Venchi at Pavilion KL
Calling all the chocoholics in Klang Valley. There’s a new spot in Kuala Lumpur that lets you indulge in delicious gourmet chocolates and creamy gelato: Venchi, a renowned Italian chocolate store that was established in Italy way back in 1878.
The gourmet chocolate brand just opened their first outlet in Malaysia, stocking refined Italian chocolates and serving artisanal gelatos at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. We visited the shop so you know what to expect on a visit there:
Individually-wrapped fine Italian chocolates to pick & mix
With its roots in Italy, Venchi’s outlet in Malaysia exudes a sophisticated and elegrant aura, featuring cream-coloured European-style wallpaper with Italian motifs. But the real eye candy here is the expansive wall of chocolate bars that stretches across one side of the shop, facing the entrance and greeting visitors as they enter.
It reminded us of a ‘Chocolate Hall of Fame’ – except the wall is a sole tribute to Venchi’s chocolates, which are recognised for their exceptional quality and taste.
If you’re looking to bring home some chocolate with you, Venchi has a wide variety of chocolate bars and blocks, as well as snack bars, priced from RM60.
But give your inner kid in the candy store a treat with their individually-wrapped chocolates (RM75/100g). This purchasing option lets you customise your assortment of goodies – simply pick your favourite flavours from the bins and place them in a bag, and it’ll be charged according to the total weight of the chocolates.
Some of the best-sellers include Chocoviar, Cremino, Nougatine, and Gianduiotto. Gluten-free, reduced sugars, and vegan-friendly options are also available.
We tried their Chocoviar Stracciatella filled with cookies and cream. It was rich, sweet, and addictive. The Chocoviar Arancia was another great choice. The zesty orange filling paired with the dark chocolate shell hit off like a perfect marriage.
With December fast approaching, Venchi has also rolled out their Christmas collection, which make for great gifts. The Chocolate Gift Packs (from RM130) packages an assortment of chocolates in beautiful tins shaped like Christmas trees and stars, as well as quaint shopfronts.
Their Advent Calendars (from RM105) are even more fun. Each calendar comes with 25 mini drawers stocking Venchi chocolates, letting you unveil and try a different surprise piece each day.
Artisanal gelatos & sorbets made from pistachios & Piedmont hazelnuts
Chocolate isn’t all the shop has to offer.
In 2007, Venchi dived into the world of gelato and has been serving sublime gelatos and sorbets with the same high quality as their chocolates ever since.
Pistachios, Hazelnuts, and 75% Dark Chocolate Gelatos are some of the hot pick flavours among customers. According to the friendly staff, the best way to indulge in their icy desserts is by pairing nutty flavours with fruity and tangy options such as Mango, Strawberries, and Yogurt.
We testify to the statement, as our pistachio-yoghurt combo tasted delicious. But feel free to pair any of the flavours – we also paired mango with mixed berries, and it was akin to having real fruits but with a soft, incredibly creamy texture.
You can have this frozen dessert in a cone or a cup, with three sizes (from RM33) available. To double up on the chocolate bliss, have your cone drizzled with their Supreme XV hot chocolate sauce for an additional RM3.
Indulge in chocolates at Venchi’s first Malaysia store
After our trip to Venchi, we concluded any chocolate enthusiast won’t want to miss dropping by this shop when they are in KL. It reigns supreme in both the chocolate and gelato realms. While it leans towards a more premium establishment, the high quality of Italian desserts you get from this chocolatier makes the experience worth it.
Address: Lot 3.06.02, Level 3, Connection, Pavilion KL, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-3000 7156 | Venchi Malaysia’s Instagram
While you’re in Bukit Bintang, you’ll want to check out this viral Chinese Muslim stall that serves crispy roti and Uniqlo’s first Uniqlo Coffee at Fahrenheit88.
Photography by Xinyee Goh.
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia