When it comes to the humble hot chocolate, you would think it would be pretty easy to master. Melt some chocolate into hot milk and you’re all set, right? Wrong! As with coffee, there is an art to making the perfect hot chocolate.
It needs to be warm, not hot, and it’s preferable if the chocolate comes from Belgium or somewhere fancy and is not just a powder. A good indication as to whether you’re drinking a quality hot chocolate is if you would drink it happily without marshmallows. Don’t get me wrong, marshmallows aren’t going to make your hot chocolate worse, but every hot chocolate needs a solid base.
Now that you’re considerably more educated on the complex drink that is the hot chocolate, it’s time to say goodbye to the scalding, tasteless hot chocs of the past and hello to some of Perth’s best hot chocolates. You can thank us (and your barista) later.
Gemini Cafe
66 St Georges Terrace, Perth and Karrinyup Shopping Centre
Image credit: Gemini | Instagram
There is simply no competition—Gemini holds the title for the world’s most instagrammable hot chocolates and it’s pretty easy to see why. Covered in gooey, torched homemade marshmallow with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the perfect combination of hot and cold. The actual hot chocolate is total decadence—thick, creamy and sweet just as we like it.
Gather Bakehouse
201B Oxford St, Leederville WA 6007
It’s no surprise one of our favourite little bakeries is dishing out one of Perth’s tastiest hot choccies. The s’mores hot chocolate is just like the classic with a pinch of Maldon smoked sea salt and lashings of Lindt chocolate flakes served with a house-made torched marshmallow—total winter camp fire vibes.
Crumbs Patisserie
Shop 6/32 Ardross St, Applecross WA 6153
The limited edition boujee hot chocolate at Crumbs is totally on trend with a whole heap of oozy housemade marshmallow piled high on top of one of the richest, creamiest hot chocolates we’ve ever tried. Made with fresh milk and a mix of chocolate chips, this is the real deal. Keep an eye out for the seasonal specials—word is a salted caramel hot choccy may make an appearance.
Kumo Desserts
39 Washing Ln, Perth WA 6000
Known for its ridiculously fluffy souffle pancakes and ultra tasty desserts, it makes perfect sense the hot chocolate at Kumo takes a spot on the list. The classic Lindt hot chocolate is a winter staple, and when the crew here up the ante with specials like the hot roasted hazelnut served with a side of whipped cream it’s a no brainer.
Flo Espresso
168/15 Aberdeen St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Flo Espresso | Instagram
With a mix of Belgian dark and milk chocolate, it’s no wonder city folk are flocking to Flo for a hit of their lusciously creamy hot chocolate. The coffee is on point and the Korean fusion treats and donuts are equally as good.
Cafe Elixir
3 Rocca Way, Wanneroo WA 6065
Elixir is an absolute institution in Perth’s northern suburbs and sweet tooths will rejoice when they see their pancakes, milkshakes and hot chocolates. You can play it safe and go for the classic or white hot chocolate, or dial it up a notch with the Caramilk or Bounty variety—next level amazing.
Vetrina
180 Newcastle Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000
When it comes to sweets, Italians know what they’re doing. We’re not even sure how to explain the hot chocolate situation at Vetrina but we’ll give it a go… pistachio hot white chocolate or the triple choc with Nutella, Kinder Bueno and milk chocolate are just two examples. You may be hyped for days, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Chicho Gelato
Mount Lawley, Northbridge and Fremantle
If you’ve ever graced the shores of Italy you’ll know what we’re talking about when it comes to a European hot chocolate. The team at Chicho sling this style out every winter—we’re talking a rich, thick and eat with a spoon hot chocolate that will knock your socks off. It’s served with a giant biscuit and whipped cream and is every bit as good as you can imagine.
Sapore
4/275 Belmont Ave, Cloverdale WA 6105
Image credit: Sapore | Nancy Hanna
The hot chocolates at Sapore have gained cult status in Perth for their dessert-like status and pure indulgence. Choose between Nutella and choc-mint, each served with its own mini choccie bar and tonnes of chocolate sauce.
The Margaret River Chocolate Company
5123 W Swan Rd, West Swan WA 6055
If you haven’t been to the Margaret River Chocolate Company and stuffed yourself full of the free samples of choccy, you certainly haven’t lived life to its fullest. For the hot drink variety, it’s pretty simple and oh-so good—warm milk with melted white, milk or dark chocolate pastilles.
Whistlers Chocolate Company
506 Great Northern Highway, Middle Swan WA 6056
With 50 years of chocolate making under their belt, you can be sure the hot chocolates at Whistlers are worth the drive. There’s seven types to choose from including the usual milk, dark and white along with chilli, chai, caramel and peppermint. A sip of each please.
Lindt
DFO Perth, 11 High St, Perth Airport WA 6105
Found yourself shopping up a storm at the DFO? Do yourself a favour and stop in at the Lindt store/cafe for a tasty hot choccy treat. It’s pure Lindt chocolate mixed with hot milk and it’s the best shopping snack you can think of.
Koko Black
Claremont Quarter and Karrinyup
Crafted with all natural ingredients, the hot chocolates at Koko Black are soul warmingly good. Go for a classic or a twist like the caramel or choc chilli. Chat to the team about recreating it at home and you’ll be set for a cosy night on the couch.
San Churro
Various
Last but not least, it goes without saying - the hot chocolates at San Churro are utterly divine. The OG thick Spanish hot chocolate uses chocolate imported from Spain and you can level it up with toppings like Biscoff crumble, toasted marshmallow or vanilla gelato. 100% perfection.
Cioccolato Espresso
31 Ardross St, Applecross WA 6153
With a name like Cioccolato Espresso, you know their hot chocolate is destined to be good. Theirs is served with chocolate flakes, loads of marshmallows and is the house specialty.
Image credit: Elle Borgward