Pristinely situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is a city renowned for more than just its picturesque landscapes and captivating history. Among its latest distinctions is a sprouting gastroscape, boasting a burgeoning hot chocolate scene with elegant cafes and chocolatiers dishing out luxurious, creamy delights unlike anywhere else. Welcome to Christchurch, a chocoholic’s ultimate haven!
If a day without chocolate sounds unbearable, you’re not alone. Luckily, Christchurch is an ideal base for the true chocolate enthusiast. Offering an array of delightful hot chocolate havens, you’ll have ample opportunities to indulge your cocoa cravings. From rich Swiss hot chocolates to spicy Mexican ones and even dairy-free options, Christchurch is a city with plenty of choices.
First on our chocolate trail is the ‘Theobroma Chocolate Lounge’. True drink christchurch to its name, which translates to “food of the gods”, this locale offers a heavenly chocolate experience. Famous for their divine hot chocolate offerings, they serve an exquisite range of options from classic hot chocolate, enticing Belgian white hot chocolate, to the luxurious French mint – a must-try experience for any serious gourmand.
Next up, we pay a visit to the boutique cafe ‘She Universe’. Nestled in the hills of Governors Bay, this cafe is practically a pilgrimage site for chocoholics. The spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate, their signature offering, is a rich blend of dark cocoa, chili, honey, and spices. It’s a unique and unforgettable taste sensation.
Then there is ‘Mama Hooch’, where the focus is on stylish, high-quality treats. The cobblestone streets and quirky art scene surrounding this cafe provide an eclectic atmosphere perfect for enjoying their decadent hot chocolate with house-made marshmallows. The vintage theme, along with the dedication to local ingredients, makes Mama Hooch definitively Christchurch.
If you’re after a non-dairy option, fear not! ‘The Raw Kitchen’ caters particularly well to this with its dairy-free hot chocolate. Their unique offering includes a blend of raw cocoa, almond milk, and organic sweeteners producing a deliciously rich and creamy, yet guilt-free experience.
Visiting ‘Cacao 70’ is another must. Their menu offers a mouth-watering array of hot chocolates made from different cocoa percentages, from an indulgent 31% white chocolate to the feisty 76% dark. If you’re a dark chocolate enthusiast, you can’t miss the “Extra Dark Hot Chocolate”, served with a side of whipped cream – its vibrance of flavours will tantalize and surprise in equal measures.
Lastly, we swing by ‘Rollickin’ Gelato’, a local institution known for its gelato, but also serves a devilishly smooth mint hot chocolate. Caramel and peanut butter hot chocolate flavours are also offbeat, tasty options.
In conclusion, finding the perfect hot chocolate haven isn’t hard when you’re in Christchurch. This city is not only the gateway to New Zealand’s epic scenery, but it has also become a beacon of cocoa innovation. The mix of local charm and global tastes means you can follow your taste buds on an endless hot chocolate journey. Whether you want traditional or something more adventurous, Christchurch’s hot chocolate scene truly offers a haven for chocoholics. Enjoy your cup of hot, chocolatey indulgence amid the serene beauty, making it an experience to remember!