It’s that time again!
Metro Vancouver’s Hot Chocolate Festival is back, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever.
Now in its 15th year, this self-guided cocoa extravaganza features a whopping 81 vendors and over 180 drinks, running from January 18 – February 14.
If you’re overwhelmed by choices, don’t sweat it—we’ve rounded up the quirkiest, dreamiest, and downright wildest (and cute) creations to try.
Let’s dive in!
1. Arashiyama – Whisk Matcha x Level V Bakery
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 2
Area: Mount Pleasant
This matcha white hot chocolate takes inspiration from Kyoto’s famous bamboo forest with earthy roasted sweet potato flavours, evoking a serene and cozy stroll through nature.
It’s served with a hojicha sugar cookie sandwich stuffed with mochi and matcha ganache—like a warm hug from the forest itself.
Earthy, creamy, and oh so comforting.
If you opt to dine in at Whisk, the drink is served in a double walled glass.
But we believe the the new custom to-go cups is where this drink really shines (as pictured).
My god that cup is stunning!
P.S. the first 500 orders also get a limited cute bamboo whisk sticker as well!
Address: 39 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
2. Boba Fried Chicken – Boba Run
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 14
Area: Gastown
Spicy, sweet, and slightly unhinged—in the best way possible.
And of course – you can trust Koreans when it comes to Fried Chicken.
This jalapeño-infused dark hot chocolate is topped with honey whipped cream and a chicken drumstick-shaped chip.
Oh, and there’s mini “fried chicken” ice cream and an apple “beer” jello shot because, why not?
Address: 102 West Hastings St., Vancouver BC
3. Gone to Banana Heaven – Boba Run
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 14
Area: Gastown
Love bananas and coffee?
This decadent blend of real bananas and dark chocolate is topped with fluffy Dalgona coffee.
And yes, you get a banana-shaped sponge cake for optimal dipping.
Address: 102 West Hastings St., Vancouver BC
4. Postcards from Dubai – Boketto Tea Bar
Available: Jan 18 – 31
Postcards from Dubai: A rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallow fluff, pistachio drizzle, and crispy kataifi strands.
The orange blossom madeleine on the side? Chef’s kiss.
Address: 3471 West Sawmill Crescent, Vancouver BC
5. Rice & Shine – Fufu Pancake
Available: Jan 18 – 31
Area: West Broadway
A hot chocolate made with sweet fermented rice and creamy milk chocolate, topped with sweet rice wine whipped cream and peanut sesame sugar.
Plus, it comes with a fluffy soufflé pancake stuffed with peanut sesame goodness. What’s not to love?
Address: 1266 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
6. Postcards from Vietnam – Boketto Tea Bar
Available: Feb 1 – 14
Area: River District
Postcards from Vietnam: This pandan-infused white hot chocolate is topped with toasted coconut and served with mango Iced Gems for peak tropical nostalgia.
Address: 3471 West Sawmill Crescent, Vancouver BC
7. Bunana Almond Dream – Bunny Cafe
Available: Jan 18 – 31
Area: Commercial Drive
This banana-almond vegan hot chocolate is topped with coconut whip and bunny-ear banana slices. It’s served with a mini banana split soft serve.
And yes, you can sip it while surrounded by real-life bunnies. Peak cozy vibes.
Address: 1696 Venables St., Vancouver
8. Pink Don’t Shrink! – Cadeaux Bakery
Available: Jan 18 – 31
A white chocolate-based drink that tastes like every fun pink candy you loved as a kid.
And ofcourse inspired by everyone’s favourite pink vacuum-sucking blob!
Think watermelon, strawberry, and cotton candy topped with vanilla whip and actual cotton candy.
Address: 172 Powell St., Vancouver
9. CocoYuzu Fries FUNdue – A La Mode
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 2 (Closed Mondays)
Area: Granville Island
Fondue, but make it fun?! This velvety chocolate blend with coconut and yuzu is served with crispy apple pie fries and drizzled with a coconut-yuzu “poutine” sauce.
Yup, you heard that right—chocolate poutine.
Expect your taste buds to have a full-on flavour party.
Address: 1689 Johnston St., Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver
10. You’re My U(bae) – BAK’D
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 14
Area: New Westminster
Consider this your edible love letter to ube. This luscious ube white hot chocolate is topped with purple whipped cream and toasted coconut. The star of the show?
An ube cookie rolled in toasted coconut, ready to crunch its way into your heart.
Address: 285 Nelson’s Court, New Westminster BC
11. How to Lick a Beekeeper – Drunken Chocolatier
Available: Jan 18 – 31
Area: Mount Pleasant
Smoky Lapsang Souchong tea meets burnt honey for a sultry, aromatic hot chocolate topped with a honey-stroopwafel.
Warning: you’ll want seconds.
Address: 108 – 223 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC
12. My Mother Disapproves of This Drink – Drunken Chocolatier
Available: Jan 18 – 31
Area: Mount Pleasant
My Mother Disapproves of This Drink: Mandarin peel, ginger, and 80% dark chocolate with pei pa koa syrup for a herbal punch.
It’s served with salted egg yolk shortbread, making it equal parts comforting and rebellious.
Address: 108 – 223 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC
13. Golden Phoenix – La Saison de Patisserie
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 14
Area: Rupert
This silky hot chocolate is topped with salted duck egg yolk custard foam and served with a flaky salted egg yolk palmier.
Fancy, flavourful, and undeniably extra.
Address: 3868 Rupert St., Vancouver, BC
14. Balsamo di Sera – Motoretta Gelato
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 14
Area: Coal Harbour
A rich dark hot chocolate with a hint of aged balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
It’s paired with mascarpone and fig gelato for that sweet-and-savory combo you didn’t know you needed.
Address: 1001 W. Cordova St., Vancouver, BC
15. Candy Apple Charm – Trafiq Cafe
Available: Jan 18 – 26, Feb 11 – 14
Area: Main Street
A nostalgic blend of dark hot chocolate and apple juice with a caramel drizzle.
Paired with an apple caramel pinwheel cookie for maximum coziness.
Address: 4216 Main St., Vancouver
16. ChocoBubbles Thai Dream – Uno Gelato
Available: Feb 3 – 14
Area: West Broadway
A dark chocolate and Thai tea fusion topped with chewy tapioca pearls. Think bubble tea, but with chocolate.
Paired with coconut sorbetto to keep things refreshing.
Address: 2579 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
For more wild and wonderful hot chocolate creations, be sure to visit the official site for the full festival lineup.
Let us know which drink is on your must-try list!