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. The store’s design is by Australian architecture firm Storm Worldwide | Photo Credit: Special arrangement 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. Chocolate mandarin bergamot tartlet | Photo Credit: Special arrangement 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 th.