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For the majority of its existence, chocolate has not been eaten but rather sipped. Drinking chocolate, which originated in Mesoamerica 4,000 years ago, has developed from a ceremonial Aztec beverage to a well-liked European indulgence. Innovations such as the addition of milk in the 19th century, which resulted in the creation of milk chocolate, continued the history of drinking chocolate. Its manufacture was transformed by advances in technology like the cocoa press, which made it more pleasant and available to a wider range of consumers. Chocolate started to resemble what you know today at this moment, and as the industrial revolution carried on in the decades that followed, its flavour and texture would change even more. Before that breakthrough? When someone brought up chocolate, they were actually talking about a drink. And of course, you cannot think of a better way to stay warm as the weather changes than sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate while silently reflecting on the intricate trip this enchanted bean has taken over the ages.
Following through like the oldest of traditions, Kolkata during the winter months and the onset of Christmas is also a sight to behold, almost like you’re in Europe celebrating the chill. And every restaurant and cafe welcomes a new menu and a new beverage menu.‘Boro Din’ is around the corner, and the city is gearing up for a very merry time. Whether you’re channelling the spirit of the Grinch or of Santa’s elf, it’s hard to deny the festive atmosphere that engulfs Kolkata. But what remains common is the different variations of hot chocolate that they serve. From classic hot chocolate to Nutella hot chocolate to even maybe a few spice-infused ones, if you’re someone who’s always loved sipping a cup of hot chocolate, these spots around Kolkata should be on your bucket list:
Sienna Store & Cafe
There are several surprises in this two-story building. This tiny store has expanded to become the incredibly stylish flagship location where a variety of exquisite items await discovery! The entire building has been built with elements of a zero-waste policy. During the winter months, order yourself a cup of Sienna Hot Chocolate with your preferred choice of milk and just take in the concept of the cafe. Plus, you can ask the team at Sienna to make your cup extra thick, too! From the wall art that has been made from broken ceramic pieces to the lights above, everything has a story and has been made in-house. The khorkhori janlas set the perfect backdrop for the cane table and chairs in the dining room. As you walk into Sienna, all your senses just pause to take in how the local craftsmanship of Bengal can be so aesthetic.
Address: 49, 1, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Timings: 12:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Price: INR 1,200 for two
Image Credit: Sienna Store & Cafe
Colab Coffee
Nestled in South Kolkata is Colab Coffee. It is warm, compact, and has that lingering, comforting coffee smell. They make cake, bread, and coffee. You can just eat, or you can work or read. Or don't. It's up to you. The music, the outdoors, and the rustic, old-school furnishings create an atmosphere that you will really enjoy at this café. Furthermore, they serve Classic Hot Chocolate, Dark Hot Chocolate and Hazelnut Chocolate. The aesthetics of this café will allow you to relax with your squad, your partner, or even by yourself. While the tables are compact, they lend an intimate setting, excellent for deep conversations or unspoken thoughts. The cafe is also known for Pea and broccoli hummus on freshly baked rosemary toast, Chemex coffee, traditional pepperoni pizza, blueberry cheesecake, and cool orange brew.
Address: 164, 9/1, Prince Anwar Shah Rd, Jodhpur Gardens, Lake Gardens, Kolkata, West Bengal 700045
Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM
Price: INR 850 for two
Image Credit: Colab Coffee
8th Day Cafe And Bakery
Its shopfront is surrounded by a black chain-link post fence and immaculate white walls. There are tables and chairs to sit outside in the fenced-off section of this shop. The entire charm has a European feel. Board games, a restaurant, merchandise, trinkets, and a massive coffee roasting machine whose aroma will take you to coffee paradise! Furthermore, coffee vouchers are given out so that after seven purchases, you can get a free drink. This relaxed American-style bakery serves a hot chocolate that will take you straight back to the US of A. They have a new and improved menu, which goes perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s evening. In season, you can also sip on a cup of 8th Day Christmas Peppermint Hot Chocolate.
Address: Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Timings: 8 AM - 9 PM
Price: INR 700 for two
Image Credit: 8th Day Cafe And Bakery
Éloïse - The Bistro
Anwesha Bhattacharjee and Rohit Chowdhury created Éloïse, which was inspired by the European café culture, where people spend their evenings chatting over a cup of coffee and waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread. Executive Chef Sharafat Hussain's three-decade culinary experience, including work for foreign cruise lines and upmarket hotels, ensures that Éloïse's food is both elegant and real. What steals the spotlight is definitely the Ralph Lauren Café-style Hot Chocolate, which is creamy, velvety, and pure feel-goodness in a red-and-white cup, with choices of milk, dark and Nutella. Also, the Signature Hot Chocolate, which has no sugar added and comes with a side of a wafer stick. This is exactly what drinking chocolate as a beverage means.
Address: 21, Lake Terrace, Lake Market, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Timing: 12 PM - 11 PM
Price: INR 1,200 for two
Image Credit: Eloise - The Bistro
Ping’s Cafe Orient
Sinful, enticing, drool-worthy and boozy, Ping’s Cafe Orient does a Hot Chocolate Foam, which is a dessert more than a drink that is absolutely to-die-for. Layers of warm chocolate foam hiding a generous amount of booze are all you need to warm your soul this winter. ‘Indulgent’ is the word that comes to mind when you look at this beauty, but it’s worth every calorie. Wondering why Ping’s is called that? It’s because you have to ‘ping’ for your server. Each table has a little switch attached to a light, which you can flick on when you want your server to come over. No more awkward glances and waiting to catch your server’s eye. The coconut sago pudding is another authentic favourite – served in an actual coconut shell surrounded by shards of ice, it’s simply picture perfect.
Address: Income Tax Office, 11-10, Sir William Jones Sarani, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timings: 12 PM - 3:30 PM and 7 PM - 11:30 PM
Price: INR 1,800 for two
Image Credit: Ping's Cafe Orient
Cocoa Bakery
This will be your newest favourite place to hang out in New Alipore. It quickly wins people over with its small space, few tables, and aroma of freshly made bread. You should go there specifically for their bread, macaroons, pastries, and hot chocolate. They will also create customised cakes for you. Starting at around INR 900 per pound, the three-tier cakes weigh 12 pounds. Cocoa Bakery is the ideal place to have a cup of tea or a steaming mug of hot chocolate when the winter chill hits you. Also, they have a few tiny bites on the side. There is plenty of parking right next to the bakery; however, the lane is really narrow. You can enjoy a peaceful evening in the open park on the right before you enter. The wooden interiors with the sunlight streaming in add a charming effect to the whole place. Probably the only cafe in Kolkata with such a unique view, Cocoa Bakery lends a gorgeous, panoramic view of Punjab Club’s tennis courts, where veterans, kids and everyone in-between spend hours on the clay courts in the hopes of becoming the next Federer.
Address: 22N/1, Block A, Uttar Raypur, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053
Timings: 8 AM - 11:30 PM
Price: INR 1,500 for two
Image Credit: Cocoa Bakery
