Indulge in Decadence This Valentine’s Month at Cacaoté, India’s Chocolate Wonderland

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Cacaoté- Ahmedabad’s newest chocolate haven. Opened in December 2024, this patisserie is the creation of Rita and Vraj Patel, a dynamic mother-son duo with a shared passion for bringing Belgian chocolates' rich, velvety taste to India.

Cacaoté isn’t just a patisserie; it’s where creativity, elegance, and indulgence come together in the form of irresistible chocolate treats, from decadent desserts and drinks to exquisite assortments of chocolates. In just a few months, it’s already become the go-to destination for anyone looking to experience something extraordinary. And what better occasion to explore this chocolate wonderland than Valentine’s Day?

To learn more about this sweet escape and its story, we reached out to Vraj Patel and dived into the journey of Cacaoté, a place destined to steal hearts, one chocolatey bite at a time.

Edited excerpts.

1. What inspired you to open Cacaoté, and how did you develop the concept for a chocolate patisserie in Ahmedabad?
Every trip to India growing up meant bringing chocolates for family and friends, which made me realize the lack of high-quality chocolates available locally. I wanted to bridge that gap while also venturing into India’s luxury sector. A chance meeting with a three-Michelin-star chef at a five-star resort further solidified my vision—this was my opportunity to redefine how India experiences chocolates and pastries.

The idea behind Cacaoté was simple: why should Indians have to travel abroad to indulge in fine patisserie and chocolates? From the very beginning, our focus was on sourcing the finest ingredients from across the world and using state-of-the-art equipment from Italy, Sweden, France, Belgium, and Turkey to ensure authenticity in every bite.

2. Can you share how you became passionate about chocolate, and what led you to specialize in it?
Growing up in Belgium, chocolate was an everyday indulgence, whether it was walking past grand chocolateries or savoring a piece of chocolate after dinner. It was more than just a treat—it was a part of life. As I explored the intricate craft of chocolate-making and collaborated with expert chocolatiers, my passion deepened. That passion eventually turned into a mission: to bring the same level of excellence I grew up with to India.

3. What sets Cacaoté apart from other gourmet patisseries or dessert shops in India? Are there any signature chocolate creations that define your brand?
Cacaoté delivers an experience that mirrors the authentic flavors and quality found in Belgium and France. My Belgian upbringing plays a significant role in curating genuine flavors, and we never compromise on quality—whether it’s our ingredients, equipment, or techniques.

Some of our signature creations include the Thai Chili Ganache and 3 Brothers Ganache in chocolates. Among our petite gateaux, the 7-layer Chocolate Mandarin Bergamot stands out. The citrusy notes of bergamot orange perfectly balance the richness of dark chocolate, while a streusel crumble adds texture, making it a personal favorite.

4. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while setting up Cacaoté, and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges was sourcing high-quality ingredients reliably from across the globe and ensuring they could withstand India’s harsh climate. Rigorous testing and leveraging relationships with trusted suppliers helped us overcome these hurdles.

5. Where do you source your chocolate and other ingredients from? Do you prioritize local or sustainable sourcing for your products?
We source key ingredients such as butter, cream, cocoa nibs, cocoa butter, and stabilizers from top vendors in France and Belgium, all of whom follow eco-sustainability and fair-trade practices. At the same time, we also believe in supporting local vendors for fresh produce, and sourcing fruits from places like Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar. Our priority is always uncompromising quality, whether the ingredients come from halfway across the world or our own backyard.

6. Are there any plans to expand or introduce new offerings soon, like workshops, collaborations, or special events?
Absolutely! We are actively planning workshops, collaborations, and special events, which we’ll be announcing soon.

7. Since the opening in December last year, which of your creations are the most popular and in demand?
Our bestsellers include the Chocolate Bergamot Orange and Milk Chocolate Tahini in petite gateaux. When it comes to chocolates, the top favorites are the 3 Brothers, Crunchy Hazelnut, and Raspberry Chocolate.

8. What exclusive Valentine’s Day creations or experiences can customers look forward to at Cacaoté this month?
We’ve curated a delightful range of heart-shaped chocolates in special packaging for Valentine’s Day. We’re also launching a 100-piece limited edition box—though we can’t reveal too much just yet! Stay tuned for the official launch.

9. As desserts evolve, where do you see Cacaoté in five years? What trends or innovations do you expect to shape the future of chocolate patisseries?
Cacaoté has ambitious plans for the future. While expansion across India is on the horizon, we’re also exploring the introduction of classic Belgian and French desserts to complement our current offerings.

India’s dessert landscape is shifting—there’s a noticeable move towards chocolates over traditional sweets, especially among the younger generation. As disposable incomes rise, so does the demand for luxury confections. The success of global brands like Neuhaus and Ladurée in India only reinforces this trend. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, continuously innovating with flavors, and elevating the customer experience.

Whether celebrating love, friendship or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, Cacaoté offers a range of decadent treats that feel tailor-made for the occasion.