The Best Hot Chocolate in London

I say this with a lot of conviction: the location we will reveal is the second-best hot chocolate in the world. Of course, I can't claim it's the best without offending the entire region of South America. Having been to Costa Rica and made hot chocolate by roasting cacao beans from scratch, it was the closest experience to heaven I've ever had; the fragrance was divine. Anyhow, it's difficult to duplicate that authenticity all the way to London, but Dark Sugars at Brick Lane is the best you can get.

What makes a good hot chocolate? Balance. A good hot chocolate doesn't mean just a thick concoction of melted chocolate which looks good on Instagram but makes you sick after three sips from the sugar overload. The base needs to be cocoa powder, and then to make it truly indulgent, an appropriate amount of chocolate should be melted. Whether you like it white, milk, or dark, it is never okay to put water in hot chocolate. Before shifting to the UK, I didn't even know that was legal, and it was one of the biggest cultural shocks I endured as my flatmate boasted about how she has a fancy hot chocolate and handed me a watery cup, which I drank out of courtesy but I will never defend it.

Why is Dark Sugars the best?

This place is a paradise for chocolate lovers. Warm, aromatic smells of cocoa beans welcome you, and the sight of thick chocolate shavings dusted on everything is mesmerizing. This isn’t just a chocolate shop; it’s a sensory experience that feels both indulgent and artisanal. With mountains (literally) of different truffles, their interiors are reflective of an Amazonic environment. Each piece of chocolate is beautifully crafted and surprisingly complex, with flavors that go beyond the usual – think fruity infusions, warming spices, and even alcohol. This includes orange barks and chili-flavored cubes. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, offering samples with stories behind each flavor. It's a black woman-owned business as well.

When it comes to drinks, their signature hot chocolates are a must-try – rich and creamy. From classic milk and dark chocolate to more adventurous flavors like chili or ginger, there's something for every palate. They source cocoa from Ghana, and that authentic, earthy richness is present in every sip and bite.

What makes them stand out, though, is that your cup will be topped with a generous pile of hand-shaved chocolate curls that melt slowly into the drink, adding layers of depth with each sip. When our server was casually shaving away at her chocolate bar, we could have never thought ALL the shavings on the wooden board would go into our cup. It was truly the most indulgent experience I've had, and it didn't make me feel overloaded with sugar or even slightly sick. Check out a before and after.

Walking through London and the markets of Shoreditch with a bag of their chocolates in my hand is an experience I continue to recreate. Dark Sugars is the perfect spot for an afternoon treat or a memorable gift. It's not your average chocolate shop, but rather a lively, unique spot where the love for chocolate is palpable in every corner. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to indulge in a truly luxurious chocolate experience in London.