Top 5 Spots for French-Style Pastries in Kinshasa

If you’ve got a sweet tooth in Kinshasa, consider it bonjour and bon appétit. Despite the city’s tropical heat and traffic jams, you can still duck into a café and feel like you’ve been whisked to Paris or at least a très chic corner of it. Kinshasa’s patisseries and boulangeries channel the DRC’s Francophone flair into flaky croissants, creamy éclairs, and baguettes that crackle when you break them. From long-standing local favorites to new arrivals from overseas, here are five spots serving French-style sweets that would make any Parisian expat nod in approval. Bring your dollars (or francs) and an empty stomach le dessert is served!

1. La Pâtisserie Nouvelle (Utexafrica & Gombe) : Kinshasa’s Croissant Classic

This iconic patisserie has been a staple for years, and it’s often the first name locals drop when you ask, “Where’s the best pain au chocolat in town?” With two locations (the main one at Utexafrica in Gombe, plus an older downtown spot), Pâtisserie Nouvelle delivers exactly what its name promises: a nouvelle experience of European baking in Kinshasa. The vibe is casual old-school café think rattan chairs, neat pastry displays, and the smell of butter and coffee wrapping around you. It’s the place for Sunday family brunch or a mid-morning espresso and tart. In fact, many Kinois love starting their week here; the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee and just-baked viennoiseries is basically therapy on a Monday see it on Instagram.

On the menu,

you’ll find buttery croissants, éclairs, fruit tarts, and crusty baguettes, plus surprisingly good ice cream (yes, you can get gelato in the tropics). Prices are fairly reasonable for the quality: around $5 (≈11,000 CDF) can get you a pastry and a coffee, while a more elaborate breakfast or lunch crêpe might run up to $15–18 (≈30,000–36,000 CDF) for those splurging. It’s worth it portions are generous and the pastry craft is on point. Service is usually good (in Kinshasa that’s not a given), and there’s even a kids’ play area at the Utex location, making it popular with families.

Local tip: 

Try their baguette sandwiches if you need something savory; they’re as authentic as any Parisian café’s. And if you visit the original “Old Nouvelle” downtown, don’t mind the dated decor the babas au rhum and macarons taste just as heavenly. Au final, Pâtisserie Nouvelle remains a Kinshasa classic for a reason, blending Belgian/French baking know-how with Congolese joie de vivre in every bite.

2. Eric Kayser: Artisanal Boulangerie with a Modern Twist

When this famous French artisan boulanger set up shop in Kinshasa, expats and well-heeled locals alike rejoiced. Eric Kayser brought a slice of Paris to the Congo, complete with two stylish locations (one in the swanky Kin Plaza mall and another near City Market in Gombe). Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a sleek interior and the sight of golden baguettes and delicate petits fours lined up like edible art. In fact, the bakers here see themselves as artists “la boulangerie… est un art, une passion,” they proclaim.

From crusty sourdough loaves to glossy berry tarts, everything is crafted with that ethos of perfection (their raspberry tart had Instagram in a frenzy “impossible de résister!” and after one bite you’ll agree see it on Instagram).

Eric Kayser Kinshasa is known not just for pastries but as an all-day café. Come in the morning for almond croissants and cappuccino, or at lunchtime for quiches, sandwiches on fresh ciabatta, and even hearty entrees. A classic croissant goes for about $2 (≈4,500 CDF), while salads and sandwiches hover around $8–10. They also make exquisite cakes if you have a birthday or event the Fraisier and chocolate mousse cake are crowd-pleasers. Health-conscious? You’re in luck: this might be the only spot in town with gluten-free bread on offer.

(Kinshasa isn’t exactly a haven for gluten-free, so that’s a big deal for some!). The vibe is comfortable and cosmopolitan you’ll see Congolese professionals having business meetings over croissants, NGOs interns tapping on laptops, and the occasional Belgian family treating the kids to pain au lait. Service is professional and they open early (7am) every day for your caffeine-and-carb fix, closing by 8pm, so you can even grab an early dinner here.

Local tip: 

Swing by on Sunday late mornings they often do a brunch special and the outdoor seating (at the Kin Plaza branch) is perfect for people-watching. Between the artisan heritage and Kinshasa’s flair, Eric Kayser has quickly become a boulangerie success story here, kneading together French tradition with a modern Kin twist.

