Cape Town, South Africa
A Cape Town chocolate tasting route for chocoholics
Where to go in Cape Town for the ultimate chocolate tasting
Cape Town is many things – mountain-framed, full of spirit, always hungry for the next trend – but lately, we’ve noticed the city’s having a bit of a love affair with chocolate. Forget supermarket slabs – this is all about hand-tempered bars, daring flavours, cocoa sourced straight from the farm and chocolatiers who are pushing boundaries. We’ve mapped out a route for anyone who finds themselves searching for a real chocolate experience. Our version of a tasting route is less about ticking off shops and more about discovering how cacao gets remixed by mavericks, dreamers and people who simply refuse to play it safe. Here’s where to go for the ultimate chocolate fix.
Top photography courtesy of Hippolytas
01
Honest Chocolate
Honest Chocolate’s shop in Wale Street has become a favourite for anyone serious about their chocolate. Honest Chocolate founder Anthony Gird and his partner, Michael de Klerk, started their chocolatey journey in 2011, with a raw chocolate shop in Woodstock. Today, they have their flagship shop in Wale Street and a café in Kalk Bay. Everything here is bean-to-bar, meaning the team sources organic, ethically grown cacao (from Tanzania) and handles every stage, from roasting to wrapping. Flavours range from classic 70% dark to surprising treats like buchu and fynbos honey. Pop in for a guided tasting, learn about the process and don’t leave without trying the iconic chocolate tart or a cup of their hot chocolate, which has a cult following all its own.
Honest Chocolate
64 A Wale Street
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Honest Chocolate
02
Rapt
Rapt is the go-to spot for some sweet indulgence. This establishment reimagines the chocolate experience, focusing on conscious consumption without compromising on flavour. The interior of Rapt is designed to be a wonderland for chocolate lovers, featuring colourful pop culture elements and playful aesthetics, immediately capturing attention with its pink-hued walls. The must-have treat here is the bonbons – each hand-painted bonbon is a work of art, with flavours like pomegranate molasses and salted caramel shaped as robots. We love that you can also make your own chocolates and even take part in workshops led by chefs, such as Chef Serena Obadia, who guides you on techniques and insights while you throw together your own chocolate creations.
Rapt
39 Buitenkant St
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Rapt
03
Short & Sweet
Short & Sweet has built a cult following among locals, thanks to founder Jenna Short’s knack for mixing nostalgia with real-deal flavour. Inspired by the colourful, fun, diverse and detail-oriented nature of chocolate and confectionery, Short wanted to share that joy and love with others – and that’s how Short & Sweet was born. This cheerful shop is famous for its colourful bonbons, chocolate bars and small-batch fudge. Chocolate lovers should go straight for the pistachio and kataifi bar – Short & Sweet’s take on the viral sensation that is the Dubai bar. We also love Short & Sweet’s hot chocolate bombs – try the Matcha Latte Bombs or the Spiced Chai Chocolate Bomb.
Short & Sweet
Unit 8A Ravenscraig Mews
6 Ravenscraig Road
Woodstock
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Short & Sweet
04
Afrikoa
Afrikoa’s chocolate story begins long before it hits the shelves. This brand has staked its reputation on transparency and direct trade, sourcing cocoa beans straight from small-scale farmers in Tanzania, without middlemen. Afrikoa’s tastings are refreshingly educational, with head chocolatier Kyle Hickman taking you through every step of chocolate-making, from the raw bean to the final snap. At Afrikoa, it takes 12 steps to turn a cacao bean into a chocolate bar. They believe chocolate ought to offer a flavour experience that goes beyond simply tasting like chocolate. The focus is on the purity of the ingredients – no added soy, gluten or artificial flavourings.
Afrikoa
Shop G11 Makers Landing
Cruise Terminal
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Afrikoa
05
Hippolytas
At Hippolytas, all chocolates are made by hand in Century City by a team of innovative chocolatiers. Everything here is made in small batches – slabs, bars and even their famous Hot Chocolate Stix. We recommend trying some of the Arty Flavour Slabs. Some favourites include the Artpop – gummy bear chocolate ganache, popping candy and ruby chocolate – and the Birthday Cake, which is cheesecake white chocolate ganache with confetti sprinkles. For a true taste of Cape Town’s homemade chocolate tradition, this is the place to end your route. Before heading out, buy some of the Hot Chocolate Stix – mix with 250ml of warm milk and enjoy a luxurious hot chocolate like no other.
Hippolytas
35 Prosperity Park
Computer Road
Century City
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Hippolytas
Share this
Book your stay
Stay in the know
Sign up for the latest hotspot news from Southern Africa.
Advertisement
African tastemakers