Chocoholics, get in, we are going on a sacred journey!
Winters in Dubai may be brief, but one thing that accompanies the season with comfort is, of course, the hot chocolate of the season. Consider this blog your excuse to swap caffeine drinks for cocoa-stained smiles. Every year, cafes in Dubai and chocolatiers introduce specialities in hot chocolate drinks, whether in traditional European drinking chocolates or in mugs loaded with numerous toppings. In this handy guide to hot chocolate spots in Dubai, you are taken to best hot chocolate destinations in Dubai (if you ask us, there can’t be any better destinations to be at than places stirring this liquid delight)
Dubai's winters are short; you can almost picture the call for outdoor seating in the evening wind, only to find the whole of Dubai is warming up for iced drinks and air-conditioned cafes within just few weeks. Hot chocolate in other regions might hang around for the whole year but meet and greet with Santa and hot chocolate Dubai are seasonal.
Current winter menus contain details about the origins of cocoa and the levels of chocolate or milk present. Some restaurants favour a thick drink reminiscent of its European counterpart, while others opt for a lighter comfort drink or even a mug full of desserts.
Here are the top 10 hot chocolate spots in Dubai to enjoy until the season ends, making this one of the hottest discussions this winter.
1. North 28 – Mall of the Emirates
North 28 offers a winter cocoa experience with an awesome view of Ski Dubai, one of the best places to visit in Dubai. The drinks offer a combination of traditional offerings and novel winter drinks that chocolatiers create themselves. The beverages are less potent compared to other bars in this part of the world, perfect for savouring when it's icy outside. Also, winter calories don’t count, dear readers, when chocolate is involved, so sit back and just enjoy.
2. The Cocoa Room
"If you're hoping for an indulgent, unapologetic winter, The Cocoa Room delivers," Tasting Table writes. Their offerings of hot chocolate are always dessert-forward, with rich chocolate bases topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or syrups. This makes it one of the most indulgent hot chocolate spots for winters. It is one of those drinks where it is not just a beverage but a hug in a mug!
3. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café
This spot is proof that Belgians take their chocolate very seriously, and honestly, we can’t thank them enough for it. Guylian offers a taste of real Belgian chocolate-making expertise to the winter celebrations of Dubai.
For hot chocolate, they use chocolate mass to give it a rich, velvety texture that is not so sweet as to be unpleasantly so. Variations may include praline or a focus on caramel to please those who enjoy a balanced flavour profile.
4. Godiva Chocolate Café
Godiva is still the standard by which other premium chocolatiers are held to at Dubai cafes. The use of real melted chocolate instead of flavourings ensures that these remain decadent drinks with immaculate flavour.
Regular changes include seasonal components of caramel, dark chocolate and holiday flavours that are subtle enough to complement but not overpower the classic drinks, and we strongly recommend not looking at the prices this time because on any day, a good hot cocoa is cheaper than a therapy.
5. Gato
It is cute, cosy and fun, just enough to make winter feel extra special. Gato’s hot chocolate is not only a taste sensation but a visual experience as well. Having a bear-shaped bread accompanying the drink creates a warm and playful ambiance that can be easily shared by a number of people. Hot chocolate here has a creamy and mild texture.
6. Cereal Killer Café
Childhood called, it wants its cocoa back, topped, stacked, and unapologetically fun, cocoa season here takes on a nostalgic spin with the use of spreads on their varieties and the stacked top beverages on their menu. It's all about having fun with respect to relishing and experiencing something playful and wintery.
7. % Arabica
It is a warm cup of main character energy, if we have to define their hot chocolate in one line . Minimalistic in nature, % Arabica has a subtle winter menu. They emphasize clean cacao flavour and a lack of sweetness but without funky toppings. It’s a good choice for people who enjoy balanced cocoa.
8. Angelina Paris – Dubai Mall
Angelina’s hot chocolate is renowned for its thick consistency, almost like pudding, with a very high cocoa content and very little milk, the very essence of French drinking chocolate. Drink it slowly and relish its robust flavour of cacao and old-world café ambience, basically their hot chocolate should come with a spoon and a warning label that ‘you will never get over this drink’.
9. Café Kitsuné
Le Café Kitsuné merits a mention for keeping their hot chocolate coherent with their contemporary and clean ambiance. Lightly sweetened and velvety with a pleasant texture, it comes as a great companion to their seasonal pastries during a relaxed winter afternoon. If winter had a love language, their hot chocolate would be it.
10. Mirzam Chocolate
Mirzam’s hot chocolate offering is more chocolatier-based rather than café-led. Their bean-to-cup hot chocolate focuses on single-origin cocoa with less sweetness that can be earthy, fruity, or subtly spiced.
For when you want your hot chocolate with depth, drama, and a little attitude, go for this spot. Winter menus that include vegan-friendly plant-based milk alternatives make Mirzam a great choice for those who appreciate depth in their drinks.
Dubai Winter: Short, Sweet, Perfect
Some people collect scarves, but we proudly collected hot cocoa spots for you. Winter in Dubai is not only about food; winter is also about experiences. It is an occasion where people combine an experience at a cosy café with activities such as beach outings or events appropriate for the weather conditions at this time of the year.
Enjoy Your Winter with BENO
Beno helps you turn a winter outing into a complete experience. For formal winter events and activities happening in the city during different seasons, BENO is your one-stop destination for car rentals in Dubai.
From exploring Dubai hot chocolate spots and seasonal happenings alongside hot chocolate places in Dubai, our luxury car rental will never disappoint!
FAQs
- Why is there a seasonal aspect of hot chocolate sold in Dubai?
Because the hot weather limits sales. It's only during the colder months that the menu of hot chocolate is introduced by coffee shops.
- How does hot chocolate in cafes differ from European hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate in cafes uses milk; European hot chocolate uses more cocoa mass and less milk.
- Is hot chocolate vegan-friendly?
Vegan-friendly hot chocolate exists; in fact, most cafes have vegan-friendly substitutes for milk.
- What are the hot chocolate varieties for low sugar diets?
Bean-to-cup chocolate makers and European coffee shops provide the unsweet choices.
- In Dubai, what is the end date of the hot chocolate season?
Winter menu offerings are normally scheduled to continue until February if the weather is favourable.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
