Monggo Chocolate: A Culinary Tour of Yogyakarta's Premium Chocolate

KBRN, Yogyakarta: Chocolate Monggo, a renowned Indonesian chocolate brand, tells a unique story of cultural fusion. Founded in 2010 by Belgian chocolatier Thierry Detournay, the company has blossomed into a beloved local institution, offering a taste of Yogyakarta to the world.

Detournay's journey began in 2001 during his travels across Indonesia. While savoring Belgian chocolate, he discovered that Indonesian chocolate, despite the country being a major cocoa producer, often lacked the sophistication he was accustomed to.

This realization sparked an entrepreneurial spirit.

Initially, Detournay sold his chocolates from a vibrant pink Vespa, charming Yogyakarta with his unique offerings.

In 2010, he opened his first shop and factory in Kotagede, marking the official birth of Chocolate Monggo.

Thierry used this pink Vespa to travel around selling chocolate. (Photo: RRI English/Naura Sofia)

Today, Chocolate Monggo has evolved into a leading player in the Indonesian chocolate scene.

The company has established the "Chocolate Kingdom Museum Factory Store & Kedai," a captivating destination on Bangunjiwo Village, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, where visitors can witness the chocolate-making process firsthand.

This interactive experience has become a popular tourist attraction.

Chocolate Monggo prioritizes quality, sourcing premium fermented cocoa beans from across Indonesia, including from Kulon Progo and Gunungkidul in Yogyakarta, Madiun in East Java, Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, Aceh, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua.

Trinitario beans, renowned for their rich flavor profiles, are a cornerstone of their production.

An example of the cocoa bean drying process used by local Indonesian farmers. (Photo: RRI English/Naura Sofia)

The brand boasts an extensive range of products, including 300 unique Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) encompassing pralines, bars, tablets, drinks, gelato, and innovative creations like fruit and nut-filled chocolates.

With 22 distinct chocolate flavors, ranging from 33 percent to 100 percent cocoa, there's something for every palate.

"Our dark chocolates are particularly popular due to the growing health consciousness," says Tri Widyantoro, Business Development and Company Relations Manager at Chocolate Monggo. "But our milk chocolates also enjoy a loyal following."

Chocolate Monggo packaging from various cities and countries. (Photo: RRI English/Naura Sofia)

Monggo's couverture chocolate is made with pure cocoa butter and crafted using traditional Belgian techniques. The line of Chocolate Monggo's beverages are also made with milk, free from water or additional cocoa powder.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient Almex Mezo civilization, who enjoyed chocolate with spices, chilies, and corn, Chocolate Monggo has experimented with unique flavor combinations, including chili-infused chocolate.

While not for everyone, these innovative creations showcase the brand's commitment to pushing culinary boundaries.

"The chocolate and packaging are unique because they highlight the culture and the historical city of Jogja. I think it is quite creative and gives a new face to Jogja," said Linda, one of the visitors at Chocolate Kingdom Museum Factory Store & Kedai, on Thursday (Jan 9).