Haigh’s Chocolates

A few years ago, I was on a tour of a chocolate-​making facility interstate. The guide explained their chocolate was made using imported cacao butter and that there was only one chocolate maker in Australia who made their chocolate completely from scratch.
«Who is that?» we asked, out of interest.
«Haigh’s», he replied. My Mum and I exchanged smug glances as though just by being from South Australia, we could claim credit for Haigh’s dedication to chocolately excellence.
I work alarmingly close to the Beehive Corner Haigh’s store; close enough to hear the siren song of the salted caramel truffles, the dark chocolate Rocky Road, the chocolate covered coffee beans…
*focus*
The renowned quality of Haigh’s is in no doubt. There is usually at least a few people in line and at peak times (Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day), there is a constant well-​ordered queue of people out of the door, all eager to get into the good books by presenting a quality gift and trying to stop themselves from pointing to the truffle case and declaring «One of each, please!»
The staff are always friendly, confirm your purchase and ask if it’s a gift or having to travel far, in which case they will put it in a foil bag to resist the SA heat.
When the transaction is finished, they’ll ask if you’ll like to try —
«YES, PLEASE!»
Whereupon you’ll receive a couple of pastilles or broken up pieces to tide you over until you can bust into your bag of goodies. I swear this is true, I actually heard someone refuse their taste one day with a «no, thanks». I hope they’re getting the help they need, poor souls.
My vision for Haigh’s is that one day they open an associated café or pop-​up shop; serving their branded hot chocolate, fine coffees and other sweet treats made with the same care they put into their signature product.
I’m quite happy to come on board as creative consultant/​taste tester.
Call me.

While the staff are not particularly happy (they have a lines all the time and didn’t seem to enjoy working on the day I was there), the sheer volume of chocolate options is overwhelmingly cool. The smell when entering the shop is subtle (not like Darrell Leas) and the amount of stuff they have is great. I spent a good chunk of time in here just browsing.

How is it possible that I am only the second Unilocaler to give this place 5 *…c’mon! This chocolate is SSOO much better than the swiss stuff!
The chocolate coated almonds are my particular favourite, I ignore the price and the fact that I am normally a tight arse with money and head straight for that the counter. Damn good stuff, now import to NZ please…

I don’t get it. Their chocolates are not only more expensive but also not nearly as nice as Swiss Glory chocolates. The staff were a little stand-​offish and if they can’t be bothered, why should I?

I love this particular shop. My doctor tells me this place may shorten my life by about a decade, but let’s face it, that decade would be spent whinging about how there’s this awesome chocolate place that I can’t go to anymore, and really, what’s the point in living if you can’t go to a chocolate shop every now and then.
There’s plenty of options for the shopper in Haigh’s. From simple frogs to some really elaborate mixtures and styles, there’s sure to be something for nearly anyone.
The prices are, well, a bit higher than a block of Cadbury’s at Foodland, but for quality stuff, it isn’t outrageous.

Ah, who doesn’t like chocolate, and good quality chocolate is even more irresistible.
You don’t get much better than Haigh’s when it comes to taste and texture, and whether your after a box of choccies for a gift, or just something to get you through the day, you’ll find something in here.
I found the service really good, I went in, looked around, and when I was ready to be served I was greeted with a big warm smile.

South Australia’s famous Haigh’s Chocolates are worth getting excited about. Not only is the chocolate of the highest quality, but the taste is noticeably superior to anything you’d buy in a supermarket.
Walking into the store makes me feel like a little kid again, spoilt for choice and unsure of what I’ll go with. You can’t lose with a bag of chocolate frogs, and they’ll even give you free samples to confirm your decision. Don’t get greedy though!
This isn’t the kind of thing I’d eat very often, but it’s great every once in a while and makes for a great gift idea, especially to those outside of Adelaide who are unfamiliar with Haigh’s craft.

For almost 100 years Haigh’s has been a badge very firmly tacked onto South Australia breast.
For all those who like chocolate or chocolate based products, Haigh’s is definitely a place to frequent.
Whether you’re buying a gift box of various chocolates, or a large block to enjoy for yourself, there’s something for everyone at Haigh’s!
I’ve always liked dropping in occasionally and getting some of their chocolate frogs as a treat.
When you’re outside the store, take a look above it to the roof of the building, there is a giant golden bee, which has also been there for over 100 years!

South Australians be proud! Haighs is one of Australias most delicious and successful chocalatiers. They offer a premium product which comes out miles ahead of the cheaper and more commercial alternatives.
This shop is located on one of the most prominent historical corner buildings in Adelaide, the Iconic Beehive Corner. This is a must try for tourists — it’s expensive but worth having a little as the secret of the great Haighs taste is that Mr Haigh spent time in switzerland and learnt a thing or two from Mr Lindt.
I cannot go past the maxi size chocolate frogs as gifts they are always impressive. Just make sure you are not gifting them to a diabetic! Haighs also does locally themed chocolates, such as the easter bilby.

Beehive corner seems like the perfect location for a chocolate store, so how fitting that South Australia’s very own Haighs’s Chocolate has one of its best premises’ here.
Like many other chocolate enthusiasts, I love Haigh’s Chocolate. It’s creamy, simple and delicious. The packaging and the gift bags, combined with the sensational taste definitely secure a very popular gift that anyone would be mad to pass down.
I was a little surprised to see Haigh’s spreading its love across to other states, as I witnessed when I visited Melbourne recently. Nice to see that other Australians can now experience the fine taste that we have been subject to for years.
The Haigh’s Chocolate factory is located in on Greenhill Road, and until I finally get to visit I think this store will have to be the next best thing. Unfortunately Haigh’s Chocolate does not come overly cheap, however you are paying for great quality.
My only recommendation is that you do not try to buy your last minute Christmas gifts from here come 5’00– peak hour traffic also likes to locate here.

Yay for locally made chocolate! I propose we change the SA credo from «The Festival State» to «The Chocolate State». Who’s with me?
An icon is Adelaide, the Haighs Chocolates shop on Rundle has an old-​school feel to it. I personally picture elves in adorable hats out the back, hand making the stuff, possibly with Zooey Deschanel flitting around looking christmassy and singing carols. Just me? Okay then.
For atmosphere it’s exactly what I want from a chocolate shop: all gold and white, the gentle smell of milky chocolate wafting, an ornate old building, pretty wrappers and ribbons.
And while the chocolate itself is pretty good, this is strictly a spesh occasion type shop for me. Like EVERYBODY ELSE IN ADELAIDE, I head into good old Haighs when I need a pressie. Especially a Xmas pressie — their specialty Christmas range is by all means comprehensive and covers most price bases.
You may have noticed the all-​caps thing back a few sentences ago. This should tip the sharper readers off to the fact that this place is mental cakes around December. Be prepared to wait and then pay super bucks. It isn’t cheap, people. I do in fact think it’s overpriced for what it is.