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Imagine a world where chocolate isn’t just a treat—it’s a story, a rebellion, and a love letter to Indian cacao. Welcome to the magical realm of MANAM Chocolates, a Hyderabad-based craft chocolate brand that’s turning the global confectionery scene on its head. Founded by Chaitanya Muppala, MANAM isn’t your average chocolate maker; it’s a pod-to-bar powerhouse that’s redefining luxury with Indian craft chocolate. From the cacao farms of West Godavari to the bustling streets of Banjara Hills, MANAM Chocolates is crafting a legacy that’s as bold as it is delicious. Ready to dive into this cacao wonderland? Let’s unwrap the story of India’s sweetest revolution!
From Farm to Fame: The MANAM Chocolate Journey
MANAM Chocolates isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about roots. The name “MANAM,” meaning “we” or “us” in Telugu, reflects the collective spirit of farmers, fermenters, chocolate makers, and chocolatiers who bring this vision to life. Based in Hyderabad, MANAM works closely with over 100 farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, the heart of India’s cacao-growing region. Unlike industrial chocolate brands that mask cacao’s natural flavors with additives, MANAM celebrates the fruit’s true essence, crafting single-origin and single-farm bars that tell a story of terroir and tradition.
Chaitanya Muppala, a second-generation entrepreneur from the family behind Hyderabad’s beloved Almond House, saw a gap in the market for quality Indian craft chocolate. Armed with a Level 3 Chocolate Taster certification from the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting, he launched MANAM in August 2023. His mission? To shatter the myth that Swiss and Belgian chocolates are the gold standard. “We have an origin story here,” Muppala declares, and he’s proving it—one delectable bite at a time. With accolades from the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting and the U.K.’s Academy of Chocolate within its first year, MANAM is putting Indian cacao on the global map.
A Cacao Carnival at MANAM Chocolate Karkhana
Step into the MANAM Chocolate Karkhana in Hyderabad’s posh Banjara Hills, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into Willy Wonka’s factory—minus the Oompa Loompas but with a lot more heart. This 10,000-square-foot experiential space is a cacao lover’s dream, blending retail, live chocolate-making, and a café under one roof. The facade, designed to look like a giant chocolate bar, sets the tone for the magic inside. From the moment you enter, the aroma of roasting cacao beans engulfs you, and a wall of liquid chocolate flowing like a fountain screams “Instagram me!”
The Karkhana offers guided tours where you can witness the entire chocolate-making process—from roasting and grinding to tempering and molding. Want to play chocolatier? Head to the Chocolate Lab, where taps of dark, milk, and white chocolate let you create your own custom bars with toppings like candied ginger or Guntur chili. With over 300 products across 50 categories, MANAM’s range is a feast for the senses. Think Chai Biscuit Tablets, Coconut & Curry Leaf Bonbons, and Almond Praline Clusters that melt in your mouth like a dream. Their Single Farm Series, featuring cacao from farmers like GVS Prasad, even comes with a QR code that traces the bean’s journey from farm to bar. It’s transparency with a side of decadence!
Sweet Innovation with a Side of Sustainability
MANAM Chocolates isn’t just about taste—it’s about impact. Through its sister company, Distinct Origins, MANAM is revolutionizing cacao farming in India. By introducing new varietals and using scientific fermentation techniques, they’re unlocking the full flavor potential of Indian cacao. “Historically, cacao has been grown by the colonized on the colonizer’s terms,” Muppala says. “We’re turning that on its head by promoting Indian cacao to the world and ensuring farmers get their fair share.” This commitment to sustainability and equity has earned MANAM a spot on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 list—a testament to its global appeal.
The Karkhana’s café takes the experience up a notch with cacao-inspired dishes like eggs in cacao butter and Chakkarakeli banana pudding. Pair that with a Cold Drip Cacao Nitro coffee, and you’ve got a meal that’s as innovative as it is nostalgic. MANAM’s annual editions, like the 2023 Holiday Bonbons and Christmas Spice Chocolate Tablet, keep things fresh, while their packaging—designed by Delhi-based artist Namrata Kumar—turns every bar into a collector’s item.
Why MANAM Chocolates Is India’s Sweetest Game-Changer
MANAM Chocolates isn’t just competing with luxury brands like Ferrero Rocher—it’s rewriting the rules of the game. Posts on X rave about its ability to rival global giants while staying true to its Indian roots. With plans to expand to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, MANAM is on a mission to make Indian craft chocolate a household name. Whether you’re savoring a 68% dark chocolate tablet sweetened with jaggery or gifting a box of their award-winning bonbons, every bite is a celebration of craftsmanship and community.
So, next time you’re craving a chocolate fix, skip the mass-produced bars and treat yourself to MANAM Chocolates. It’s not just a sweet escape—it’s a journey into the heart of Indian cacao, crafted with love, innovation, and a dash of Hyderabad’s magic. Ready to taste the revolution? Visit the MANAM Chocolate Karkhana or order online for a luxury chocolate experience that’s proudly Indian!
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