As the chill of Delhi winters start to nip at your nose and fingertips, it’s your sign that it’s time to wrap your hands around a hot mug of chocolate. Delightfully rich and expertly blended, the city boasts an array of establishments that have mastered the art of brewing this classic winter indulgence. From traditional cocoa concoctions to innovative variations, Delhi's hot chocolate offerings cater to every palate, promising a delightful respite from the winter chill.
We spoke to some of the city’s foodies to narrow down the top 10 spots you should get your cocoa fix this season.
1. AMA Cafe, Majnu Ki Tila - Recommended by Anviti (@lady.epicurean)
Inspired by the serene landscape of the Himalayas, Ama Cafe is centred around founder founder Tenzin Thardoe's childhood experiences. Named as one of the best independent coffee shops in the world, they offer a number of signature teas and coffees, but Anviti swears by their delightful hot chocolate experience. “I like the hot chocolate which isn’t too thick and not too chocolate-y. It should be the right blend of milk, chocolate and sweetness. Hence these work for me.”
Address: House no. 6, 1st Floor, Majnu-ka-tilla, New Aruna Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110054
Timings: 7:30 am–10 pm
Cost for two: ₹900 for two people (approx.)
2. BBR Coffee by Before British Raj, Siri Fort Road - Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath)
Though their signature offerings are teas and coffees which promote the local history of India’s plantations, BBR also does a mean hot chocolate, a perfect comfort for the Delhi chill. Thick and velvety, it’s dense and creamy, not for those who prefer milk-forward cocoa. But for those looking to taste the true beauty of pure cacao, this is not one to miss out on.
Address: 33, Siri Fort Rd, Sector 3, Sadiq Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110049
Timings: 7 am–11 pm
Cost for two: ₹900 for two people (approx.)
3. Bloom Cafe and Cakery, Khan Market (Multiple outlets) - Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath)
This Khan Market spot and in all of their locations, they serve a range of rich hot chocolates which pair perfectly with the cold winters. Their 70% dark chocolate is a standout, combining premium 70% Belgian Dark Chocolate couverture with their in-house hot chocolate cacao powder for creamy goodness that offers a delightful beverage for chocolate enthusiasts.
Address: Shop No: 70B, Ground Floor, Subramania Bharti Marg, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: 8 am–11:30 pm
Cost for two: ₹900 for two people (approx.)
4. Cafe Dori, Chhatarpur - Recommended by Kunal Sehgal (@iambeingkunal)
Though Cafe Dori isn’t at the top of Kunal’s list, it does check off one of the boxes for hot chocolate essentials. A beautiful marshmallow topping. At Cafe Dori, they go the extra mile and toast the marshmallow before skewering it and balancing it atop a mug of smooth cocoa. With a crispy outside and a molten gooey centre, it’s everything you could ask for in a marshmallow.
Address: Dhan Mill Compound 100 Feet Road, SSN Marg, Chhatarpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110074
Timings: 10 am–9 pm
Cost for two: ₹1,900 for two people (approx.)
5. Colocal, Dhan Mill, Chhatarpur - Recommended by Kunal Sehgal (@iambeingkunal)
The fact that this was recommended by almost every person we consulted for this list just goes to show that Colocal are doing something right with their hot chocolate. This bean-to-bar chocolate factory specialises in premium single origin chocolate and their cocoa follows suit. The Colocal Campfire Chocolate is Kunal’s personal favourite. The 55% dark chocolate drink is smoked with a hot coal right at the counter giving it a unique finish and served with a marshmallow.
Address: Shed no. 21b , the dhan mill compound, 100 Feet Rd, Chhatarpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110074
Timings: 11 am–11 pm
Cost for two: ₹1,200 for two people (approx.)
6. Hashery, Connaught Place - Recommended by Anviti (@lady.epicurean)
With a huge range of options Hashery has made a name for itself in the realm of hot chocolate. They offer everything from a 28% white chocolate drink to a bitter 80% dark chocolate option that’s the go-to for chocolate lovers who want to taste the real deal. They even have 47% ruby chocolate drink which has berry-like notes and is made from ruby cocoa beans.
Address: B-12/1, Middle Cir, Block B, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 8:30 am–9:30 pm
Cost for two: ₹550 for two people (approx.)
7. Nine Watt Coffee, Delhi Cantonment - Recommended by Ishika Sinha (@myfoodtravelstories)
A favourite hangout spot for many, this cosy, retro-inspired cafe has everything you need for a wonderful winter meal. “This place serves amazing hot chocolate as well and they have a fantastic winter kinda cosy vibe there. Also, they serve it with marshmallows which I loved.” says Ishika a tourism professional who loves trying different cuisines in her spare time and sharing her best finds with her family of followers.
Address: Gopinath Bldg Rd, Gopi Nath Bazar, Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi, Delhi 110010
Timings: 9 am–10:30 pm
Cost for two: ₹600 for two people (approx.)
8. Sardarji Bakhsh Coffee, Malviya Nagar (Multiple Locations) - Recommended by Anviti (@lady.epicurean)
This coffee chain is the embodiment of a ‘friendly local coffee shop’. Walk into any of their many locations for a menu that’s dependable, quality-oriented and always hits the spot. Their hot chocolate will throw you into a world of nostalgia as it’s the perfect balance of chocolate, milk and sweetness. Like a hug in a mug.
Address: Flat 31 & 32, Shivalik Rd, DDA Flats, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
Timings: 8 am–1 am
Cost for two: ₹950 for two people (approx.)
9. The Big Chill, Greater Kailash (Multiple Outlets) - Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath)
Anyone who’s visited Delhi will be familiar with the name The Big Chill. This iconic cafe has so much to offer and with all it’s many wonders, is it really a surprise that their hot chocolate is perfect too? Pure melted chocolate with just the right balance of milk, all topped off with a generous helping of silky whipped cream, it’s everything you need in hot chocolate.
Address: Kailash Colony Market, HS 5, Kailash Colony Rd, Greater Kailash-1, New Delhi, Delhi 110048
Timings: 12–11:30 pm
Cost for two: ₹2,400 for two people (approx.)
10. The Chocolate Room, Vasant Vihar (Multiple Locations) - Recommended by Ishika Sinha (@myfoodtravelstories)
If you’re a fan of innovative hot chocolate then this is the spot for you. They have a range of flavoured hot chocolates which fuse flavours like mint, rum or bourbon or even plum and pumpkin with chocolate. “Their hot chocolate is very different and unique as compared to the other places, the flavour of the chocolate is just next level, as well as the thickness of that, is just wow! Their presentation skill is also very aesthetically pleasing.” says Ishika.
Address: First Floor, 49, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057
Timings: 11 am–11 pm
Cost for two: ₹1,200 for two people (approx.)
Please note: All recommendations appear in alphabetical order