Milkshakes Worth the Sugar Rush: Where to Find Joburg’s Most Indulgent Sips

When the craving hits for a thick, icy milkshake, nothing else quite compares. Whether you’re after a classic vanilla or an outrageous chocolate-loaded creation topped with candyfloss, Johannesburg has a milkshake spot that’ll hit the sweet spot.

We’ve rounded up some of the best places in the city to get your fix, from gelato-powered shakes in Sandton to bubblegum monsters in Rosebank.

Goddess Café: Instagrammable and Indulgent

Image from Goddess Cafe on Instagram 

Where: Linden, Waterkloof, Southdowns, and more

With its pastel interiors and flower walls, Goddess Café is built for the gram. But their milkshakes are more than just pretty faces.

Their “normal” shakes come in classic flavours like Coffee and Strawberry, but the real fun is in the Insane Milkshake range. Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Brownie, and Princess Tim Tam are the stuff of sugary daydreams.

Best for: A girly brunch or TikTok milkshake date.

Kota Joe Roadhouse: The OG of Over theTop

Where: Auckland Park, Boksburg, Edenvale, Pretoria

If you grew up around Joburg, chances are you’ve stopped at a Kota Joe at least once after a late-night jol. But their milkshake game isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s pure sugar-laced innovation.

Their classics include Nutella, Cookies & Cream, Ferrero Rocher, and Peanut Butter Oreo. But their new menu additions take things up a notch: think Peppermint Oreo, Milk Tart, Custard Crunchie, and a retro Black Forest beauty that tastes like a dessert from your childhood.

Local love: Their shakes are a hit on TikTok, with creators often posting sugar-fuelled taste tests from their car windows.

Hudsons The Burger Joint: A Candyfloss Dream

Image from Hudsons Burger Joint on Instagram 

Where: Parkhurst, Bedfordview

Known for its gourmet burgers and laid-back local vibe, Hudsons also delivers on the dessert front. Their milkshakes are just as iconic as their beef patties — and the perfect partner for your next cheat day.

Crowd favourites include Chocolate Brownie, Cookie Monster, and Salted Caramel Popcorn, but the real showstopper is the Strawberry Candyfloss milkshake, which practically demands an Instagram story.

Pro tip: Pair your shake with a Jalapeño Jam burger and thank us later.

Brooklyn Brothers: Flavour Packed and Bold

Where: Bedford Centre, Bedfordview

This American-style diner knows how to turn heads with their bold shakes. While they may be a burger joint first, their shakes come in swinging with indulgent combos like Blueberry Cheesecake and the Al Capone — a decadent swirl of chocolate and crunch that feels straight out of a mafia movie.

Fun fact: Locals swear by their milkshakes as a “hangover cure.” Not scientifically proven, but we won’t argue.

Burgerack: Monster Shakes That Live Up to the Name

Where: Rosebank, Sandton, Alberton, Johannesburg South, Benoni, Klerksdorp

If you like your milkshakes dramatic, Burgerack delivers. Their Monster Shakes are towering, photogenic, and unapologetically sweet. Top picks? The Caramel Popcorn Shake and the Bubblegum & Candyfloss Shake.

They also offer a solid lineup of eight regular shake flavours for the less adventurous, but let’s be honest — you’re here for the chaos.

Trending: Their Monster Shakes often go viral on social media for looking more like desserts than drinks.

Walnut Grove: Gelato Milkshakes with a Luxurious Twist

Image from Walut Grove

Where: Sandton City

Situated in the heart of Sandton City, Walnut Grove isn’t your average café. Their milkshakes are crafted with real Italian gelato, making them ultra-smooth, rich, and impossible to forget.

Flavours like Milk Tart, Chocoholic, and Strawberry Cheesecake are local favourites, while the Snowball shake brings a nostalgic twist with coconut and marshmallow flavour notes.

Worth it: Add a slice of their famous cake on the side if you’re feeling bold — or just really hungry.

A Sweet Tooth’s Paradise

No matter where you are in Joburg, there’s a milkshake masterpiece waiting nearby. Whether you’re into nostalgic South African flavours or OTT American-style indulgence, the city’s milkshake scene is full of flavour, colour, and enough sugar to keep you buzzing till bedtime.

Got a favourite shake spot we missed? Let us know and we’ll add it to the next round-up!

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