Explore the art of chocolate making at Rapt

Make your own chocolate bar and taste nitro ice cream

Last updated: Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Choco-o-lattes, flash nitrogen ice cream and build-a-bar experiences. This is what you’ll find at Rapt, the colourful chocolate store on Buitenkant Street. It’s a whimsical wonderland for sweet lovers, with its murals of flowers riding skateboards and rows of endless chocolate. 

Rapt - The Art of Indulgence is a chocolate-lovers dream conveniently situated across from TRUTH Coffee. Image: Lindsey Appolis

A WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND

Located in the middle of the East City is Rapt. This charming chocolate store is the brainchild of David Donde (owner of Truth Coffee and Art of Duplicity). The vibrant interior pays homage to the colourful pages of a comic book like, larger-than-life speech bubbles hanging over each designated section of the store. 

Once inside, you’re greeted by the smell of warm melting chocolate, and colourful mixers shine on display. There's also an Instagrammable nook where you can pose for pictures on an inflatable flower tongue.

Carla Schutte is the designer and illustrator behind Rapt. Image: Lindsey Appolis

POMEGRANATE MOLASSES & MISO CARAMEL

At Rapt, chocolate isn’t just a treat, it’s an art form. The impressive selection of handcrafted chocolates is hand-painted for decoration. Some are vegan-friendly and sugar-free too. 

They’ve got “bon bombs” in flavours like pomegranate molasses in a purple pyramid; salted caramel in the shape of a robot; and pop butter in a tiny pink croissant (filled with a surprise).

The chocolate is sourced from the finest cacao and lots of their chocolates are vegan-friendly. Image: Lindsey Appolis

MAKE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE BAR

You can become a master chocolatier at the store’s build-a-bar experience. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy. 

You start by choosing your base chocolate: Milk, white or dark. You can mix them too. Next, select from an array of toppings, like crunchy nuts, sweet caramel, candied treats and dried cranberries. 

Finally, you wait about 10 minutes for it to harden in the refrigerator. Add a personal touch with a customised label or message. After that, it’ll be all Rapt up to go (see what we did there).

Everything is made from scratch and you get to see the magic happen in front of you. Image: Lindsey Appolis

LIQUID NITROGEN ICE CREAM

Rapt also has nitrogen ice cream, made from scratch. This cutting-edge dessert is flash-frozen using liquid nitrogen. The result is a perfectly smooth, silky texture. 

Choose between chocolate or vanilla ice cream (vegans have the option of hazelnut). And instead of a normal cone, you can pick a waffle cone, chocolate-lined croissant or stroopwaffle cone. 

Rapt uses metal mixing bowls to make their ice cream. Image: Lindsey Appolis

In the mood for something warm? You can grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate, made with shots of melted chocolate or a brûlée chai latte while you try the viral cookie croissant (yes, they have those too). 

Plus, there’s also a gifting station with all kinds of caramels, nougat, and enrobed chocolate coffee beans.

Whether you're a devoted chocoholic or simply seeking a moment of sweet indulgence, Rapt offers an unforgettable experience. Image: Lindsey Appolis

VISIT RAPT IN THE EAST CITY 

Rapt is open: Monday, 9am to 6pm; Tuesday to Saturday; 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Find it: 39 Buitenkant Street | Cape Town City Centre | Cape Town
Contact them on: bliss@raptindulgence.com | whatfoodgroup.com | @raptindulgence

By Khadeeja Adams 

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Cape Town always has new experiences and restaurants.

Try Asian-inspired desserts at Café Chiffon in De Waterkant. 

Discover our guide to 7+ things to do this week(end).

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