Named after the technique used to achieve chocolate’s smooth, shiny finish, Tempered is a serious new contender in Bangkok’s cacao scene that started from the humble beginnings of one passionate couple.
“It all began with this tiny drum roaster,” owner Kris Suteerachai said while displaying his first chocolate refiner. The machine was only capable of grinding 1 kilogram to 3 kilograms of beans.
Kris, who works as a property developer, originally had no idea he would eventually open a large-scale cacao cafe. It took a random trip to Japan on a rainy day to make him realize his latent interest in confection.
“We were seeking shelter from the rain,” Kris recalled when he and his wife Chanikan “Fern” Tanboonperm entered a random Tokyo shop. “We saw them making their chocolate from scratch, and we were mesmerized by its process: their staff cracked, winnowed, and ground the [cacao] beans. The processes we saw on that day fascinated us.”
When they returned from their trip, the couple sought a way to turn their dream into a reality. With Kris’s expertise in property development, they renovated a five-story office building on a leafy Ruamrudee soi and transformed it into their chocolate empire: Tempered Cooperatives. It’s now equipped with cutting-edge tempering machines and massive grinders capable of whipping up several batches of chocolate a week.
From the outside, the building resembles a typical modern office complex in Bangkok: raw materials, naked concrete walls, and cool dark palettes. But as you climb the staircase, the rich fragrance of roasted cacao beans overtakes the hallway. The second floor houses its speed bar, where customers can order quick menu items, and the bakery; gray concrete pillars meet sun-dappled pool water. The third floor, meanwhile, sits perched above Soi Ruamrudee with gleaming glass-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush greenery from the house across the street.
Recognizing that some customers may not be familiar with Thai chocolate, the couple also introduce patrons to the kingdom’s cacao culture. Their single chocolate drink (THB150) menu sources cacao beans from provinces across the country. On our last visit, their single-origin chocolate from Phatthalung was thick, rich, and dark – a decadent mugful with a somewhat fruity and nutty aftertaste. Coffee aficionados will want to opt for their Chocolate Dirty (THB160).
Fern, who has been practicing her pastry skills, oversees the bakery menu. Her almond croissant (THB140) has light, crispy layers oozing almond cream. Those who want something more filling can go for her generously-sized ham and cheese croissant (THB165). Her proudest creation, and our favorite, is Not a PBJ (THB215), which combines Fern’s three favorite sweet treats: peanut butter, jam, and a chocolate brownie made from the same cacao beans as the speed bar. We loved the soft, fresh, croissant-like texture that goes well with the peanut butter frosting, accompanied by a fresh tang from the jam-filled chocolate brownies.
The couple, however, don’t plan to stop there. Eventually, Tempered will open its slow bar on the third floor to introduce customers to more geographically diverse cacao beans.
Tempered is located inside Soi Ruamrudee 2 and opens 8am to 6pm every day.
FIND IT:
Tempered
59, Soi Ruamrudee 2, Pathum Wan
8am-6pm daily
092-828-544
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