A chocolate overload awaits you in Shanghai, one which, unlike for Wonka’s, does not the need the lucky find of a golden ticket!
But for a semi-reasonable ¥180, you are granted access to Zotter’s Chocolate Theatre that comes with a gastronomically unlimited tour through the art of chocolate making.
Both organic and fair traded, Zotter’s offers you ethical pleasure. But what is there to learn at the Theatre? Founded by Josef Zotter, an Austrian chocolatier who still ensures the bean-to-bar business model by buying their beans straight from the growers, Zotter’s is named thus as everyone in the family is involved in the chocolate business, whether that be IT, corporate or the tasting of the chocolate.
With the Chocolate Theatre offering both vegan and dairy-free options, at last there is no need to leave your vegan friends behind; take them with you! And with more flavours than days of the year, or just about, you will be delighted by the sheer variety and flavour combinations that Zotter’s Chocolate Theatre can provide.
The tour begins with a 15-minute viewing of a short documentary in the actual chocolate theatre, before you are given an audio guide as you enter a green hallway and begin your chocolate safari. Multiple languages available.
First off, the tasting of roasted cacao beans. Then, as you proceed down the hall, more and more flavours are added to each sample.
Unlike Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, there is no river of chocolate; but at Zotter’s, a pull of a lever is all it takes to be really able to taste an unlimited amount of melted chocolate; fountains of chocolate in pure abundance.
For an extra ¥70, you have the option of creating your own chocolate bar, in a wide variety of different flavours. Add ons and a selection of mould shapes make the fun perfect for children (or creative adults).
The second floor is most definitely worth a visit, given you will be confronted by sensory curtains which swish open to reveal the inner workings of the factory and the entire spectrum of chocolate flavours. Here is also the major portion of premade chocolate, consisting of almost all the flavours available in Zotter’s Chocolate Theatre.
Thirsty? You’re in luck as the second floor is also home to the hallway of “drinking chocolate”. The different flavours of hot chocolate (also unlimited) therein are preceded by an equivalent of crispies, offering a wide variety of chocolatecovered nuts, flakes and dried fruits. Do note that the directions for savouring the chocolates are laced with innuendo.
Finally, if you still have space, the nougat-conveyor belt takes us to the end of our chocolate tour, as we arrive at the gift shop. Now is the time to remember family and friends and how much they deserve a treat or two. Then, once you exit the Theatre, you face a cheeky reminder of that more-famous chocolate factory; two paintings of Oompa Loompas.
Located near a shipping port and shopping district, allowing yourself to wander along the quaint, adjacent river to burn off some chocolate calories, find Zotter’s Chocolate Theatre at Building 9, Shanghai International Fashion Centre, 2866 Yangshupu Lu 杨树浦路2866号上海国际时尚中心9号楼. Reservations recommended: 13248360658.
