Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, Singapore’s homegrown bean-to-bar chocolate maker renowned for championing Asian cacao, has unveiled its inaugural dining programme at its Dempsey Hill Chocolate Factory. This innovative culinary experience seeks to highlight cacao’s versatility as an ingredient beyond conventional chocolate confections.
This expansion marks a strategic evolution for the brand, merging culinary innovation with business growth.
Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie
Jerome Penafort, Founder and CEO of Mr. Bucket, explains that the company has always recognised cacao’s potential beyond desserts. He notes that their deep understanding of cacao, from fermentation to flavor development, combined with their complete in-house production, enables them to present this ingredient uniquely.
Through this dining programme, they aim to demonstrate cacao’s true versatility within cuisine.
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Upon entering the space, we are greeted by a cosy outdoor patio that seats up to 60 guests. A colourful cacao pod installation hangs from above, which is said to be made from real cacao pods!
There, you can chill and enjoy your chocolate treats, and even glance through the glass windows to get a peep of the bean room on the right, where the cacao beans begin their journey through sorting and roasting.
Mr Bucket: A Journey into Chocolate Heaven
Stepping into the Dempsey outlet, we were immediately enveloped by the sweet aroma of chocolate.
This inviting space features a retail area, a comfortable seating section for those dining in, and a counter where guests can build their own chocolate slab.
There is also a workshop space and an open kitchen, allowing visitors to watch the chefs skillfully create their signature bonbons.
The bean was especially eager to make his own chocolate. The process was simple: he just had to choose between a milk or dark chocolate base, then select as many toppings as he liked, and finally, put his very own chocolate slab together.
The chocolate slab requires some time to harden so it is best to do this before having your meal.
Lunch at Mr Bucket
We were recommended to try three of Mr. Bucket’s signature items on their lunch menu: the Cacao Tea Somen, B.F.C & Waffles, and the Signature Beef Burger. Of course, we could not resist adding a Chocolate Milkshake and a Cocoa Husk Lemon Tea to complete the feast.
The Cacao Tea Somen ($14+) is a beautifully delicate dish that packs a surprising depth of flavor. The poached chicken sits in a chilled cocoa husk tea, brewed from the outer shell of cocoa beans.
It is light in texture, yet carries a distinct, subtly chocolatey flavor. The pickled shimeiji mushrooms and marinated tomatoes add a nice tangy contrast, making each bite feel fresh and appetising.
It is a unique take on somen, and definitely worth a try for those looking for something both comforting and complex.
The Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles (aka B.F.C) ($20+) is a great option for those craving something filling. The chicken, seasoned in a blend of herbs and spices, is made with juicy thigh meat that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The savoury, fluffy waffles complement the chicken well, making for a satisfying combination. The tangy cacao husk ranch which is served on the side adds a hint of chocolate that transforms the savory chicken and waffles, giving them a richer, more complex flavor profile.
The sweet apple chutney and pickled red onions add a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness and ensuring the dish does not leave us feeling overly sated.
The Signature Beef Burger ($22+) takes the classic to the next level with a juicy Angus beef patty, sharp cheddar, a fried egg, and crispy onions on the side, all paired with a separate serving of chocolate BBQ sauce.
We opted for the beef patty to be cooked medium, and it was spot on, juicy and tender. The crispy onions, served on the side, are highly addictive—especially when they are hot. The chocolate BBQ sauce had more of a Worcestershire sauce flavor than a typical chocolatey kick, but the richness it adds to the creaminess of the sauce is what sets it apart from your standard BBQ sauce.
The Cocoa Husk Lemon Tea ($8+) is made with the same base as the somen broth, but the addition of lemon and cacao foam gives it a refreshing, tangy twist.
The combination of citrus and chocolate worked well, creating a light yet flavorful drink. On the side, the Chocolate Milkshake ($12+), made from dark chocolate gelato blended with fresh cream and milk, offers a creamy and indulgent treat that is perfectly smooth and decadently chocolatey.
On to dessert, and no surprise here—we had more chocolate! We tried a selection of bonbons ($12+ for 3 bonbons), including Calamansi Surprise, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Cookies and Cream, and Mango Sago.
My favourite was the Calamansi Surprise—the calamansi marmalade, white chocolate ganache, popping candy and almond praline gave it a delightful citrusy kick with a playful twist.
No meal with the bean would be complete without ice cream, so we opted for some of the more unique gelato flavors at Mr. Bucket.
The Gula Melaka, Banana, and Coconut ($6+) was amazing—each flavour was distinct, yet they all came together harmoniously. The toasty sweetness of the Gula Melaka complemented the smooth banana, while the coconut added a creamy note. It was sweet, but in a way that felt balanced and never too much.
We also tried the Strawberry Balsamic, an unconventional flavor combo that worked surprisingly well. The acidity of the balsamic vinegar enhanced the mild sweetness of the strawberry, adding a layer of complexity without overshadowing the fruit’s natural flavor.
The gelatos come with a dark chocolate dip on the side. Fun tip: dip your spoon into the chocolate sauce before scooping the gelato. The chocolate will solidify and form a crunchy shell, giving each scoop an extra layer of texture.
To wrap up, our visit to Mr. Bucket was truly enjoyable, and it is definitely a place for anyone who loves chocolate.
From the creative use of cacao in the dishes to the indulgent desserts, each bite was a delightful surprise. What really impressed me was how they manage to be both innovative and sustainable—using every part of the cacao fruit in their offerings.
It is clear a lot of thought has gone into their menu, and that commitment to quality and sustainability really shines through.
If you love chocolate or enjoy unique, well-executed food, Mr. Bucket is definitely the kind of place where you can indulge without compromise.
Visit and be transported into the world of chocolate at Mr Bucket Chocolaterie
The experience has been a very educational yet fun one, and I certainly left with an even greater appreciation for chocolate.
Whether you are a fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or simply enjoy indulging in delicious chocolate, Mr Bucket Chocolaterie is a place that caters to all ages.
Come and experience the tantalising sights and taste of delightful chocolate making at Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie.
Mr Bucket Chocolaterie
Where: 13 Dempsey Rd #01-03/04 Singapore 249674
Opening hours: 11 am to 10 pm, daily
Website: Mr Bucket
