Charisma Workshop - Love Me Tender - Coco Barry Guayaquil chocolate mousse, mandarin cream, orange financier sponge ($10,50) Matcha White Chocolate Torte

Charisma Workshop, Melbourne CBD

Charisma Workshop

Charisma Workshop is a passion project of the Ko family, headed by Jonathan who flaunts his skills in cakes and patisserie, honed through study at the Savour Chocolate & Patisserie School.

Charisma Workshop
Charisma Workshop - Charisma Hot Chocolate - Callebaut 815 dark and callebaut power 41 milk ($5) Matcha Latte ($6)
Charisma Hot Chocolate - Callebaut 815 dark and callebaut power 41 milk ($5) Matcha Latte ($6)

The cabinets are filled with handmade cakes and chocolates, and the intimate cafe provides a pleasant place in which to savour them over a hot drink. Try a smooth and creamy hot chocolate, or a matcha latte made using matcha imported directly from Japan. The milky matcha drink is strong, but not too bitter. Black sugar syrup can be provided if you want to round it off further.

Charisma Workshop - Pancetta Croquette (3 for $4)
Pancetta Croquette (3 for $4)

The Pancetta Croquettes are great value. The creamy interior includes a piece of pancetta, and although they’re quite fragile things, it’s because they possess a lighter, cheesy texture.

Charisma Workshop - Ratatouille Baked Egg with Polenta Chips - Mixed grilled vegetables and egg with homemade napoli sauce, halloumi, and polenta chips ($16)
Ratatouille Baked Egg with Polenta Chips - Mixed grilled vegetables and egg with homemade napoli sauce, halloumi, and polenta chips ($16)
Charisma Workshop - Confit Duck Leg w mushrooms, sweet potato and pumpkin mash, coffee red wine reduction, tomato marshmallow, and parmesan ($26)
Confit Duck Leg w mushrooms, sweet potato and pumpkin mash, coffee red wine reduction, tomato marshmallow, and parmesan ($26)

The meat of the Confit Duck Leg pulls off the bone easily. A tangy coffee red wine reduction comes in a separate dish, though I personally prefer the dish it as is – the protein is quite tasty in itself. The Ratatouille Baked Egg is packed full of vegetables, and instead of toast, you get a stack of herbed and crispy polenta chips.

Charisma Workshop - Hojicha $6
Hojicha $6
Charisma Workshop - Matcha White Chocolate Torte - Almond marzipan, matcha white chocolate sponge & mousse ($10,90) Jasmine Raspberry Pillow
Matcha White Chocolate Torte, Jasmine Raspberry Pillow

Where the Ko family’s real passion lies, however, is in their sweets. His focus is on simpler flavour combinations rather than ones that are too complex and overwhelming, and his cakes tend to please the Asian palate as they’re aren’t too sweet. They’re a labour of love too; each small cake can take 3-5 days to construct.

Charisma Workshop - Jasmine Raspberry Pillow - Jasmine Bavarian cream, raspberry cream, almond sponge ($9.90)
Jasmine Raspberry Pillow - Jasmine Bavarian cream, raspberry cream, almond sponge ($9.90)
Charisma Workshop - Love Me Tender - Coco Barry Guayaquil chocolate mousse, mandarin cream, orange financier sponge ($10,50) Matcha White Chocolate Torte
Charisma Workshop - Love Me Tender - Coco Barry Guayaquil chocolate mousse, mandarin cream, orange financier sponge ($10.50)
Love Me Tender - Coco Barry Guayaquil chocolate mousse, mandarin cream, orange financier sponge ($10.50)

The Matcha White Chocolate Torte is a delicious combination of almond marzipan, matcha white chocolate sponge and matcha white chocolate mousse. Jasmine Raspberry Pillow contains Bavarian cream made from Jasmine tea infused milk – no artificial flavours here. The rich chocolate and orange flavours of the Love Me Tender also delight.

Nestled just off 206 A’Beckett Street, Charisma Workshop is a hidden gem.

Charisma Workshop
Charisma Workshop

Disclaimer: I was invited to Charisma Workshop as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time

Charisma Workshop
3 Frederick Way
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
(03) 8764 6663
https://www.charismaworkshop.com.au/
Charisma Workshop Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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