Max Brenner: Adventures In Chocolate Wonderland

Trust me, Max Brenner knows chocolate. This is not your typical chocolate tasting bar at a candy shop but a revolution in chocolate culture. The bald-man-brand is transforming and reimagining the image of cocoa into innovative shapes and forms all over the world.

The real-life fulfillment of every chocolate lovers’ wish, Max Brenner has six locations in Japan alone and over 50 locations all over the world. Known for their inventive ways of incorporating chocolate into meals, the chocolate heaven chain offers customers a brand new culinary experience — with everyone’s favorite ingredient front and center.

On a recent sunny Monday afternoon, I was invited to try out Max Brenner’s extensive chocolate menu at their Solamachi store. Being a chocolate lover myself, I couldn’t say no to the offer. It was my very first time to try it, despite the fact that I had long drooled over its ads.

I brought one of my friends and headed on over to Max Brenner tucked right underneath Tokyo Skytree in Sumida ward. Contrary to my expectations, the chocolate bar was not jam-packed on a weekday, giving the restaurant a more laidback and relaxed atmosphere.Upon entry, I was welcomed by the luscious smell of chocolate that transported me to an imaginary candy land far, far away. The brown pipes that ran across the ceiling, the chocolate spinners near the windows and the hanging lamps reminded me of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Seeing “Chocolate is good for you” written on the wall and the company slogan “Creating a new chocolate culture worldwide” on the napkins, you could sense the brand’s genuine passion for chocolate.After browsing through the menu that included chocolate in literally all shapes and sizes, we decided to order the most popular items. First came the chocolate chunks pizza topped with roasted marshmallows (¥470-¥2,320). The perfect combination between the soft chewy dough and the melted marshmallow created a rich and sweet sensation that not much in life can compare to!
Then, came the iconic Max Brenner large sized syringe (¥720) filled with rich chocolate sauce. Looking for an extra sweet punch, I pushed down the syringe for some chocolate drizzles over my pizza. I became even more excited when I found out I could take the syringe home for some serious cocoa-topping action on my baked goods.

Next, the 80’s milkshake (¥770) inspired by Alice in Wonderland arrived at our table. Written in big fonts “Drink Me”, the popular frozen drink was a blend of chocolate milk and vanilla sauce with a chocolate-coated vanilla ice-cream on top. The refreshing taste was perfect for the hot and humid weather.

Just as we were sipping on our milkshakes, the main course — the Classic European Fondue — came just in time (¥2,320). The set included three towers of fondues in chocolate, toffee and white chocolate, a bowl full of marshmallows and brownies, a small portable furnace and a fresh fruit bowl.

My friend and I roasted the marshmallows on skewers over the furnace for a good ol’ s’more session just like we always did at bonfires. We then dipped the melted gooey marshmallow in the chocolate sauce and ate it with the brownies —a familiar taste that reminded me of sitting by campfires back home.

As we were finishing up, we checked out the savory menu with items like a Spinach Chicken Salad (¥970), Quattro Formaggi (¥920-¥1520) and the Best BLT Sandwich (¥1320). We promised each other that we would definitely come back to try these on the menu (as well as another round of chocolate options).

Before we headed out the door, we stopped by the gift shop to bring some of the magic home. Stacked with shelves of Max Brenner chocolates and sweets, we picked out some favorites for friends and, of course, for ourselves. We left the store with a stomach full of chocolate and a heart full of happiness.

The Deets

Max Brenner Solamachi

Address: Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 1F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo. Direct access from Oshiage Station’s East Sky Tree Town Exit.
Tel: 03-5610-6400
Business hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sat, Sun, Hol 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.