From G.O.A.T To Kempe Gouda, Bengaluru’s Melchior Cheese Is A Haven Of Spice-Infused Artisanal Delights

Step into a world where the aromatic whispers of France mingle with the vibrant streets of Bengaluru, creating a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate. Picture this: a cosy artisanal cheese shop tucked away amidst the bustling cityscape, where each cheese tells a tale of craftsmanship, passion, and a harmonious blend of cultures. Born from the passion and dedication of Valentin Melchior, a multifaceted French cheesemaker and artist-painter, this artisanal cheese shop stands as a testament to his journey and love for both craft and culture.

Bengaluru’s Melchior Cheese Unveils French Flavours

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melchior Fromagerie (@melchiorcheese)

Valentin’s story is one of wanderlust and passion. His arrival in Bengaluru during an exchange program marked the beginning of an unforeseen love affair with India’s charm. Drawing from his French heritage and armed with a penchant for fine arts, Valentin decided to call Bengaluru home in 2015. Juggling roles as a French teacher and an accomplished cheesemaker, he retained a strong connection to his roots while embracing the local Indian culture.

Melchior Cheese is more than a mere cheese shop; it’s an ode to craftsmanship and a bridge between distant lands. Valentin, along with his partner Aparajeeta Dhuria, crafts a myriad of cheeses, each bearing the imprint of his French upbringing blended with Bengaluru’s local flavours. Their repertoire boasts an eclectic array of cheeses, from the famous GOAT (Greatest of All Time), a tantalising creation crafted from goat’s milk, to The Bousin, a ball of cream cheese infused with a delightful medley of herbs and spices.

A Cheesy French Affair In India

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melchior Fromagerie (@melchiorcheese)

Melchior Cheese is unique not only because of its wide selection but also because of its dedication to quality and creativity. For instance, consider the 16-inch-diameter grazing platter that Valentin has carefully chosen for special events. The platter caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, showcasing a symphony of flavours and textures.

The Tomme de Bengaluru, a labour of love that captures the essence of the city, is one of their most treasured works. Bengaluru’s distinct charm is evident in the cheese’s smooth, nutty, and fruity texture, which combines French techniques with regional subtleties. A harmonious blend of the city’s lively energy and the rich legacy of French cheese-making, the Tomme de Bengaluru is a blend of regional flavours and French savoir-faire.

Also Read: 7 New Restaurants To Try This Month In Pune For A Gastronomic Delight!

Crafting French Magic In Every Bite

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melchior Fromagerie (@melchiorcheese)

But it’s not just about the Tomme. Every cheese carries a tale of skill and love, from the traditional mozzarella that works well in pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, and pizza to the marinated Feta that is salt-cured for weeks. The aged Gouda, developed over more than three months, offers a journey from mild creaminess to caramelised richness, while the delicate and creamy Bocconcini pairs well with bread, cured meats, and salads.

For those seeking an adventure in cheese tasting, Melchior Cheese presents a tantalising tasting platter—a selection of five cheeses—from Young Gouda to Cambrie, Feta, Bocconcini skewers, and cream balls. And not to forget BouiBoui, a rich spread inspired by ancestral French cheese recipes, blending aged cheeses with fresh cream, garlic, onions, and an assortment of herbs, making it a delectable treat from dawn to dusk.

Melchior Cheese isn’t just a haven for cheese enthusiasts; it’s a testament to Valentin’s dedication to his craft, his love for Bengaluru, and his pursuit of bridging cultures through the language of cheese.

Cover Image Courtesy: Mechoir Cheese/Instagram