Or that when Christopher Columbus first discovered that cocoa beans could be made into a beverage, he found it bitter and disgusting?
All this information and more is found at Malaysia’s own Chocolate Museum Kota Damansara.
“At the Chocolate Museum, we emphasise three concepts which are education, experiential, and enjoyable shopping,” shared Muhamad Ridzwan Md Ali, 30, the museum manager.
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.
Ridzwan revealed that 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.
One interesting highlight is the “Crazy Mirrors” – where you can stare at either scrawnier or heftier versions of yourself.
“This is a reminder that although chocolates have their health benefits, one should always enjoy them in moderation to prevent this,” shared Ridzwan with a laugh, pointing towards a more bloated version of himself. Well said, indeed!
Fun moments
Meanwhile, at the Chocolate Lab, in-house chocolatiers give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how chocolates are made.
With your appetite whet sufficiently, you’re likely to make a beeline to the Chocolate Galleria – where you can shop to your heart’s content. This treasure trove carries a selection of brands including Daim, Hershey’s, Toblerone, and Ferrero Rocher.
PROMOTION*
- RM5.00 – adults 18 years old and above.
- RM3.00 – children 7 years old and above with valid identification card or in school uniform.
- RM2.00 – children 6-3 years old.
- Free – children below 3 years old; and disabled individuals
*Normal price: RM10. Tickets can be purchased at the museum.
Learn more about the Chocolate Museum Kota Damansara on its website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Chocolate Museum Kota Damansara
No 2, Jalan Teknologi 3/5
Taman Sains Selangor 1
47810 Kota Damansara
Selangor
Business hours: 10.00am to 5.00pm daily
Contact: 017-910 4439