Discover the Kahkow Chocolate Tour in New Jersey

Kahkow offers a bean-to-bar chocolate experience rooted in Dominican cacao heritage. At their Maplewood chocolate factory and boutique, visitors learn how premium cacao is transformed into craft chocolate, explore small-batch production equipment, and enjoy guided tastings of Kahkow’s signature bars and single-origin varieties.
Why it’s special: Kahkow is the first U.S. chocolate shop and factory created by Rizek Cacao — one of the Dominican Republic’s most respected cacao producers — providing unmatched insight into sustainable, farm-to-bar chocolate making.

History/Story of Kahkow Chocolate

For generations, the Rizek family has cultivated high-quality cacao in the Dominican Republic, supplying beans to some of the world’s top chocolatiers. Seeking to share their chocolate directly with consumers, they launched Kahkow — showcasing their cacao through handcrafted chocolate bars, innovative flavor profiles, and immersive educational experiences. The Maplewood location combines factory production, a tasting room, and a boutique under one roof.

What You’ll See & Do

• Tour the small-batch chocolate-making area

• Learn how cacao beans are roasted, cracked, winnowed, refined, tempered, and molded

• View artisanal production equipment used for small-scale craft chocolate

• Discover the story of Dominican cacao and sustainable farming practices

• Sample various Kahkow chocolates, including single-origin bars and specialty flavors

• Shop for unique products including cacao nibs, hot chocolate mixes, bars, and gifts

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Visitors may smell roasted cacao, taste nibs or partially refined chocolate, observe the tempering process up close, and participate in guided tastings comparing different origins and percentages.

Photo/Video Policy

Photos are allowed in the boutique and tasting spaces. Some production zones may limit video recording for safety or proprietary reasons.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Kahkow craft chocolate bars

• Cacao nibs, beans, and baking products

• Hot chocolate blends and signature creations

• Dominican Republic-sourced cacao products

• Gifts, accessories, and tasting kits

Practical Info

Tours and tastings require advance reservation and usually last 45–60 minutes. The experience is intimate and ideal for chocolate lovers, families, and small groups. The factory is located in Maplewood’s downtown district, close to shops and cafés.

Pricing

• Standard Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting: approx. $20–$30 per person

• Workshops or Private Tastings: Higher pricing depending on session

• Boutique Purchases: Individually priced

Nearby

• Maplewood Village restaurants and boutiques

• South Mountain Reservation trails

• Millburn & Short Hills shopping districts

• Newark and NYC commuter access

FAQs

Is Kahkow’s chocolate actually produced on-site?

Yes — Maplewood houses a working small-batch chocolate factory where visitors see bean-to-bar processes firsthand.

Are tastings included?

Yes — most tours include guided tastings of several chocolates.

Is this experience kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Families enjoy the interactive demonstration style and tasting sections.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes — tours require advance booking and have limited capacity.

Is Kahkow connected to Dominican cacao farms?

Yes. Kahkow is directly tied to Rizek Cacao’s sustainable farms, making the experience authentically farm-to-bar.