Chocolate is healthy is consume moderately and less sweet. Studies have demonstrated that one of the major saturated fats in chocolate does not raise cholesterol like other hard fats–meaning chocolate can be enjoyed in moderation. What is more important is to enjoy the chocolate while learning about the history of chocolate at chocolate museum.

This museum is thus a great place to learn about the history of cocoa and chocolates, watch chocolate being made at the Chocolate Lab, and shop for chocolates in all its glorious forms at the Chocolate Galleria.  Almost two million people have visited the museum since its opening in 2013 and in 2019, when the museum could no longer accommodate the large number of visitors streaming in, a decision was made to expand the premises.  The new expansion became known as Chocolate Museum 2.0, while the earlier section is named Chocolate Museum 1.0.

Among the highlights of Chocolate Museum 2.0 include a 10.6-metre-long model of a chocolate train set. There are also fascinating and unique historical timelines of well-loved chocolate brands such as Lindt, and Hershey’s, the story of chocolates during the wars – and a section of “crazy mirrors”. While entry to Chocolate Museum 1.0 is free, there is a fee for Chocolate Museum 2.0. The FMT team recently visited the establishment, and these are some of the highlights.

Fun facts 

Here’s something that not many people know – the first ever Hershey’s product was introduced way back in 1894. And when the popular Hershey’s kisses entered the market in 1907, each ‘kiss’ was wrapped by hand in foil – that must have been quite a feat and required nimble fingers. It was also enlightening to learn that Whitman’s confections sent a whopping six million pounds of chocolates to servicemen during World War II, apparently a tradition that began during the first world war. Meanwhile, the “Fathers of Chocolate” section sheds light on individuals like Jean Tobler who founded the Tobler chocolate factory with his sons – one of whom eventually went on to create the beloved Toblerone bar that is so loved today.

Fun sights

Another treat at the museum is a beautiful KLCC Chocolate Tower sculpture constructed from 525kg of dark, milk, and white chocolate. There is also a portrait of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad made from 5,359 colourful M&M chocolates that took 336 hours to complete. A portrait of his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali took 216 hours to be finished with 2,656 M&Ms.

Additionally, the availability of “Crazy Mirrors” where it can be entertaining that a person can stare at the mirror but seeing taller version of yourself or fatter version of yourself. It could be a reminder that having excessive chocolate can make you fat and enjoying in moderation can prevent this. 

Chocolate Lab does provide, in-house chocolatiers give visitors on how does the chocolate made. Chocolate Galleria, the shop beside Chocolate Lab will make you want to shop more and discover popular chocolate brans such as Hershey’s and Ferrero Rocher. 

Tarikh Input: 31/10/2022 | Kemaskini: 02/11/2022 | sitiafiqah