With reporting from Ankita Menon

L’Atelier Du Chocolat, a new gourmet shop that sells 19 different kinds of fair-trade chocolate, officially launched at the Gate Mall last week.

The Qatar store is the the popular French franchise’s first foray outside of its home country, where it operates some 35 shops.

Like with many dessert places here, L’Atelier Du Chocolat (which means the Workshop of Chocolate) opened in Doha after being wooed by a Qatari businessman, the store’s manager told Doha News during a press conference.

Much of the store’s offerings are made in-house, including slabs of dark, white and milk chocolate containing nuts, mint, caramel, orange and other flavors. The prices vary, QR40 to QR60 per 100 grams. Ice cream, hot chocolate and medallions of the confection are also on offer.

Visitors report that employees are happy to offer samples, and the chocolate is of the melt-in-your-mouth variety.

It appears the West Bay shop, which soft-opened last month, is not the only one planned for Qatar. In a statement, founder Serge Andrieu said:

“I would describe the boutique opening in Qatar as an important milestone, one of many on the way to success in the GCC market. We also have other interesting projects in the pipeline and are looking forward to launching them soon in Qatar.”

Have you tried this place yet? Thoughts?

Note: This article has been corrected to reflect the actual English translation of the shop’s name.