There is just one essential drink that will do the trick this winter, and it’s the classic, indulgent hot chocolate. A toasty hug in a mug! Here’s where you should stop off for some decadent and creamy hot chocolates this winter, in Durban.  

Nosh (Hillcrest) 

Nosh is a cute little café in Hillcrest specialising in delicious coffees, waffles, smoothies, milkshakes and good vibes! Their Heavenly Hot Chocolate (R30/R34) is a must-try, a vegan option is available. Everything on their menu is absolutely mouthwatering.  

 

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Batter (Umhlanga) 

The Batter in Umhlanga is the ultimate dessert café. They are known for their signature Hot Chocolate Bomb (R35). When you pour the hot milk over the hot chocolate bombs, they melt and magically release marshmallow and cocoa! For a fully-fledged chocolate experience, pair your hot chocolate with their famous “panzookie”, a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream and served in a pan.

 

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Cacao Chocolate Bar (Gateway Theatre of Shopping) 

The Cacao Chocolate Bar is as the name suggests, chocolate everything! Their Belgian Hot Chocolates are made using real chocolate and not powder. The signature Hot Chocolate Cacao Deluxe (R35) is unadulterated melted chocolate simply served over a flame. If you’re feeling extra wicked, try the Cacao drink: a concentrated hit of dark Belgian chocolate that’s served over a flame and sipped through a straw. The Belgian chocolate waffles (R45) are also a must-try!  

Piggly Wiggly (Midlands Meander)  

The well known Piggly Wiggly is full of options when it comes to hot chocolates. Their indulgent selection consists of milk hot chocolate(R25/R35), white hot chocolate (R30), bar one hot chocolate (R30), cinnamon hot chocolate (R30) or a red hot chocolate (R30). Whether you’re stopping in for a full meal or just in need of a break from the cold, Piggly Wiggly is worth the stop and drive. 

Chateaux Gateaux (Durban North, Ballito and Gateway) 

For one of the happiest hot chocolates, you’ll ever experience, Chateaux Gateaux is always a warm, cheerful and delicious go-to. They offer a classic hot chocolate, both rich and creamy, that pairs nicely with their decadent sweet treats. 

 

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Vida E Caffe (Durban, Musgrave, Florida Road and Watercrest Mall) 

Vida’s hot chocolates are the real deal, made with dark Lindt chocolate and milk (R27/R32). In the spirit of staying in, they have expanded on their ‘vida at home’ range to bring you Instant Hot Chocolate to purchase and take home. The instant Hot Chocolate is an indulgent and creamy chocolate drink made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. 

 

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Strangers Coffee (Berea)  

Take your next coffee break at this quaint, little gem of a place. They serve a rich, hot and creamy hot chocolate (R40) which is also available in a white hot chocolate. Enjoy a slice of their Instagram-worthy Matilda Death by Chocolate Cake when you drop by.

 

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Vovo Telo (Florida Road) 

Pleasure seekers will favour the hot chocolate selection here. Order the Belgian hot chocolate (R34) which requires some DIY stirring as a mug of warm milk is served with a stick of decadent dark chocolate. There is also a sweet white chocolate option (R28) and a comforting orange and nutmeg hot chocolate (R27). 

 

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Now Coffee (Glen Ashley)  

Now Coffee sure knows how to make winter in Durban extra special with their incredible selection of coffees and indulgent hot cacao (R30). They have a sugar-free version of hot cacao available too (R35). If you aren’t wanting to sit down, you can grab one to go through their drive through. 

 

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