By Nimaya Nanayakkara

Chocoholics was founded with the aim of introducing world-class chocolate to Sri Lanka. With four different outlets, premium Belgian chocolate is now within reach for anyone in the country. Amidst the bustling street of Duplication Road lies one of their largest branches. Here, we were greeted and served by friendly and hardworking staff.

We were treated to a feast of decadent chocolate, starting with the Chocolate Volcano, a stack of pancakes layered with banana, strawberries, brownies, and marshmallows, all drenched in their signature chocolate that dramatically flows out once the plastic wrap is removed. Rich and indulgent, it is perfect for anyone who loves intense chocolate flavours. We also tried the Dream Waffle, featuring a crispy waffle base topped with strawberries, marshmallows, brownie chunks, and a scoop of ice cream, all lightly drizzled with the same chocolate for a more balanced treat.

To accompany the desserts, we were served the Lychee Mogu Mogu, a sweet and fizzy lychee-flavoured drink with chewy pearls, and the Blueberry Sparkler, a refreshing berry soda with subtle cola undertones; both paired perfectly with the richness of the food.

Chocoholics is the perfect spot for any outing, whether it is a first date or a catch-up with friends and family. This World Chocolate Day, on the 7th of July, step into one of their outlets and experience the magic of chocolate for yourself.  We had a chat with Co-founder and Director Wazni Wazeer.

1. At what point did you realise that Chocoholics had the potential to grow beyond a personal passion and become a nationwide brand?

It was the smiles, really. When we opened our first outlet, we were just chasing a dream, bringing premium chocolate home to Sri Lanka. But the way people responded, from kids licking their forks clean to adults returning week after week with friends and family, told us something special was happening. It was turning into a shared movement. And we had to take it further, so all of Sri Lanka could taste what real chocolate joy feels like.

2. How did you work to shift the perception that premium chocolate could only be experienced abroad?

That was one of the very reasons we created Chocoholics. We grew up thinking that the good stuff, the rich, indulgent, velvety chocolate only existed in Europe, in duty-free boxes or airport cafés. We wanted to change that narrative. So we brought the same world-class Belgian chocolate to Sri Lanka and shaped it into something uniquely ours. And once people had their first spoonful of our brownies or warm crepes, they realised: this is the quality we’ve been waiting for. 

3. Chocoholics is often described as more than just a café. How did you build that deeper emotional connection with your customers?

We believe people don’t just remember what they ate, they remember how it made them feel. From the warm lighting to the aroma of chocolate, to that first bite of our *Chocolate Volcano*, every detail is crafted to create a moment. And that emotional connection deepened over time through our seasonal drops, our all-cashback rewards programme, and the personal service our teams bring every day. Chocoholics is where happiness shows up on a plate. That’s why we say: life just got sweeter.

4. What significance does World Chocolate Day hold for you, especially as a brand rooted in redefining chocolate culture in Sri Lanka?

World Chocolate Day holds a very special place in our hearts. It’s more than a global celebration, it’s a reminder of why we started Chocoholics. For generations, premium chocolate was seen as something you bring back in a suitcase. Today, thanks to our amazing customers, that experience is finally part of our local culture. This day allows us to honour that journey, and the community who made it possible. We celebrate every laugh shared over brownies, every surprise fondue date, and every first-timer who walks out smiling. 

5. Looking ahead, how do you plan to keep delighting customers while staying true to the original Chocoholics vision?

At the heart of everything, we’re still just two dessert dreamers who wanted to bring smiles through chocolate. That hasn’t changed. We’re constantly listening to our customers, because their stories shape ours. With new menu items, special gifts, exclusive drops for rewards members, and even more cozy, crave-worthy outlets in the pipeline, we’re excited about what’s coming. But what will never change is our purpose: to make life feel a little more joyful, one dessert at a time. As long as our customers walk out saying “Life just got sweeter” we know we’re staying true to who we are.