This is ‘true taste’ —guiltless indulgence, with the finest Italian craftsmanship. Because life’s too short for bad chocolate.
Venchi Philippines just opened its third—and biggest yet—store in the country at SM Mall of Asia (MOA), and I was there to witness pure indulgence in motion. Yes, we’re talking chocolate that makes your taste buds write thank-you notes, and gelato that could make even the most hectic day in the metro feel like a mini vacation in Turin (Venchi’s HQ). Well, not quite—but almost, with a stretch of the imagination and multiple scoops of hazelnut or pistachio gelato.
Italian mastery meets Filipino hospitality
Founded in 1878, Venchi has been crafting joy for nearly 150 years. Silviano Venchi, back then a 20-year-old from Turin, spent his life savings on two bronze cauldrons to experiment with chocolate—and the rest is history. Today, the brand celebrates heritage (“Verissimo”), joy (“Allegrissimo”), and balance (“Buonissimo”) through over 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors, sold in more than 180 boutiques in key cities worldwide, from London to Tokyo. MOA now joins that illustrious list, bringing Italian allegria to Filipino chocolate lovers.
The MOA team blends Italian excellence with Filipino hospitality. They’re friendly, efficient, and genuinely happy to help, making you feel like a guest in someone’s home rather than a shopper in a mall. It’s premium Italian quality with local warmth, and it elevates every visit into an occasion. A massive shoutout goes to MJ Tantoco (AVP, Business Development and Operations, Good Eats by SSI), Joan Aquino (GM, Good Eats by SSI), and Beatrice Amlesù (Business Development Manager, Franchising & Travel Retail APAC). Thank you for turning a simple chocolate trip into a journey of “multiplicity of pleasure in true tastes,” Venchi’s enduring mission.
Ingredients worth the indulgence
Venchi isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about doing it responsibly. Every creation reflects careful ingredient sourcing: for instance, cocoa from Venezuela with Rainforest Alliance certification, premium pistachios from the Mediterranean and from Bronte, Sicily, and hazelnuts from the Langhe region of Piedmont, celebrated as Nocciola Piemonte IGP. Guilt? Zero. Pleasure? Infinite.
Among my personal favorites are Cremino Pistachio, with three layers of chocolate happiness and pistachio paste, and Chocoviar, topped with 75% dark chocolate microspheres (aka “chocolate caviar”). I also love the Dark Pearl chocolate sphere (which I tried for the first time at the MOA opening), featuring a crunchy whole roasted Piedmont Hazelnut heart and a double Gianduia and dark chocolate hemisphere. Because some things in life should be a little extra. And if you’ve ever caught yourself talking to and expressing your affections for chocolate like it’s a person, welcome to Venchi—it’s safe here.
The brand also introduced a Philippine-exclusive gelato flavor: Ube Gelato, because Venchi said, “Let’s honor the viral global ube craze while keeping it classically Italian.” Imagine your favorite Filipino dessert, reimagined with centuries-old Italian gelateria craft. Mind = blown. Gorgeously delicate, naturally flavored ube—none of that artificial, overly processed taste. Pro tip: This Philippine-exclusive gelato is so subtle and pure, it shines best on its own or paired with another mild flavor, so nothing overshadows its nuanced ube-ness.
A feast for all senses
Walking into Venchi is like stepping into someone’s wildly tasteful Pinterest board. Floor-to-ceiling displays of chocolate bars, pralines, and colorful confections adorn every wall. Every surface pops with vivid colors and bold branding—it’s cheerful, playful, and luxurious in a non-pretentious Italian kind of way. You don’t just shop chocolate—you experience it.
Step closer, and the magic multiplies. The smell of rich cocoa hits you first, then the sight of glistening gelato scoops and perfectly layered pralines makes it impossible not to gasp. Every display invites a little “ooh” or “ahh,” and you’ll find yourself wandering from bar to bar, tray to tray, tempted by colors and textures you didn’t even know could exist in chocolate form. This was the perfect setting for a Venchi chocolate flight on opening day, expertly guided by Beatrice, who walked us through each creation, explaining the story behind the flavors, textures, and sourcing. Every bite felt like a small revelation—a delicious blend of Italian mastery and playful indulgence.
Gifts that make every occasion sweeter
Venchi has thoughtfully curated a chocolate gift collection that doubles as a reason to indulge yourself or a loved one. Highlights include:
- Murrine Hamper: A round gift box with an assortment of Venchi’s signature chocolates, available in various sizes.
- Murrine Pencil Case: A playful blue case inspired by Cremino and Granblend chocolates—perfect for keeping treats close at hand during work or travel.
- Murrine Flower Orange Two Trays: Showcasing Chocoviar, Gianduia with whole PGI Piedmont hazelnuts, Pistachio, Crème Brûlée, and more.
- Murrine Metal Tin: Featuring Nougatine, Pearl chocolates, Ingots, Chocoviar Gianduia, and Gianduiotto, each piece reflecting the depth of Italian chocolate-making.
Visually stunning, thoughtfully designed, and irresistibly delicious—Venchi gifts bring a touch of Italian craftsmanship to any celebration.
Also, Mother’s Day is coming. You know where to go.
Final bites
With Venchi’s MOA debut, Filipino chocolate lovers now have a full-blown Italian chocolate experience at their fingertips—gelato, pralines, and more, all crafted with over a century of expertise. This is not just a charming chocolate shop; it’s a small escape into Italian craft and allegria without leaving Manila.
Congrats to Venchi and Good Eats by SSI for this next-level choco-tastic destination!
Venchi 1878
Venchi Philippines
Stores Specialists, Inc
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