Chocolat Uzma

"Because they’re often made with gelatin that contains animal byproducts — especially pork — marshmallows can be a minefield for those trying to keep halal; they either need to be made vegetarian or with gelatin made from animals killed in a halal manner. Luckily, Pilsen-based chocolatier Uzma Sharif makes halal marshmallows that can accompany her rich hot sipping chocolate or be used with her chocolate bars in s’mores. Keep an eye out for seasonal varieties, like peppermint marshmallows." - Nylah Iqbal Muhammad

"Anything made with chocolate at this tiny jewel box of a Pilsen sweets shop is going to impress, whether it’s the black salt caramel truffles or extraordinarily well-balanced cup of sipping chocolate. Chocolat Uzma serves a handful of flavors like classic plain, seasonal pumpkin spice, and a more unusual turmeric. The best one is the rose—its dried petals are delicate and scent the rich chocolate without overpowering the drink." - veda kilaru, adrian kane

"This tiny jewel box of a Pilsen sweets shop specializes in gorgeous bonbons that look like mini 3D Jackson Pollock paintings infused with South Asian flavors. There are a few pastries and coffee as well, though anything made with chocolate is what’s really going to impress—from silky black salt caramel truffles to an extraordinarily well-balanced cup of sipping chocolate. You’ll find a handful of options like classic plain, seasonal pumpkin spice, and a more unusual turmeric. But the best hot chocolate here—and one of the best in the city—is the rose. It’s a little sweeter than the plain, but the dried petals are delicate and scent the smooth, creamy chocolate without overpowering the drink. photo credit: Veda Kilaru" - Veda Kilaru

"Come for the shop’s fine cocoa collection but don’t miss the luxurious collection of sipping chocolate and hot chocolate bombs. Unique options include Original Sin (signature classic dark), Kashmiri Chili (Saigon cinnamon, cayenne), Espresso, and Golden Spice (turmeric, ginger, cardamom). Coffee giant Starbucks selected owner Uzma Sharif as the official chocolatier of its world’s-largest location, and offers her South Asian-flavored chocolates in store." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"Uzma Sharif incorporates international flavors into her truffles and chocolate bars (including Moroccan mint), but for the holidays, the Pilsen-based chocolatier created minty mini-marshmallows hand-dripped in chocolate and covered with crushed candy canes." - aimee.levitt