[Melbourne] Step aside coffee for one moment – let chocolate have the spotlight.
It is a funny request, considering that coffee is everywhere in Melbourne. To that, some say that is exactly why someone or something should come along to shake it up a little.
Mörk Chocolate Brew House is that spark.
Only one thing can be found: cacao. What you cannot find includes: coffee and anything not made of chocolate.
Founded by a Swedish husband-and-wife duo, Mörk aims to elevate specialty hot chocolate to the status of coffee.
It is interesting that the pair are trained baristas and roasters to start, because they have clearly put their expertise to use.
Cacao beans at Mörk are traceable, quality, and have unique origins. The bean-to-table process is controlled, with even the roasting of cacao done on site.
Three things actually go into the chocolate: cacao liquor sourced from Sur del Lago in Venezuela; cacao powder, currently from a blend of origins; and organic unrefined coconut blossom sugar sourced from West Java.
The result? Small batches of drinking chocolate that are decadent and tasty, with every component made from scratch.
In their cosy red brick brewhouse found at North Melbourne (quite near Auction Rooms), seating is limited to a large communal table in the corner and a few tiny surfaces. Takeaways are the norm.
Still, there is plenty of opportunity to sip on the hot chocolate. I loved the service by the way, as the servers were very patient (and chirpy) in explaining all about the chocolates.
The absolute basics are the House Hot Chocolate (AUD 6).
At the same price point, your options differ in the intensity of cacao, available in Junior Dark 50%, an Original Dark 70%, Even Darker 85%, and Dark Milk & River Salt 65%.
For a little extra, get a Toasted Vanilla Marshmallow (AUD 1.50) with the steaming cup of chocolate.
Hot Signatures are the real deal: in particular, the Campfire Hot Chocolate (AUD 8) is equal food and equal experience.
In name, it is a 70% dark hot chocolate served with maple smoke, charcoal salt and toasted marshmallow.
When it plays out, you will see a wine glass filled with charcoal salt and overflowing with maple smoke, while a blowtorch chars the marshmallow on top. It all recreates the sight and smell of a campfire.
Get it as a shake, the nicely named Frozen Campfire Morkshake (AUD 10).
On your way out of Mörk Chocolate Brew House, remember to check out the counter for the pastries and chocolate truffles of the day.
Anything short of a sugar rush will not be enough.
Mörk Chocolate Brew House
150 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Mörk Chocolate Brew House
Other Related Entries
Bench Coffee Co. (Little Collins St
Operator25 (Wills Street, Melbourne)
Humble Rays (Carlton, Melbourne)
Auction Rooms (North Melbourne)
Market Lane Coffee (Melbourne)
* Written by Dean Ang and Daniel Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
