Christmas is right around the corner, and as well as being a time of giving, ’tis also the season to treat yourself – to a whole lot of chocolate. We have compiled a list of fantastic chocolatiers around the country to satiate your cocao- and sugar-fix needs.
Johannesburg
Chocoloza, 44 Stanley
Its authentic African twist on traditional Belgian chocolate is what makes Chocoloza a must-visit place. The in-house chocolatier, Vicki Bain, trained for 15 years in Belgium. At the café’s Chocolate Lounge, you can indulge in delicious handmade chocolate while watching new batches being made. Chocoloza uses fair-trade and organic ingredients including cocoa butter, hence the branding of its products as “naturally-African”. There is also no palm oil in Chocoloza products.
Melt Chocolaterie, Nicolway Shopping Center
This exquisite chocolate shop is definitely worth a visit. Being family-owned, Melt places a strong focus on service and attention to detail. Its coffee is exceptional and its handmade chocolate range utterly drool-worthy. Using high-quality natural ingredients, Melt is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Le Chocolatier, The Grove Mall, Pretoria
Le Chocolatier’s delectable chocolates are handcrafted, and with recipes entrenched in the culture of Swiss chocolate-making, its creations are free from preservatives. With cocoa beans imported from Ghana, the quality and taste of the chocolates at Le Chocolatier is undeniably superb.
Cape Town
My Sugar, Sea Point
My Sugar is the ultimate chocolatey experience. With an array of delicious desserts to choose from, its chocolate selection steals the show. The chocolatiers at My Sugar have mastered the craft of making their own unique chocolate designs. The flavours, colours and shapes are a welcome twist on traditional chocolates.
Honest Chocolate, Wale Street
If an authentic Cape Town café experience paired with tasting the finest chocolate is up your alley then a visit to Honest Chocolate is a necessity. Using only natural ingredients like agave, raw cacao paste and raw cacao butter, Honest’s creations are perfect for those who have kicked refined sugar out of their diet.
Coco Affair, The Old Biscuit Mill
With a selection of gourmet handmade truffles and chocolate bars, Coco Affair is the chocolate shop you didn’t know you were missing. Whether you’re visiting the Old Biscuit Mill Saturday market or just happen to be in the area, pop in and indulge in this exceptional chocolate. Be sure to peep through the glass window to watch the chocolatiers doing their thing.
Durban
La Boutique Du Chocolat, Musgrave
With a combination of delicious chocolate and excellent service, La Boutique Du Chocolat is well worth a visit. Customers can enjoy their chosen chocolate within the cosy establishment, or take their purchase, boxed in a beautiful package, to go.
Chocolate Heaven, Nottingham Road
In an old antique shop in the Natal Midlands you’ll find some of Durban’s finest handcrafted artisanal chocolate. Specialising in Belgian chocolate-making methods, Chocolate Heaven uses top-quality ingredients that are preservatives, palm oil, hardener and extender-free. There are over 40 chocolate combinations to choose from, with an array of interesting flavours that range from koeksister to caramel.
Cacao Chocolate Bar, Gateway
Celebrating traditional Belgian chocolate culture, Cacao Chocolate Bar is the answer to your chocolate cravings. With Belgian waffles, to traditional hot chocolate and much more, you’ll be able to spoil yourself with all sorts of incredible chocolatey desserts. With Cacao Chocolate Bar’s new menu release on the 5th of December, Christmas shopping at Gateway just got a whole lot sweeter.
