Where to Sip the Best Hot Chocolate in Joburg This Winter (and All Year Round)

Move over coffee, hot chocolate is having a moment and Joburg is doing it better than ever.

Whether you like yours silky and Belgian, spiked with liqueur, made vegan, or dripping in Oreos and cream, the city’s café culture is embracing the cold with cups of pure comfort.

We went sipping across Johannesburg to round up the ultimate hot chocolate experiences worth braving the winter chill for.

1. Salvation Café, Milpark’s Belgian Beauty

Tucked inside 44 Stanley’s leafy courtyard, Salvation Café has long been a brunch favourite, but its hot chocolate is easily one of Joburg’s best-kept secrets. Made with real Callebaut Belgian chocolate and no added sugar, this cup of joy is velvety, pure and decadent without being overly sweet. And it’s topped with fresh cream. What’s not to love?

There’s a kid-friendly version too (complete with a Belgian chocolate stick and cookie), and vegans are covered with plant-based milks like oat and almond. At R50, it’s indulgence without the guilt — and yes, it’s available even in summer.

2. Just Teddy, For Gold-Leaf Drama in Hyde Park & Sandton

If there was an award for Joburg’s most extra hot chocolate, Just Teddy would win hands down. Their Oreo Avalanche is a dessert and drink in one: think crushed Oreos, Callebaut milk chocolate, creamy Chantilly, and edible gold leaf — all for R45.

It’s Insta-worthy, but also genuinely delicious. For something more classic, you can skip the Oreos and enjoy the rich base as-is for R40. Available all year, but best enjoyed on a plush couch on a cold day.

3. Arbour Café, Birdhaven’s Quiet Winter Escape

Few places feel as cosy and charming as Arbour Café, especially in winter. Their hot chocolate menu is a full experience, with options ranging from classic Callebaut milk chocolate (R48) and a decadent hot chocolate with Nutella topped with Marshmallows for R65.

Locals have been calling it “hot chocolate reimagined” — and it really is.

4. Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream, A Cold Brand’s Hot Star

You wouldn’t expect an ice cream parlour to make top-tier hot chocolate, but Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream has surprised everyone with their R29 dark chocolate cup. It’s simple, smooth, and perfect for on-the-go sipping.

This winter, they’ve upped the ante with a salted caramel hot chocolate, blending dark chocolate with salty-sweet caramel sauce. It’s a fan-favourite at their Parkhurst and Blairgowrie outlets.

5. Tashas,  Nutella Dreams Come True

If comfort had a flavour, it would taste like tashas’ famous Nutella hot chocolate. Made with two heaped spoons of the beloved hazelnut spread and topped with marshmallows , this R65 mug of goodness is a nostalgic delight and absolutely worth the price.

If you’re not keen to break the bank, their regular hot chocolate is still a winner at just R46.

6. PAUL – French Tradition in a Mug

With roots dating back to 1889, PAUL’s hot chocolate stays true to its French lineage. The drink is made using a secret blend from France, whipped together with cream and skim milk (R35).

For those going dairy-free, you can swap to almond, soy or oat milk for an extra R9. Also available as a chocolate shot (R21) for those who want a quick fix.

7. Patisserie de Paris, Blairgowrie’s Hidden Gem

This little slice of Paris in Blairgowrie offers one of the city’s smoothest hot chocolates, again made with Callebaut milk chocolate and full cream milk. It’s beautifully simple and priced at R65, with vegan alternatives available.

Pair it with a flaky croissant and pretend you’re somewhere near Montmartre.

8. Fresh Earth Food Store, The Healthy Indulgence

For those who want a cleaner sip without missing out on taste, Fresh Earth offers a raw cacao and 80% dark chocolate blend, sweetened with coconut blossom sugar (R44). It’s a favourite among the health-conscious and vegans, with your pick of oat, almond or soy milk.

This one’s available all year round — because who says wellness and chocolate can’t co-exist?

9. The Vegan Chef, Plant-Based and Proud

For a hot chocolate that’s both ethical and indulgent, The Vegan Chef delivers. Their version uses locally sourced dark chocolate chips and cacao, mixed with creamy oat or almond milk (R45). No dairy, no compromise, and no holding back on flavour.

Locals Are Loving It

From foodie Instagram pages to Joburg TikTok reviews, hot chocolate has become a trending topic this winter. “I never thought I’d say this, but I might choose hot chocolate over coffee,” said one user on X. Another wrote, “That Oreo Avalanche at Just Teddy? Literal heaven in a cup.”

And with so many vegan, artisanal, and alcoholic versions on offer, it’s clear Joburg’s hot chocolate scene isn’t just about surviving winter — it’s about loving it.

Final Sip

Johannesburg has never played it safe with food — and this list proves it. Whether you’re looking for a cosy corner to thaw your fingers or a luxurious dessert in a cup, Joburg’s hot chocolate spots offer warmth, creativity, and comfort with every sip.

So bundle up, explore your neighbourhood, and treat yourself to a cup of the city’s sweetest obsession.

Tip: Check Out These Amazing Sweet Treats Voucher for Shazmin’s Patteserie

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