Winters in Dubai are short-lived. They breeze in, and the next thing you know, you’re back to complaining about the humidity and 40-degree heat. While the crisp, chilly air lasts for a few months, it means we make the most of the weather with something delectably sweet. I’m thinking warm, delicious, dreamy hot chocolate across the city. From velvety chocolatey classics to over-the-top festive creations topped with toasted marshmallows, the winter season is all about sipping your way through the mugs of warmth and happiness in town. Now, whether you’re a cocoa addict or you love the sugar rush from stacking your hot chocolate with sprinkles and whipped cream, you need to try these spots this winter season! Keep reading to know more.
Also Read: Dubai: 5 Winter/Christmas Market Opening Dates You Can’t Miss This Season
1. Godiva Chocolate Cafe
Known for their delectable chocolatey treats, the world-famous chocolate maestros aren’t holding back. First up, you’ve got to try the smooth original Chocolixir. This drink is a classic, dreamy, utterly unmissable treat. For the dark chocolate lovers, there’s the dark-and-milk red velvet hot chocolate for those who want an outrageously indulgent treat, sip and savour their caramel and sea salt number that basically demands a standing ovation.

- Prices: AED 40 Chocolixir, AED 35 Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate.
- Locations: Various Dubai locations.
- Visit their website for more information
2. Mirzam Chocolate
Mirzam’s hot chocolate is simply divine. From the first sip, you get to savour a smooth, velvety, and utterly indulgent drink that will have you craving for more. Made from chocolatiers who pour their hearts into every cup, you’ll get to sip on exquisite, single-origin chocolate blended with milk of your choice. And vegans, don’t worry! They’ve got you covered with vegan-friendly options too! And don’t miss out on the spiced varieties such as the Rose and Moroccan Mint flavours, which are award winners. For a real treat, try out the cinnamon hot chocolate – a perfect blend of sweet and spice. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a zesty sprinkle of orange zest, it’s pure bliss in a mug.

- Prices: AED 32
- Locations: Warehouse 70, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
- Visit their website for more information
3. North 28
Your winter experience just got a delicious upgrade! At the Mall of the Emirates branch, you can now sip on the ultimate hot chocolate while taking in the breathtaking views of Ski Dubai’s snow-covered peaks. This specially crafted menu, in partnership with Mirzam, is every chocoholic’s dream. You can enjoy drinks packed with rich flavours or unique Arabic-inspired twists. For the vegans, they’ve got you covered with some delicious options too. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, you’ve got to try their white hot chocolate. It’s a glorious mountain of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of mini marshmallows or M&Ms.

- Price: AED 25
- Locations: Mall of the Emirates
- Visit their Instagram page for more information
4. The Cocoa Room
For those with an insatiable sweet tooth, get ready for marshmallow madness, caramel cascades, and pure chocolate bliss! If you haven’t tried it out yet, you’re missing out on the burnt marshmallow hot chocolate. Imagine heaps of gooey caramelised marshmallows, topped with salted caramel and a luscious chocolate base crafted from the finest Valrhona chocolate. This is the perfect warm winter beverage you won’t want to miss!

- Price: From AED 37.5
- Locations: Inside Slider Station, The Galleria, Al Safa
- Visit their website for more information
5. Cereal Killer Café
Cereal Killer cafe’s menu boasts an array of delightful hot chocolate options. While their classic is perfect for sipping and savouring, customers can also go a bit crazy with their hearty selection of topping-infused drinks. Cheekily labelled ‘stacked hot chocolate’, you can indulge in hot chocolate drinks infused with peanut butter or Nutella goodness. Whether you decide to indulge alongside a whimsical cereal bowl or enjoy it all on its own, each sip brings a perfect blend of nostalgic sweetness and cosy comfort.

- Price: From AED 27
- Locations: Kite Beach, Street 2D, Umm Suqeim
- Visit their Instagram page for more information
6. Gato
Who doesn’t like chocolatey drinks with a touch of cuteness? At Gato, you can indulge in a cosy cup of hot cocoa served with a delightful little bear-shaped bread that’s sure to warm your heart and make your taste buds dance. For just AED 60, this editable bear served with your hot cocoa is not only a treat but also a perfect pic for your Instagram feed.

- Price: AED 60
- Locations: Gato, Al Mina
- Visit their Instagram page for more information
7. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café
Picture this. You, sipping on a luxurious hot chocolate made from rich, melted cocoa mass. The warm goodness adorned with those adorable dark, white, and milk chocolate-swirled seashells! At Guylian Cafe, indulge in an intensely chocolatey twist on the classic drink that feels like a warm hug in a mug. If you want to take it up a notch, dive into the nutty roasted praline option or treat yourself to the dessert-like delight of banana and caramel.

- Price: Praline – AED 32 praline | Banana and caramel – AED 35
- Locations: Various locations – Mirdif City Centre, The Dubai Mall, The Pointe
- Visit their website for more information