Inside The World of Chocolate With Chef Ruby Islam
If you follow the world of chocolate in India, then you’ve definitely heard of Chef Ruby Islam, a true alchemist who’s changing how the country thinks about chocolate. Her story is as scrumptious and layered as the creations she comes up with at Manam Chocolate in Hyderabad. But behind those award-winning bars lies a journey filled with curiosity, aspiration, and boundless inspiration that peaked from India’s rich food cultures and local cacao. She is an uplifting example of how drive, tenacity, and lifelong learning can raise Indian chocolate to a global level.
From Childhood Dreams to Culinary Science
She grew up in Mumbai in a family that valued hospitality, with many relatives in the Hotel Industry. From a young age, Chef Ruby delighted in baking for her family, watching culinary shows, and expressing creativity through food. Her academic strengths in the sciences merged with artistic pursuits, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management at Christ University, Bangalore. Her formative years in hotels like ITC Gardenia established her reputation as a talented pastry chef and chocolatier, where she trained under renowned experts and played key roles in launching projects. A turning point was in 2016 when she helped launch Fabelle, India’s first luxury chocolate brand, shaping flavors and systems that fueled her desire to dive deeper into craft chocolate.
Leading Manam’s Farm-to-Bar Chocolate Renaissance
In 2022, Chef Ruby embraced a bold new chapter by taking the helm as Head Chef at Manam Chocolate in Hyderabad, a decision that perfectly aligned with her deeply personal vision of forging a truly Indian craft chocolate identity. What makes this journey extraordinary isn’t just the creation of chocolate, but the alchemical transformation that Chef Ruby leads everyday, turning the humble cacao bean into award-winning delicacies that carry the spirit and stories of India’s diverse terroirs. Her work at Manam goes far beyond the kitchen; it is an inspiring blend of science and tradition, innovation and respect, rooted in a farm-to-bar philosophy that directly empowers over 120 Indian cacao farmers across the country’s cacao belts.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation in Every Bite
Under her visionary leadership, Manam’s fermentary is a unique laboratory where the art of chocolate-making meets scientific precision. She understands that great chocolate starts long before it reaches the kitchen. It is born in the soil, nurtured by the farmers, and awakened by the delicate balance of fermentation. Combining this traditional wisdom with meticulous experimentation, she unlocked complex, nuanced flavors, never before associated with Indian chocolate. Her relentless curiosity drives her to push boundaries, exploring new tastes, textures, and aromas that celebrate India’s culinary heritage and translate it into global excellence.
What truly sets her apart is her artistry fueled by an insatiable hunger for creation and sensory exploration. Every chocolate bar she crafts is a narrative, a story steeped in her vibrant childhood memories, the spices and produce of India, and the heartfelt work of farmers whose hands touch every bean. This deep connection to the place and the people breathes a soul into her creations, transforming chocolate from a luxury item to a cultural experience.
Passion and Purpose Driving Global Success
Chef Ruby’s motivation is a tapestry woven from collaboration, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of her young and passionate team. She thrives in an environment where ideas flow freely, where challenges become opportunities, and where every success is a shared celebration. She finds inspiration in the energy around her, the smiles of the farmers, the enthusiasm of her colleagues and the endless possibilities of flavor.
Success is not nearly a measure by the medals or international acclaim Manam Chocolate has garnered, including honors from TIME Magazine and the prestigious Academy of Chocolate in the UK. True success, for her, is about elevating Indian chocolate on the world stage while championing sustainable farming and ongoing learning. It is about continuously pushing creative boundaries and honoring every part of the journey, from bean to bar. Chef Ruby’s story is a powerful reminder of how passion, integrity, and innovation can come together to rewrite an industry and inspire a nation.
~ Narrated by Naina Bhaskar