☕ The Cacao Mill by Subko: Where Chocolate Dreams Meet Coffee Artistry
Nestled in Colaba’s charming 2nd Pasta Lane, The Cacao Mill by Subko is Mumbai’s first dedicated chocolate factory and a sanctuary for cacao connoisseurs and coffee lovers alike. Housed in a repurposed textile mill with minimalist design, high ceilings, and rustic warmth, this space masterfully blends industrial heritage with Willy Wonka-esque wonder. Here’s why it’s a must-visit: .
🍫 Pod-to-Bar Chocolate Alchemy The Cacao Mill redefines chocolate craftsmanship with its immersive "pod-to-bar" journey.
Guests can Taste cacao at every stage: Sample raw fruit pulp, roasted beans, nibs, and finished bars, guided by passionate staff . Explore avant-garde collections: Terroir Series: Single-origin bars from South Indian farms (e.g., Andhra Pradesh, Kerala), highlighting regional soil nuances .
Experimental Range: Deconstructed desserts like the "Cold Brew Chocolate Hazelnut Tart" bar and "Kulfi Bar" .
Filled Cubes: Sea buckthorn jam with almond butter or pistachio brittle, oozing from delicate chocolate shells .
Witness live production: Watch chocolatiers craft bars through techniques like carbonic maceration (a wine-inspired method that enhances fruity notes) .
☕ Coffee & Beyond: Subko’s Liquid Art While cacao stars, the coffee program shines equally bright:
Signature Brews: Try the Nolen Gur Coffee*l (jaggery-infused) or Appy Cascara (chilled apple-rosemary with coffee pulp) .
Cacao Innovations: Sip drinking chocolate (70% dark with toasted marshmallow) or cacao-shell tea tonics .
🥐 Bakehouse Magic The mezzanine café pairs brews with show-stopping bakes:
Star Picks: Fudge-stuffed croissants, sourdough pizza with stracciatella and nolen gur-glazed tomatoes, and pain au chocolat with 39% white chocolate .
Savory Delights: Brie-topped sourdough toast sprinkled with milk chocolate "Minis" .
🌿 Ambiance & Ethos
Design Narrative: Cacao-pod motifs, a live sapling from Varanashi Farms (Mangalore), and glass-encased labs emphasize transparency and terroir reverence . ommunity Focus: Staff (including ex-pilot-turned-barista Wayne Oberholzer) lead sensory workshops, deepening appreciation for Indian cacao’s provenance .
Vibe: Bustling yet serene, with sun-drenched seating ideal for solo work or sweet indulgences .
⚖️ The Verdict
Pros: Revolutionary chocolate storytelling, ethically sourced ingredients, and barista expertise. Prices are surprisingly accessible for gourmet quality .
Cons: Limited seating; expect crowds (especially weekends) .
Final Thought: The Cacao Mill transcends café norms—it’s an edu-taining pilgrimage for anyone curious about cacao’s journey from soil to slab. Pair a Pod-to-Bar Experience with a croissant, and you’ll taste Subko’s mission: elevating Indian terroir one bean...
Read moreThe Cacao Mill by Subko: Where Artisanal Coffee Meets Craft Chocolate
Looking for a chocolate wonderland that's both imaginative and pleasing? Look no further than The Cacao Mill by Subko, Mumbai's very first chocolate factory! This artisanal coffee brand's chocolate venture is a true masterpiece, housed in an old textile mill that's been transformed into a minimalist design paradise.
From the moment you step inside The Cacao Mill, you'll be transported to a world of pure imagination, much like Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory. The cacao pod is king here, with the entire process from fruit to bean to chocolate on display for all to see. You can even try the raw cacao fruit, much like a custard apple, before watching as expert staff gently temper, demold, and create chocolate magic.
But The Cacao Mill isn't just about chocolate; their specialty coffees are just as intriguing. With on-tap offerings including a tea tonic crafted from the cacao shell, you're sure to find something that tickles your taste buds. I tried a croissant with hot chocolate, and it was the best I've ever had. And with the advantage of their coffee roasting background, Subko knows how to experiment with flavour change and get nerdy with the notes.
The Cellar at The Cacao Mill is a temperature-controlled experiential room where you can discover Subko's entire catalogue of craft chocolate endeavours. The collection is presented in a way that will keep you indulgent and tempted for more. And if you're feeling hungry, be sure to check out their craft bakes and signature specialty coffees on the mezzanine level.
In conclusion, The Cacao Mill by Subko is a true chocolate wonderland that's a must-visit for any Mumbai foodie. So come and explore the pod-to-bar process, indulge in some of the best craft chocolate around, and experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind...
Read moreDear Subko Team,
I hope you are doing well.
I am a regular visitor to Subko Colaba and would like to share some feedback based on my recent experiences.
Firstly, during one of my visits, I went to the washroom and locked the door. Unfortunately, I was unable to reopen it as the lock is very old. Additionally, there is no ventilation in the washroom. I had to call for help, and someone from the team had to unlock the door from outside. I raised this issue with the Manager, who assured me that the lock would be changed. However, no action has been taken yet. I am concerned that if someone gets locked inside without ventilation, it could lead to a serious health risk due to lack of oxygen.
Secondly, while drinking coffee, I noticed a lot of mosquitoes around. This is not hygienic, as mosquitoes could land on the beverages, which poses health risks.
Thirdly, when I requested bottled water, I was provided with tap water instead. On a previous visit, after drinking the tap water, I suffered a severe stomach infection. This has made me cautious, and I kindly request that safe, bottled water be made available to guests.
Additionally, I asked if a low-acidity coffee option was available, but unfortunately, it was not. Furthermore, there is very limited seating available. During busy times, it becomes difficult to find a table and enjoy the coffee comfortably. The abundance of trees around the café seems to attract a lot of mosquitoes. I had suggested trimming or maintaining the greenery to reduce this issue, but there has been no effective response so far.
I kindly request the management to look into these matters seriously to improve the guest experience and maintain health and safety standards.
Thank you for your time and attention to these concerns. I look forward to your prompt action. With...
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