How Custom Silicone Moulds Helped Benihana Elevate Their Dessert Experience

Custom Silicone Mould Design for Chocolate Dessert Accompaniment

Client: Benihana

Service: Custom Silicone Chocolate Mould Design

Sector: Hospitality / Culinary

Timeline: 4 Weeks (Design to Delivery)

Benihana, known worldwide for its immersive Japanese dining experience, wanted a signature chocolate dessert that reflected their brand’s identity and flair. They approached TCI Mouldings to design and produce custom silicone chocolate moulds that could deliver premium aesthetics, reliable performance, and food-grade durability; all tailored to the intensity of a professional kitchen.

The Challenge

Benihana needed moulds that could:

• Deliver intricate, Japanese-inspired chocolate designs

• Handle high-frequency commercial use

• Be easy to clean, demould, and operate

• Reinforce brand identity and guest experience

This wasn’t about pretty chocolate. It was about turning desserts into a brand experience that was fast, reliable, and unforgettable.

Our Solution

1. Collaborative Concept Development

We worked directly with Benihana’s culinary and design teams to develop concepts inspired by:

• Traditional Japanese art and textures

• Benihana’s signature branding

• The reality of fast-paced kitchen operations

2. Prototyping and 3D Modelling

Using advanced CAD software, we designed silicone moulds with:

• Intricate patterns and smooth demoulding surfaces

• Durable geometries suitable for repeated use

• A balance of visual appeal and kitchen functionality

Each prototype was tested with Benihana’s team, with feedback guiding fast, targeted refinements.

3. Premium Material Selection

We used food-safe, high-flex silicone with:

• High heat resistance

• Excellent shape memory

• Non-stick and easy-clean properties

  
  

This ensured the moulds performed perfectly under commercial kitchen conditions.

4. Real-World Testing and Refinement

The final prototypes were tested inside Benihana kitchens. We fine-tuned:

• Angles for smooth release

• Edge integrity for detail retention

• Grip zones for faster chef handling

  
  

Our kitchen testing didn’t just validate performance. It helped us optimise for speed, consistency, and chef satisfaction.

The Outcome

The final moulds helped Benihana:

• Launch a visually unique chocolate dessert

• Maintain plating consistency across locations

• Enhance guest experience and social media engagement

Guest feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and chefs praised the reliability and ease of use.

"Exactly what we needed. Elegant, easy to use, and built for the real-world chaos of a working kitchen."

— Benihana Culinary Lead

What This Means for You

This case study shows what’s possible when you combine:

• Creative branding

• Smart design

• Industry-ready performance

If you're a chef, restaurateur, or product developer looking to take your dessert game to the next level, custom silicone moulds are an easy win.