Arguably, the main protagonist of an ultimate starter pack for the nippy weathers is a simmering cup of HOT CHOCOLATE. While those curated homegrown labels of instant cocoa may have their charm as midnight-craving crusaders hidden gems and established favorites underline Mumbai’s thriving cafe scene, each offering a unique twist on this classic beverage. Whether you are a dark chocolate purist or a sucker for playful flavor combinations, there is something for every discerning hot chocolate lover. 

The lure of the heavenly bevvy for the monsoon downpour and the occasional winter Mumbai chill led us to scour for the most mugnificent hot chocolate destinations.

The Cacao Mill by Subko, Colaba

Deemed as Mumbai’s Chocolate Factory with the celebrated cacao as the undisputed hero, their menu offers Peppermint Mocha and Subko Baccha-Ccino. The former has a double espresso shot brewed with a blend of Mason&Co. chocolate sweetened with peppermint syrup and steamed milk. The latter features milk infused with vanilla extract, steamed with a layer of foam, and dusted with single-origin cocoa powder from Idduki, Kerala. You can also pair a croissant or a sourdough toast with their signature hot chocolate that is 70% dark with a toasted marshmallow.  

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La Folie Du Chocolate, Kala Ghoda, Fort

As the self-proclaimed Real Chocolate Makers, this French-style patisserie is focuses on creating haute couture of chocolate from its origin, the cacao bean, the process involves handcrafting small batches of organic beans from single-origin cacao ethically sourced worldwide. The chocolate is paired with natural ingredients and pays homage to the cacao’s origin. Delve into an assortment of hot chocolates like signature single-origin, Viennoise served with fresh vanilla-infused whipped cream and chocolate shavings and Mexican homemade hot chocolate.

Chocolateria San Churro, Bandra

Indulge your sweet tooth with Spanish hot chocolate, or ‘’chocolate caliente’ – a thick, rich, and indulgent treat. A far cry from the watery hot chocolate you might be used to, this version is so thick that it can almost be eaten with a spoon! From classic Spanish, Triple Hot Chocolate featuring molten milk, white and dark Couverture chocolate, Choc caramel, Mint Magnifico, Avellana (Classic hot chocolate with hazelnut), Madrid espresso mocha, Peanut Butter Melt, Azteca (Classic Spanish hot chocolate with chillies), Couverture hot chocolate in variants milk, white and dark.

Chantilly Café, Bandra

This bustling and wonderfully whimsical Bandra gem is a haven for dessert lovers replete with a bookcase, wall decor, and cute quotes. Indulge in their heavenly cheesecakes, decadent pastries, and rich signature hot chocolate like the Classic, S’mores, Dark, Frozen and Keto. The cozy ambiance and delectable treats make it the perfect spot for a sweet escape. Dunk a buttery croissant into the thick hot chocolate for that added decadence.

Suzette, Pali Hill

This chic cafe is known for its gourmet offerings and elegant ambiance. Their hot chocolate lives up to the hype, presented beautifully and boasting a smooth, decadent flavor.  Pair it with one of their exquisite pastries for a truly luxurious experience. Sip a cup of dark hot chocolate or foamy hot milk topped with Suzette caramel.

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The Nutcracker, Bandra

This charming café offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory treats. Their menu features a variety of pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cozy ambiance and friendly service make it the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch or a quick hot chocolate break. Indulge in variants like classic milk chocolate, After 9, which is mint, and Meltdown, which is essentially salted caramel.

Le Cafe, Chembur

This iconic 20 year old European themed cafe chain evokes a sense of coziness with its modest interiors and a comforting fare. Their hot chocolate is a true crowd-pleaser – rich, creamy, and intensely chocolaty, it’s perfect for those seeking a comforting hug in a mug. They have a dark hot chocolate featuring cocoa with steamed milk and chocolate sauce. Their thick hot chocolate features a rich chocolate slab, cream, cocoa and steamed milk. But their hero hot chocolate is the hot chocolate bomb starring a marshmallow filled chocolate sphere served with hot milk. Then there is Snickers hot chocolate featuring the erstwhile bar.

Coco Cafe (Multiple Outlets)

Cococart & CocoCafe is a popular cafe chain known for its delicious chocolate-based drinks and desserts. It offers a wide range of hot and cold beverages, including hot chocolate, cold coffee, and milkshakes. They also serve a variety of snacks and desserts, such as pastries, cakes, and ice creams. Their hot chocolate menu features variants like the creamy Godiva, dark and minty After Eight, molten rich Lindt, creamy and dense Whittaker’s and crumbly white chocolate Red Velvet.

Dinshaw’s Xpress Café, Andheri West

Soak in the warm vibes of this cute cafe by savoring their velvety smooth hot chocolates, handcrafted with the finest ingredients. From Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Spiced, S’Mores and Nutella Overload, every sip is a heavenly experience. A must-visit for chocolate connoisseurs.

Also Read: Demy Review: Spending an Afternoon at This Rich Bohemian Cafe

The Happyy Cup Cafe, Thane

The Happyy Cup Cafe in Thane is a cozy little spot that offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle. Indulge in their delicious hot chocolate variants like Classic, Orange,  Irish, Hazelnut and Mint. The cafe’s warm ambiance and friendly staff create a perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon.

While this list merely scratches the surface of Mumbai’s hot chocolate havens, from cozy neighborhood cafes to trendy hotspots, the city offers something for every palate and preference. After all, the perfect cup of hot chocolate is a journey, not just a destination.