TSOKOWATE: A Hidden Cocoa Haven by the Road

It was a long joyride. We started our journey at 4:30 in the morning after we had to chase the break of dawn and had to witness the sea of clouds before the moment gone. After that misty and literally very cold stroll over the mountains, there was this small cozy place that caught our attention along the road, it was already past 9 in the morning. We stopped; we knew that this place is somehow a comfortable place that could offer us warm welcome and hot chocolate drink delights.

It is just beside the road, under those tall coconut trees at the back and notable numbers of cacao plants. We parked our motorcycle and entered that small, yet cozy, aesthetically designed place, neat and clean place. It was the first time that we noticed and dropped into this place, it is known as "tsokowate" as written on its signage beside it. A Cacao Farm and Cafe.

At the entrance, a big cacao fruit caught our eyes and beside it was a sign "park your motorcycle inside". It is a replica of a ripe cacao fruit with red to yellow and orange color harmoniously blended making it looks like a real cacao fruit.

We entered the glass door, and found black chairs and tables neatly arranged, on the other side was the counter where you can order cacao chocolate drinks with different flavors. There were snacks and meals written also in the menu that made this small cafe a place not only serving hot chocolate drinks but also meals for passers and goers.

We immediately ordered a cup of pure sikwate (pure cacao hot chocolate) and a cup of hot sikwate with milk. We just want to try their hot chocolate along with the reason of taking away the cold feeling that we had and have to warm ourselves with these hot chocolates.

Gladly, these cups never failed to what we expected. At very affordable price of 30 pesos (0.30 USD) per cup, we experienced the real goodness of pure cacao hot chocolate. That was really delicious!

Every sip was heaven, and its warmth was very comforting. We will surely come back again when we crave that cup of hot chocolate though it would take us 45 minutes to be there.

As we enjoyed our cups, we noticed the ripe fruits on its plant and decided to go outside after we finished our sips. There were numerous cocoa plants surrounding that small cozy shop and realized it was actually a cocoa plantation. We found out that what he had just drank were made and processed by them, from harvesting fresh cocoa fruits down to every chocolate cup they serve.

At the back area of the cafe was a big coffee cup surrounded with beautiful potted decorative plants that added beauty to the place. Another long table were also found outside, under the cocoa trees, where customers can also occupy if they want an open space while having their hot chocolate sips.

The place was very relaxing, welcoming and natural (you can actually see and touch the cocoa fruits on its trees). I haven't found a cafe as unique as Tsokowate.

Tsokowate is more than just a stopover. It’s a warm and peaceful place where you can enjoy real cacao chocolate, relax with nature, and feel at home.

We’re happy we found it. We left the place satisfied, warmth, comforted and happy. We will surely come back again.