, barks, and snack clusters; a bakery and patisserie offering cacao-infused cakes and pastries; a beverage bar serving hot chocolates and innovative cacao drinks; a gelato station featuring a standout banana gelato; a DIY chocolate-making corner for the curious; the Manam Café with chocolate-forward dishes; and the Manam Classroom, dedicated to cacao education and sensorial tastings.
The Experience Zones
Step into Manam Chocolate’s Experience Store and immerse yourself in a journey that brings chocolate to life. A physical display showcases the transformation of cacao into chocolate, complete with miniature models and samples of the different stages—from the raw bean to a spectrum of couvertures, including 100% dark and creamy white chocolate. You can even witness the roasting of finely fermented cacao beans in action.
Looking for the perfect festive gift or simply want to take a piece of Manam home? Head to the retail section, where curated products from across the store are available to explore – and you can even curate your own gift box! For purists and adventurers alike, the selection of bonbons, truffles, barks, and snack clusters is a treat. We highly recommend trying experimental flavours like the Coconut Curry Leaf bonbon—delicately crunchy with a hint of matcha—or opt for Malabar 69, Lavender Earl Grey, or timeless classics like Hazelnut Praline, Candied Orange, or Dark Chocolate and Orange (a personal favourite!).
At the live bakery and patisserie, chocolate craft comes alive before your eyes. Watch expert chefs and chocolatiers as they cut, layer, bake, frost, and finish a range of desserts in small batches throughout the day. From buttery viennoiseries to rich entremets and indulgent cakes, everything is customisable and freshly made. Don’t forget to sample their freshly baked cookies in various dark, milk, and white chocolate profiles—think Malted Chocolate Chunk, Dark Chocolate & Pistachio, and Raspberry & Chocolate Ganache. At the Beverage Bar, chocolate is reimagined as a drinkable experience—playful, refreshing, and rooted in Indian craft. Choose from 36 innovative drinks across six categories, including bold chocolate lattes, nostalgic hot chocolates, thick shakes, and refreshing plant-based blends. To pair, there’s a tempting spread of pastries, craft cookies, brownies, and savouries, all made in-house.
Right next door is the Gelato Corner, featuring the must-try Chakkarakeli Banana Soft Serve—a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth banana treat made from native bananas and served in a crisp millet cone. It’s the ultimate summer indulgence.
Budding bakers and chocolate lovers can head to the Manam Classroom, where workshops and mini knowledge sessions help you understand fine-flavour Indian cacao and the craft chocolate process. At the Make Your Own Chocolate Station, you can mould and customise your own chocolate tablet—perfect as a souvenir or gift. Don’t leave without browsing the Manam Baker’s Collection to stock up on baking goodies.
Whether you’re after a hearty meal, a chocolate-laced treat, or a co-working café vibe, the Manam Café offers an all-day dining experience. The coffee menu is inspired by the union of two craft crops—Indian coffee and cacao. Try the Cold Drip Cacao Nitro, made by steeping coffee through single-origin cacao for a buttery smooth finish, or opt for the Caramelised White Chocolate Mocha for something indulgent. The food menu evokes nostalgia and comfort, with dishes like Superfood Salad, Curry Leaf Prawns, Jackfruit Croquettes, Spaghetti Gongura Aglio Olio, and Palakura Artichoke Sandwich. Don’t miss the Signature Manam Breakfast or sweet offerings like waffles, pancakes, and French toast—served with house-baked bread and paired with single-origin chocolate.
The Flavours
At the Manam Classroom, I had the chance to take part in a one-of-a-kind chocolate tasting session, led personally by Chaitanya Muppala. Over two hours, he walked us through the art of tasting, appreciating, and truly understanding what makes good chocolate. So, what should you look for? According to Muppala, a quality chocolate bar should be made from Single-Origin cacao, list its origin clearly, and contain only three to four ingredients, with no vegetable oils, excess milk solids, or refined sugars. “Everyone buys dried beans—we start with the fruit, the farming, and fermentation. That’s what gives our beans their fine flavour,” Muppala explained.
What made the session particularly memorable was Muppala’s desire for Indian consumers to connect flavour and fragrance to deeply personal memories. Every chocolate made by the Manam team is designed to evoke emotion, whether it’s nostalgia, comfort, or a moment in time. For instance, one of their caramelised bonbons is reminiscent of a pedha, instantly transporting you to a familiar Indian sweetshop.
