Here's a guide to Bengaluru's best hot chocolate spots. (iStock)
Let me start with a little bit of history. The origins of hot chocolate can be traced back to 500 BC in the regions of present-day Mexico. It is believed that the ancient Mayans were one of the first civilisations to cultivate cacao. People would ground the cacao beans into a paste and mix it with water creating a rather bitter beverage, which they often spiced with chilies and herbs.
What they had might be a far cry from the warm, sweet and milky goodness that we love and crave today. But the point is that this delightful beverage has comforted souls and warmed fingertips for generations.
If you are a resident of Bengaluru, you’d know that the city’s weather calls for a cup of hot chocolate ever so often. With the establishments here serving up delicious renditions – from cinnamon-spiced, sweet caramel to marshmallow-laden classics and more, we are spoilt for choice.
Here’s a look at some of the spots around the city that should be in your must-try list.
Besides serving up some top-notch pastries, SMOOR is also known for offering one of the best hot chocolate experiences. The popular dessert venue offers 7 renditions of Hot Chocolate!
SMOOR serves up 7 varieties. (iStock)
There is the 55 percent Belgium Classic Dark, 35 percent Ghana Milk, 55 percent Spiced Hot Chocolate, 55 Hazelnut, 55 percent Caramel, 70 percent Dark Chocolate Cafe, and 70 percent Ecuador– each of which is decadent, rich, and flavourful. That’s not all, SMOOR also has introduced a hot chocolate variation called Stir It Up, where all you need to do is dunk the choco-lolly in a cup of warm milk, stir it and you get a comforting cup of warm chocolate to perk up your day.
Multiple locations.
Priced at ₹310 and ₹110 for Stir it Up
Located in Koramangala, Dyu Art Cafe is a cosy space dedicated to art, food and beverages. They are known for their elaborate menu of food and drinks. But a sip of their widely loved hot chocolate concoction is an experience chocolate lovers swear by. A blend of fresh cocoa, melted chocolate and hot milk, their Classic Hot Chocolate is sure to make the perfect companion on a chilly day.
No 23, KHB MIG Colony, Koramangala 8th Block, Koramangala.
Priced at ₹180
Considered one of the oldest and most popular bakeries in Bengaluru, Glen’s Bakehouse is a must-visit place when in the city. Their Willys Classic Hot Chocolate is an in-house special, which they claim is one-of-a-kind. The rich and luscious concoction is made using some of the finest cocoa beans and comes topped with cream.
Multiple locations.
Priced at ₹180
This vibrant patisserie and delicatessen has got some of the heartiest bites on offer. The two Hot Chocolate varieties here — Signature and Hazelnut — have a cult-like following. Served in generous portions with a sprinkle of cocoa, these are decadent, creamy, and rich.
36, 80 Feet Rd, Hal, HAL 3rd Stage, Indiranagar.
Priced at ₹230 onwards.
Every Bengalurean knows that French restaurateur Nicolas Grossemy’s chic space serves up the best of Parisian street fare.
The hot cocoa at Lazy Suzy has a cult following. (iStock)
But did you know about their European Hot Chocolate? It’s indulgent and creamy, with every sip becoming a celebration of dark chocolate. The perfect complement to the beverage? Foodies say it’s the buttery French Vanilla Biscuits here.
2984, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar.
Priced at ₹240.
Run by the prestigious Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, this elegant patisserie is a go-to for desserts, baked goodies, and French-style fare. However, to truly indulge, turn to the Belgian Hot Chocolate! Made with their finest couverture dark chocolate and served in generous portions, every cuppa comes laden with marshmallows.
Multiple locations.
Priced at ₹280.
If you, like most people, love all things Magnolia – from their Chocolate Cake to Classic Tres Leches – you sure don’t want to miss out on their hot chocolate. The famed New York brand serves its Signature Hot Chocolate, which like all their offerings, is rich, creamy and indulgent.
J.K. Plaza, 788, 12th Main Rd, Indiranagar.
Priced at ₹280.
Your friendly neighborhood Waffletino serves up to six renditions of Hot Chocolate. From Belgian Dark, Nutella Hot Chocolate, Belgian Milk, Spicy Cinnamon, Coffee Hot Chocolate to Hazelnut– there are variations for everyone’s needs and preferences.
Multiple locations.
Priced at ₹135 onwards.
Remember Keventers – your go-to place to order milkshakes and ice-cream? Besides the Classic Hot Chocolate, there is Hot Chocolate Midnight – with dark chocolate and hazelnut, Christmas Hot Chocolate – a blend with raisin infused chocolate and cocoa powder, Hot Chocolate Ginger Bread where the milk is infused with flavours of ginger bread cookies, Hot Chocolate Salted Caramel with flavours of rich caramel and Hot Chocolate Tiramisu which comes with tiramisu sauce drizzled on top.
Multiple locations.
Priced at ₹179 onwards.
If you are a DIY enthusiast, this Belgian Chocolaterie‘s options will interest you.
Get yourselves Linoui’s chocolate sticks if you want to go DIY. (iStock)
Their signature chocolate sticks will take your hot chocolate experience to another level. There is no sugary syrup or cocoa powder, just decadent Belgian chocolate block made out of their signature recipe. All you have to do is dip, stir and sip! Dunk the stick in hot milk or coffee. The flavour options include milk, standard dark, extra dark, orange dark and strawberry white.
Multiple locations.
Priced at ₹761 (for a box of 4).
The list doesn’t end here, you can also check out:
The Chocolate Heaven – Priced at ₹169 onwards; Between the Bread- Priced at ₹158; Dunkin Donuts- Priced at ₹250 onwards; Theobroma- Priced at ₹155; Maverick & Farmer Coffee– Priced at ₹220 onwards; Thirdwave Coffee- Priced at ₹209; Chaayos– Priced at ₹229; Tim Hortons– Priced at ₹225; San Churro Cafe– Priced at ₹210; Dolci Desserts– Priced at ₹175 and Uncle Peter’s Pancakes– Priced at ₹249 onwards.
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