It’s hard to miss the scent of chocolate when you walk into Eldeco Centre on a warm Delhi afternoon. The sun slants through the tall glass façade, catching dust motes in the air, and somewhere between the coffee counters and buzzing new eateries, a quiet hum leads you to it.

Pipes snake across the walls and ceiling, thick and industrial, but there’s something oddly whimsical about them, carrying molten chocolate like a secret river above your head. This is where Hyderabad’s much-loved chocolate makers, Manam Chocolates, have chosen to plant new roots, right here in Delhi, far from their home turf.

The space is generous, over 3,000 square feet of high ceilings, glass, and that undeniable smell of toasted cocoa and something sweet lingering in the air. It feels less like a shop and more like stumbling upon the workings of a hidden chocolate lab, where the process, the aroma, and the quiet theatre of it all unfold in plain sight.

As Chef Ruby Islam, Head Chef at Manam Chocolates, guided us through a curated tasting of their finest creations, I found my attention drawn to the live-casting screens discreetly placed across the space. They offered a rare glimpse into the origins of each bar and truffle — scenes from the cacao farms of West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, the Distinct Origins Fermentary in Tadikalapudi, and the Manam Chocolate Karkhana in Hyderabad. It felt almost surreal, standing in an elegant, contemporary space in Delhi, yet so seamlessly connected to the lush, agricultural landscapes that shape every bite.

In the background, I noticed Chaitanya Muppalla, the Founder of Manam Chocolate and CEO of Distinct Origins Private Limited, observing the room with quiet confidence. His demeanour was far removed from the typical start-up bravado. There was a certain restraint in the way he carried himself, as though every element of the experience — from the molten chocolate flowing above to the curated plates before us — was meant to speak for itself.

Muppalla’s journey began in 2018 with a simple but profound realisation: the stark difference between mass-produced chocolate and true craft chocolate. That discovery sparked the vision for Manam, rooted in fine-flavour Indian craft chocolate. His dedication is evident — as India’s first Level 3 Certified Chocolate Taster accredited by the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (USA), his approach to chocolate is nothing short of scholarly.

Later, as he walked me through the ‘Manam Classroom’, designed to host immersive workshops and masterclasses, I asked him how Manam defines luxury in this context of origin-driven chocolate.

“For us, luxury is layered,” he explained. “It’s not only about how the chocolate tastes, but how it’s made, whose hands shape it, and the integrity of that process. At Manam Chocolate, we don’t see farmers as suppliers — they are co-creators. Through our sister concern, Distinct Origins, we collaborate with over 150 farmers across 3,000 acres in West Godavari. We invest in scientific training, responsible agricultural practices, and post-harvest expertise, all of which culminate in cacao that is traceable, thoughtfully cultivated, and reflective of its origin.”

There was a quiet conviction in the way he spoke, his words carefully chosen, underscoring a belief that true luxury is conscious, equitable, and deeply rooted in community. “When you taste a Manam chocolate,” he continued, “you are experiencing the story of a place, of people, of terroir. That authenticity is at the heart of what we do.”

Naturally, I asked why Delhi was the city of choice for their first expansion beyond Hyderabad. His answer was as considered as everything else. “Delhi has always been a city that appreciates craftsmanship, whether in food, design, or storytelling. The discerning palate here, coupled with a strong culture of gifting — particularly for weddings, festivals, and milestone occasions — makes it an ideal setting for a brand like Manam. There is an appetite for quality and a reverence for thoughtful detail.”

Beyond the chocolate itself, the Manam Café offers a restrained yet artfully crafted menu that pays homage to southern Indian flavours while catering to Delhi’s cosmopolitan love for indulgence. Dishes such as creamy eggs on freshly baked sourdough, fries with Guntur chilli mayo, and avakaya falafel with mango pickle oil elevate the familiar into something far more refined. The spaghetti gongura aglio olio, a quiet triumph of bold Telugu flavours meeting classic European technique, embodies this philosophy perfectly.

It is rare to encounter a space that balances storytelling, origin, craftsmanship, and modern indulgence with such poise. But as I left, with the rich taste of fine chocolate still lingering, it was clear that Manam Chocolates is as much about quiet luxury as it is about celebrating the journey from bean to bar.