Sweet and decadent, all is well when one can satisfy their cravings with a good dose of rich chocolate, especially for iftar or after a long day at work.
If you are one that yearns for premium chocolate, then the local brand Tropique is the ideal place for you. With its refined ambience, decorated with confectionary motifs and chocolate displays, this cocoa-centric cafe will serve you the sweet-rush that any chocolate lover craves.
Established in 2022, Tropique is an up-and-coming hub for luxury chocolate in Brunei Darussalam.
Image: Analisa Amu
Combining rich chocolate imported from Europe and vibrant Asian flavours like matcha, gula melaka and shitake mushroom, Tropique provides a unique point-of-view on how chocolate can be enjoyed.
Ranging from bite-sized dragées, sables to mouthwatering Liège waffles, soft serve and hot chocolate, everything is made fresh from the kitchen of the Kiulap-based business.
Tropique is the brain child of business owner Lina, a heartfelt chocolate lover with more than 15 years of culinary experience.
Prior to starting Tropique, Lina’s undying passion for chocolate has taken her on a journey across Europe, Asia and Oceania, dedicating her time under the tutelage of master chocolatiers to experiment, innovate and ultimately discover new flavours by making exquisite small-batch chocolates.
Image: Analisa Amu
After more than a decade of international experience and meticulous planning, Lina felt that she was finally ready to share her craft with the Bruneian market.
With the establishment of Tropique, Lina is very hands-on and present, being involved in every process of the business, from ingredient selection, recipe creation and even packaging.
“Hard work, passion, determination and creativity- these are the things that made Tropique possible,” she said in an interview.
“We believe that you deserve the highest quality chocolate we can deliver. At Tropique, we value quality, craftsmanship and sustainability,” she added, noting her uncompromising commitment to excellence, as a main driver towards learning new techniques and refining her skills.
Image: Analisa Amu
For her, at Tropique, chocolate is not just a confection – it is an experience, and the brand hopes to be a memorable one.
Lina then shared that all delectables available in-store are from their state-of-the-art factory that is equipped with humidity control.
Every single item, she revealed, is made following a meticulous process where even their signature Dragées alone takes about three to four days to make.
Chocolate is a time-intensive and specialised craft, added Lina, and that is why she makes sure that the quality and taste are never compromised.
Image: Analisa Amu
Tropique currently has over 20 types of dragée; nut and Sablé base, caramel truffles, chocolate-coated popcorn, sablé, chocolate bars and a collection of Medjool praline dates. They use Palestinian dates which are available in limited quantities.
If you are looking for something a little bit different than the standard bite-sized chocolates, Tropique also has salted banana chips dipped in their signature chocolate. However, if you prefer something light and delicate, their crisp love letters covered in chocolate are a must-try.
To experience fresh, artisanal chocolates with all your five senses, you should dine-in with your family and friends at Tropique.
Another must-try is their authentic Liége Waffles made with brioche-like yeast dough which is studded with imported Belgian pearl sugar – the magic ingredient – with a side of their in-house soft serve.
Image: Analisa Amu
Their Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is also nothing to scoff at. Warm and gooey, the giant cookie is baked directly in a cast-iron skillet topped with dark chocolate served with their in-house soft-serve ice cream.
Although still in its infancy stage, Tropique is passionate about excellence and quality. The brand hopes to expand its wings into the international market, representing Brunei as the manufacturer of quality chocolate.
Head over to Tropique located at Units 1 & 2, Ground Floor, Simpang 88 in Kiulap and discover their exquisite chocolates and confections.
They are open from 3pm to 12am on Tuesdays through Sundays during Ramadan. Follow them on Instagram @tropiqueofficial to see the beautiful creations.
Image: Analisa Amu
Image: Analisa Amu
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
