Singapore travellers can now indulge in Vietnamese craft chocolate without leaving the terminal. Maison Marou, the Ho Chi Minh City-based bean-to-bar chocolatier celebrated for its single-origin bars and farm-direct cacao, has launched its first-ever international outpost in Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 Departure Transit Area. The boutique offers a curated selection of award-winning chocolates, pastries, and drinking chocolate—making it a fresh reason to arrive early for your next flight.
A Taste of Vietnamese Cacao, Now Closer to Home
Since its founding in 2011, Maison Marou has carved a niche in Vietnam’s culinary scene by controlling every step of chocolate production in-house. Unlike mass-market brands that source pre-made chocolate, the company works directly with cacao farmers across Vietnam—from the lush highlands of Dak Lak to the Mekong Delta—to preserve the distinct flavour profiles of each growing region. The result is a range of single-origin bars that highlight the terroir of Vietnamese cacao, often surprising palates accustomed to chocolates from West Africa or Latin America.
“We want to show the world that Vietnam produces world-class cacao,” says co-founder Samuel Maruta in a past interview. “Every bar tells the story of the land and the farmers who grow it.”
What to Expect at the Changi Outpost
Located in the transit area of Terminal 1, the boutique stocks Maison Marou’s signature products: single-origin chocolate bars wrapped in vibrant, art-inspired packaging—perfect for last-minute gifts. Travelers can also grab buttery pastries and decadent desserts reminiscent of the brand’s popular cafés in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside a rich, velvety drinking chocolate that has earned a cult following.
The airport boutique marks a strategic first step beyond Vietnam, tapping into Singapore’s role as a regional travel hub. For frequent flyers who previously sought out Maison Marou on trips to Vietnam, the new outlet eliminates the need for a separate journey—though the brand’s flagship café in Ho Chi Minh City remains a must-visit for its full menu of desserts and coffee-chocolate pairings.
Broader Implications for Craft Chocolate
Maison Marou’s expansion reflects a growing global appetite for origin-specific craft chocolate, a trend driven by consumers who want transparency and traceability in their food. By opening at an airport, the brand gains exposure to millions of international travelers—many of whom may discover Vietnamese cacao for the first time. This could boost awareness of Vietnam’s emerging chocolate industry, which has historically been overshadowed by the country’s coffee and pho.
Visit and Next Steps
The Maison Marou boutique is open now at Changi Airport Terminal 1 Departure Transit Area. For those still grounded, follow the brand on Instagram for updates on new releases and pop-ups. If you’re passing through, consider picking up a few single-origin bars—they make a thoughtful souvenir long after your departure stamp fades.
For more foodie finds in Singapore, check out our coverage of Tokyo bakery-café Rituel’s local debut and the city’s first Laotian-Isan Thai restaurant.