Taking mum to Xocolatl for a hot chocolate at the quaint shopping village along Maling Rd, Cantebury has become a regular Sunday ritual. Xocolatl use couverture chocolate, and have a number of different flavours on offer; Rose Spice, Hazelnut, Spanish, Peppermint, Dark Venezualan and Orange. I’ve tried all flavours but tend to go back to Spanish, since it’s infused with a hint of chilli and spices, and mum likes the aroma of Rose Spice. I’ve tried a number of different styles of hot chocolate from various specialty shops in Melbourne, but Xocolatl is the best I’ve tasted. Decor is old world and ambience is one of solace. Indoor and outdoor seating caters for the seasons, and once the ritual of drinking chocolate is finished a little window shopping and shopping at the many boutique shops follows.
Along with hot chocolate, chocolate imbued cold drinks and coffee is on offer. The shop also sells handmade artisan chocolates, and a number of chocolate treats. I’m a sucker for the dark chocolate dipped cherry, whilst popcorn chocolate, gingerbread, baileys and caramel are all good and a cut above other handmade chocolates. There are some unusual flavour combinations including chocolate with wasabi which are also worth trying.
For the best hot chocolate in Melbourne and some solace from the noisy suburban shopping complexes, give Xocolatl in Cantebury a try. You’ll no doubt return.
Cantebury
123 Maling Rd,
Cantebury 3126
(03) 9836 3100
Trading hours
Monday – Friday 8am -5.30pm
Saturday 9am – 5.30pm
Sunday 10am – 5.30pm
Kew East
11 Strathlbyn St
Kew East
(03) 9857 0971
Trading hours
Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 9am – 1.30pm