We all know the age-old battle between coffee people and tea people, but what about hot-chocolate people? Chocolate, after all, makes for a beverage that's soothing yet indulgent in its own right—as anyone who's downed a mug (or two) of hot choco on a rainy day can attest to. It's one of those reliables that never fail to deliver comfort anytime—and these cafés have you covered for great versions of the drink. Note that we're using the term hot chocolate rather loosely here, so as to include hot cocoa and tsokolate as well.
Check out these cafés in Metro Manila if you're a fan hot chocolate:
1. Auro Chocolate Café
This award-winning local brand has wowed the country (and the world) with their topnotch chocolate using Filipino cacao—and at their café in BGC they serve drool-worthy drinks using their own products. This includes what they call Choc au Lait, or drinks of steamed milk and your choice of chocolate, available hot. Choose between a base of dark chocolate (e.g. the Classic Dark Choc Au Lait, P180/hot; or the more robust Paquibato Dark Choc Au Lait) or white chocolate (e.g. the Classic White Choc Au Lait, P180/hot; or the nutty Peanut White Choc Au Lait, P190/hot). The tropical interiors in decidedly vivid colors are, of course, a happy bonus.
Auro Chocolate Café is at G/F One Maridien Tower, Bonifacio Global City.
2. Tsokolateria
The chilly weather of Tagaytay and Baguio would always be best complimented by warm mugs of hot chocolate-which is why trips to Tsokolateria were always a must when in the area. The café had a steady slew of fans who thus were elated as they opened a branch in Metro Manila (specifically, in SM Aura) earlier this year! No need to travel (as) far to get your fill of the Happy Ongpauco-Tiu owned spot's signature tablea drinks—like the bittersweet Tsokolate Eh (P150/solo, P280/double) prepared the traditional way with a batirol; the more whimsical Tsoko Mallow (P180/solo, P340/double) topped with mallows; and the uber-creamy Dulce de Leche (P180/solo, P340/double).
Tsokolateria is at the Skypark, L/5 SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City.
3. Bizu
So maybe you crave comfort...without letting go of your sophisticated side. Bizu, known for their elegant-meets-dainty dining spaces and French confections, has got your back. Go ahead, don your prettiest dress and cutest heels and snap all the photos you need; once you're ready, you can find solace in the soothing Bizu Hot Chocolate (P200).
See a list of Bizu branches.
4. Café Adriatico
There was, during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines, an amusing distinction between tsokolate eh and tsokolate ah (See: Padre Damaso)—the former being richer and thicker and thus reserved for more important guests, and the latter being thinner and more diluted for regular folks. Long-loved Filipino dining spot Café Adriatico serves great versions of both, dubbed Chocolate Eh and Chocolate Ah respectively, though they're especially known for the Eh variation. Your best bet is to drop by the four-decades-plus old Malate branch, which retains an old-world element that's endearing in its own right.
See a list of Café Adriatico branches.
5. Yardstick
There's more to Yardstick than their winning specialty coffee. The caffeine-averse (slash anyone just looking to change it up from their cups of joe) can opt for their Chocolate (starts at P140/hot), available at both their MOA Square and recently reopened Legazpi Village branches. Rich and robust in taste but not overwhelmingly thick, it's just the thing to sip on while reading a book-or simply unwinding in their relaxed space.
Yardstick is at 2/F MOA Square, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City and Universal LMS Building, 106 Esteban, Makati City.
6. La Creperie
Though best known for their crepes (as their name implies), La Creperie also has a solid hot-chocolate game, found in the Le Chocolat Chaud section of their menu. Included are various styles of the drink: the deceptively small San Gines (P155) with a potent dose of Spanish-style thick bittersweet chocolate; the signature La Creperie Hot Chocolat (P260) that takes after how they're served in Paris, i.e. thick and velvety smooth (pretty much like melted ganache!) with whipped cream on the side for mixing in as you please; and the Paris-Manila (P165) that combines French chocolate with our own tablea for the best of both worlds.
See a list of La Creperie branches.
7. Xocolat
ICYDK, this OG spot relocated to a newer address along Esteban Abada street. Their whole schtick being chocolate dishes and desserts, it's no surprise that they make great hot chocolate available in a couple of varieties—including the dairy-free Bittersweet (P175), the s'mores-topped Old-Fashioned (P165), and their rich and opulent signature, the Taza de Xocolat (P195). Canisters of their hot chocolate mixes are also available for sale.
Xocolat is at 88 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
8. The Library Café by Gourmet Farms
There's curling up to hot chocolate—then there's curling up to hot chocolate with a good book to go with it. The Library Café by Gourmet Farms lets you have just that; within their lineup of beverages is the Hot Chocolate (P170) made with pure cacao, and you can wile away the time by burying your nose in one of the books available in their premises in between sips.
The Library Café by Gourmet Farms is at Ramon Magsaysay Center, Quintos Street, Malate.
9. Mary Grace Café
Mary Grace is pretty much the ultimate tita hideaway, and there's nothing like spending a leisurely afternoon in the company of their cheese rolls and a cup of their hot chocolate. They've got a couple of variations of the drink, ranging from more Western Mary Grace Hot Chocolate (starts at P207) made with Belgian chocolate, to the intoxicating Spicy Mexicana Hot Chocolate (P167) spiked with cinnamon and chili, to the more distinctly Filipino Traditional Tsokolate (P178) using local cacao, and more.
See a list of Mary Grace branches.
10. The Coffee Academics Café
Hong Kong's The Coffee Academics Café (not to be confused with their To-Go leg in the Philippines) is known for the creative flavor combos on their cups of joe, but it's worth taking a break from their coffee once in a while. Instead consider treating your taste buds to the Sipping Chocolate (P180)—their take on a classic hot chocolate with their own homemade chocolate syrup. Might as well keep your pinkies up as you sip, if only to match with the café's snazzy interiors.
The Coffee Academics Café is at 109 C. Palanca Street, Makati City and Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang.
