Hello hello, we are now on part 09 of Salt Bread Diaries! This week’s establishment is a little different than the usual, since their specialty is not salt bread. Just like what the name suggests, betterchocolatethannever (I adore the wordplay) focuses on chocolate cakes and confectionery.
betterchocolatethannever is located in the tranquil Panglima Polim neighborhood, far from the madding Blok M crowd. The interior is dominated with white and wooden texture. Some of the chairs are plastic Eames DSW replica. A bit bland, but it’s also kind of early 2000ish (which is good, in my book). I think the place is perfect for a quiet me-time, when you need to treat yourself some quality sweets with a book to read or journal to catch up with. Their bay window seat, however, seems like a designated spot for ladies reunion where everyone wants a cute group picture to blast on WhatsApp status.
The available salt bread stock was nicely displayed inside glass domes. They already sold out the most intriguing flavor, jalapeño cheddar. I went ahead for chocolate salt bread, with a glass of iced chocolate. Total for both after tax was IDR 104,000 – pretty pricey, phew! The bread alone cost me IDR 36,000. The server promised to grant me one truffle ball in exchange of a 5-star Google review.
In my previous posts, I have stated my disappointment with unheated salt bread, not to mention the staff who didn’t ask me if I wanted the salt bread to be reheated. Unfortunately, it happened again here. The bread was not crispy when it was served. It was even shown how the salt bread should be on their Instagram account. I could not remember why I didn’t send the bread back! I just enjoyed the bread without any complaints – probably because it was still pretty good. The bread was in room temperature, soft, not overly chewy and easy to cut. The taste of high quality gourmet ingredients was definitely there, too.
They were not really generous with the chocolate filling though. I saw one comment pointing this out on Instagram, to which the admin replied “Balance is the key *wink emoji*”. It might be not a bluff since I could sense a hint of smooth butter in my mouth, despite chocolate being the main point. However, it was still a bummer that I didn’t enjoy the salt bread the way it should be.
Finishing the chocolate bread, a glass of iced chocolate and a pop of chocolate almond truffle didn’t leave me nauseous at all. Stuffed, yes, but not sickened by too much chocolate. I guess that’s what the said “balance” do for you…
Final thoughts:
Food: 8/10 | Service: 8/10 | Ambience: 7/10
High quality salt bread, but make sure to ask for reheat. Place is pretty cozy for working or hangouts.
betterchocolatethannever
Jl. Panglima Polim IV No.14. Melawai, Jakarta Selatan
Opening hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (Mon – Thu), 9 AM – 9 PM (Fri – Sat)
