Rainy days and hot chocolates are a match made in heaven. Few things are more comforting than a cup of cocoa-flavoured awesomeness, especially when it’s, well, the time of the month. (Disclaimer: Champagnes, wines, beers and cocktails don’t count.) And, like you, we appreciate the good stuff, so we’ve made our mission to compile the crème de la crème of hot chocolates in Singapore after knocking back far a good deal of them around town. Are you ready to get sugar high?
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
At Max Brenner, more is definitely more. There’s no shortage of hot chocolate beverages on the menu at Max Brenner – but if we had to choose – our favourite would be their Swiss whipped cream chocolat ($6.90). This decadent, thick and creamy concoction of milk chocolate (comes with whipped cream) is served in a hug mug so you’ll get the ultimate drinking experience.
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, #01-116 Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585.
Paul Bakery
Paul’s simple but discernibly luxurious Viennose hot chocolate is a breath of fresh air amidst the myriad of rich, thick and decadent elixirs. This Aztec-style drink is made without milk using the same mixture of Valrhona powder, 70 percent chocolate and light sugar.
Paul Bakery, #03-16/16A/17 Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872, p. 6836 1914.
Laurent Bernard – A whimsical, idyllic and quaint chocolatier by the riverside
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
There’s no denying that Laurent Bernard serves up delicious desserts, but they do whip up a pretty mean cup of hot cocoa as well. Try their Hot Chocolate Ancienne ($9) – it is thoughtfully presented with the milk and the chocolate in separate jars so you have full control over aspects like richness and density.
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier, #01-02 The Pier at Robertson Quay, 80 Mohammad Sultan Road, Singapore 239013, p. 6235 9007.
Antoinette
Helmed by one of Singapore’s top pastry chefs, Pang Kok Keong, this quintessential Parisian tea salon is all about elegance. For $8.50, you get a piping hot cup of well-balanced, savoury-edged Viennese hot chocolate served with crème Chantilly on the side. Ideal for tea time with the girlfriends, we say.
Antoinette, #02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897, p. 6836 9527.
You know what else is awesome at Forty Hands (aside from the coffee)? Hot chocolate
Forty Hands Cafe
Founded by Australian expat, Harry Grover, Forty Hands’ signature hot chocolate is made fresh on site every day following a recipe that would make the sugar plum fairy swoon. Complex in flavour without being too rich, the dreamy concoction contains double cream, full-fat milk, and two types of chocolate. Yum.
Forty Hands Café, #01-02 Block 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078, p. 6225 8545.
Hediard French Café & Gourmet Boutique
Nestled along the road of colonial style shop houses is French boutique café, Hediard. French cafes aren’t a rarity in Singapore, but only Hediard has bragging rights to an indulgent and delicious mug of hot cocoa. Lusciously smooth, thick and flavourful, it almost feels as if they’ve melted a chocolate bar and poured it directly into a mug! Pure perfection.
Hediard French Café & Gourmet Boutique, 123-125 Tanglin Mall, Tudor Court, Singapore 247921, p. 6333 6683.
Cocoa Colony
The newest chocolate cafe to join the slew of hot chocolate venues in Singapore is Cocoa Colony. This homey local chocolatier with a few foraged cafe tables specialises in fun flavours (coffee with Baileys, anyone?) Choose from levels like Cocoa 100, Cocoa 75 and Cocoa 38. By the way, they also have chocolate on tap – The Amazonian Liquid Gold ($2.00 per cup) is a flowing chocolate lava that comes in dark, white and milk chocolate for you to dip your pastries in.
Cocoa Colony, #01-06 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
This hip spot with nifty furniture and an alfresco dining area provides easy-drinking hot chocolate beverages ($6.50) made with real pieces of single-origin chocolate and steamed with plenty of milk. The selection of cakes is limited, but the sandwiches and other sweet treats are highly recommended.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563, p. 6396 0609.
Have some colourful macarons or a breakfast set to go with your hot chocolate at Pattiserie G
Patisserie G
This bright, minimalist patisserie – helmed by Le Cordon Bleu graduate Gwen Lim – makes some wickedly sophisticated French style desserts and hot chocolate. For just $4.50, you’ll get a smooth, glossy, gleaming bowl of molten hot ganache.
Patisserie G, #01-40 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596, p. 6338 7578.
Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate
This majestic monochrome chocolatier in Katong certainly stands out. Try their hot Butterscotch Milk – a large mug of hot chocolate, sweetened with a strong dash of butterscotch plus a marshmallow. Nine Thirty’s haute cuisine vibe is aided by their chocolate ‘martini’ drink – do not be fooled by the alcoholic content in this chocolate elixir!
Nine Thirty by Awfully Chocolate, 131 East Coast Road, Singapore 428816, p. 6345 2190.