As the tasting progressed, we learned that eating chocolate without smelling it first creates a completely different experience. Aroma cues play a huge role in how flavour is perceived.
We sampled a range of chocolates—from 100% dark, which was bitter and earthy with a dry finish, to 80% dark, which had a fruity nose, a slower melt, and a sharp, abrupt end. My personal favourite was the 67% dark—perfectly smooth with a nutty undertone, and just the right balance. Its aftertaste was citrusy and refreshing, one that lingered pleasantly on the palate. For those with a sweeter tooth, Manam’s 60% dark is an excellent choice—rich, smooth, and still deeply flavourful.
After this deep dive into Indian craft chocolate, I found myself spoilt for choice. Even popular Swiss chocolate brands—once seen as the gold standard—felt flat and one-dimensional in comparison. , Manam’s chocolates are bursting with flavour, ranging from citrus, nuts, and fruit, to molasses, raisin, rum, cinnamon, woody, coconutty, and wine-like notes. These complex profiles aren’t by chance—they’re the result of scientific fermentation techniques and proprietary technology developed by the brand to bring out the finest nuances of Indian cacao. Many mass-produced chocolates lack this depth due to poor fermentation and drying processes, with flavour sacrificed for shelf life and scalability.
Manam invests in the cacao fruit itself, processing it at the Distinct Origins Cacao Fermentery in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district. This facility has been transformative for Indian cacao, perfecting fermentation and drying techniques to create a bean with multiple flavour layers and a smooth finish.
Some chocolates linger, others melt quickly, while some coat your mouth in a silky texture, all showcasing the versatility and potential of Indian cacao.
“This past year, we signed a multi-container contract with a major Swiss chocolate brand. Later this year, a label you all know will release an Indian single-origin chocolate bar across 130 countries—and those beans come from Manam,” Muppala shared proudly.“We’ve built the technology and processes to make India known for fine-flavour cacao—and the world will start taking notice.”
Founded by Chaitanya Muppala, Manam Chocolate is a bean-to-confectionery Indian craft chocolate brand that’s redefining the world of chocolate, starting with a cacao fruit grown on Indian soil
What to Try
If you're planning a visit to Manam Chocolate or browsing their thoughtfully curated collection, here are some standout picks that offer a taste of their unique Indian craft chocolate journey:
Start with the Nutty Praline Bark (₹750 for 200g), made with smooth 45% milk chocolate and generously packed with nuts—a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. For something richer, the Dark Chocolate Orange Clusters (₹650 for 200g), crafted using 67% dark chocolate, are intensely flavoured with citrusy bursts in every bite. For a playful twist, don’t miss the Raspberry Chilly Popcorn Dragees (₹650 for 200g), coated in 80% dark chocolate—a surprising mix of heat and tartness. Pair that with the Crunchy Hazelnut & Sea Salt Spread (₹850 per jar), made with 67% dark chocolate, and you’ll find yourself reaching for the spoon more often than the toast.
On the beverage side, the Dark Chocolate Orange Drink (₹345) is smooth, warming, and aromatic—ideal for a comforting treat. For summer refreshment, go for the Vegan Blueberry Oat Iced Chocolate (₹445), made with 60% dark oat mylk chocolate—creamy, clean, and plant-based.
Those with a sweet tooth will love the Sweet Curry Leaf Shortbread Cookies (₹525 for a 10-piece box), made with 40% creamy white chocolate, or the Dark Chocolate and Pistachio Cookie (₹210), which brings together 60% dark West Godavari chocolate and roasted pistachios for a satisfyingly rich flavour.
Cake lovers can indulge in the Coconut Lemon Custard Cake (₹3,000 per kg), made with 40% white chocolate for a tropical and creamy finish, or opt for the bold Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Cake (₹3,250 per kg), made with 67% dark West Godavari chocolate for a tart, decadent experience.
*Prices start at ₹225 per box upto ₹3,000 and ₹3,400 per kilogram for Specialty Cakes
Manam Chocolate, New Delhi:
Address: G 1F-3F, Eldeco Center, New Delhi-110017
Tel: +91 8977760769 / 011 43025981
Timings: 10 am to 12:00 am
website : www.manamchocolate.com
Manam Chocolate Karkhana, Hyderabad
Address: Road No 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad- 5600034.
Tel: 040 48908027
Timings: 10 am to 12:00 am
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