A mother-son duo is channeling Willy Wonka in Ahmedabad

Discover Cacaoté in Ahmedabad, India, where Belgian chocolate craftsmanship meets adventurous Indian flavors in a whimsical setting.

Bruges, Belgium, with its medieval charm, winding canals, and cobblestone streets, feels like it is plucked straight from a fairytale. But for chocolate lovers, it is more than picturesque—it is paradise. With chocolate-making roots dating back to the 17th century, introduced by Spanish explorers, Belgium has earned its place as the world’s premier chocolate destination. The country’s chocolate fame truly blossomed in the 19th century, especially when Jean Neuhaus created pralines in 1912.

Antwerp native Vraj Patel, 22, drew on this rich chocolate heritage to open Cacaoté, a grand 15,000-square-foot chocolate store in Ahmedabad. “Whenever family from Gujarat visited, I’d take them to places like Leonidas and Neuhaus in Belgium. It’s not just about the shops; it’s how chocolate is embedded in daily life here—it’s more than a treat, it’s a way of life,” Vraj shares. Partnering with his mother, Rita, who oversees the chocolate-making and baking, the duo aims to set a new benchmark for luxury chocolate in Ahmedabad and across India.

What sets Cacaoté apart is the meticulous attention to detail, making it more than just a chocolate shop—it is an immersive, sensory experience. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a 3D chocolate bar door handle, a playful touch that hints at the creativity and passion behind the space. This whimsical element sets the tone, signalling that this is far from an ordinary store. The store’s design is brought to life by the renowned Australian architecture firm Storm Worldwide and complemented by interiors from London-based design studio LEQB.

As you move through the space, the visual storytelling continues. The elegant shapes of bonbons, blending functionality with artistic design, inspire the tables. Massive, state-of-the-art refrigerators line the walls, but even these practical features have been thoughtfully integrated. Their accents carry the texture of cocoa powder, adding a subtle tactile quality that reinforces the chocolate theme. Overhead, the ceiling is draped with fabric that creates the illusion of flowing chocolate, enveloping visitors in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

When you head upstairs to the brasserie, the atmosphere shifts slightly. Bathed in natural sunlight, the upper floor has a playful, airy vibe that still seamlessly connects with the chocolate-centric design below. It is a space that invites you to linger, enjoy a meal or a drink, and take in the view of Ahmedabad.

When venturing into the world of artisanal chocolate in India, particularly in cities like Ahmedabad, scale matters, says Vraj. “It’s not just about offering quality products but creating a space that piques curiosity and compels people to visit.”

But beyond scale, understanding the Indian palate is crucial. When Rita and Vraj began market research, they wanted to know not just what would sell but what would resonate deeply with Indian consumers. Are Indians adventurous when it comes to chocolate flavours? The answer, they found, was a resounding yes—within reason. The country’s culinary diversity means that flavour experimentation can thrive, but it needs to be rooted in familiarity and nostalgia.