Angelina
L'Africain Chocolat Chaud
Hot Chocolates
Iconic Hot
Chocolates
L’Africain Chocolat Chaud is the most iconic product of Angelina, renowned worldwide as a benchmark for traditional French hot chocolate. First created in the early 20th century, this recipe is defined by its exceptionally thick, velvety texture, closer to melted dark chocolate than to a conventional cocoa drink.
It is made using high-quality African cocoa beans, which give the chocolate its deep, intense flavour, subtle bitterness and remarkable aromatic depth, balanced without excessive sweetness. Unlike lighter hot chocolates, L’Africain is rich, concentrated and indulgent, designed to be savoured slowly rather than simply drunk.
The product reflects Angelina’s commitment to authenticity and classic savoir-faire, relying on real chocolate and carefully controlled preparation rather than powdered mixes. Traditionally served with whipped cream in the Paris tea rooms, it has become a signature of the house and a symbol of Parisian gourmand culture.
Today, L’Africain is also available in retail form, allowing the distinctive Angelina experience to be recreated at home while preserving its original character and intensity.
Producer
Angelina Paris is an iconic Parisian tea house and pâtisserie founded in 1903, widely regarded as a symbol of French elegance and gastronomic tradition. Established on Rue de Rivoli by pastry chef Antoine Rumpelmayer, Angelina quickly became a favored meeting place for artists, writers and the Parisian elite, shaping its reputation as a cultural and culinary landmark.
The house is best known for its signature hot chocolate, Chocolat chaud l’Africain, celebrated for its exceptionally thick texture and intense cocoa depth, as well as for the Mont-Blanc dessert made with chestnut cream, whipped cream and meringue. Angelina’s identity is deeply rooted in the Belle Époque aesthetic, which remains a defining element of its flagship salons.
Over time, the brand has expanded beyond its historic location, with multiple addresses across Paris and an international retail presence through gourmet food stores. Despite this expansion, Angelina continues to emphasize craftsmanship, consistency and classic French pastry savoir-faire.
Today, it stands as a reference point for luxury confectionery and tea culture, blending heritage, indulgence and timeless Parisian style.