3. PAUL: Parisian Heritage Meets Kinshasa Chic

The granddaddy of French bakeries, PAUL, finally arrived in Kinshasa – and it did so in style. This renowned boulangerie-pâtisserie chain, founded in 1889 in Northern France, opened a flagship café on Avenue de la Justice (Gombe) in 2025, instantly drawing curious crowds and pastry aficionados. The interior is chic and bright, with black-and-white tiled floors and vintage French posters evoking that classic Paris café feel.

You might momentarily forget you’re in central Africa when you’re here until you notice the mix of languages at the tables next to you (French, Lingala, English – a true Kinshasa melange enjoying éclairs and espresso). PAUL is open from the crack of dawn till late (roughly 7:00 in the morning to 10:00–11:00 at night), so whether you’re craving a fresh croissant at breakfast or an opera cake for dessert after dinner, they’ve got you covered.

On the menu, expect all of PAUL’s signature pastries and breads: flaky mille-feuille, rich flan parisien, tartelette au citron that balances sweet and tart perfectly, and of course baguettes with that ideal thin crust. A pastry here averages $3–4 (≈7,000–9,000 CDF), a bit splurgy but you’re paying for top quality and the name. Coffee drinks are on par with other cafes (around $3 for a latte), and if you’re hungry for more than sweets, they do savory quiches, croque-monsieurs and nice salads (~$10–12 range). Don’t leave without trying their macarons  they come in a rainbow of flavors and are easily the best in town (sorry, not sorry).

The atmosphere can get lively during weekend afternoons, as friends meet up for cake and conversation exactly the kind of scene PAUL intended, with “pâtisseries délicieuses et des rires partagés” (“delicious pastries and shared laughter”) all around. In fact, one Instagram post from PAUL Kinshasa shows friends clinking cappuccino cups over tarts the caption reads, “Que demander de plus?” (“what more could you ask for?”) see it on Instagram.

Local tip: 

Come early on Sunday mornings if you want a seat; churchgoers tend to flood in around noon for a post-mass treat. And if you’re in a rush, PAUL offers takeaway  grab a baguette sandwich and a pain au chocolat to-go, and you’ll be the envy of your next meeting. With its blend of French baking heritage and Kinshasa’s bustling energy, PAUL has quickly become a must-visit for anyone craving a sweet escape in the city.

4. Délifrance: A Little Paris at Gare Centrale

True to its name, Délifrance is literally delivering France… to Kinshasa. Backed by a French bakery empire, this café-bistro opened its first Kinshasa branch in 2022 with the goal of making you feel like you just stepped off a Paris sidewalk and into a local boulangerie. Located near the historic Gare Centrale (Railway Station) the downtown bustle melts away once you’re inside and surrounded by French café music, the scent of baking bread, and staff in chic uniforms.

The founders said they “wanted customers to suddenly have the impression of being in France, enjoying a minute to relax… and discover the art of French living”.

And you know what? They’ve nailed it. Between the vintage French posters, wicker chairs, and a menu chalkboard en français, Délifrance is as Parisian as it gets without a visa. The croissants are flaky perfection, the pains aux raisins are filled with lush vanilla custard, and their baguette sandwiches could rival any made along the Seine. One expat reviewer even gushed that Délifrance is “a gem in Kinshasa” with “excellent food” and great service high praise in a city where good service can be as elusive as a unicorn.

Délifrance’s menu ranges from breakfast pastries to light lunches and indulgent desserts. A croissant runs about $2 (≈4,400 CDF), and they do a lovely formule breakfast deal around $8 (coffee, OJ, pastry). You can also grab quiches, omelettes, and even some bistro classics like croque-madame. Don’t skip their patisseries: the éclairs (chocolate and coffee) are textbook examples of French patisserie, and the seasonal fruit tarts are almost too pretty to eat. Prices for cakes and tarts by the slice are in the $4–6 range (8,000–13,000 CDF). The place tends to fill up with a mixed crowd government workers from the ministries nearby having meetings, tourists waiting for a train (yes, intrepid souls do take the train here), and local students treating themselves. Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning make it a great escape from the Kinshasa chaos outside.

Délifrance also isn’t shy about blending into the community; they’ve hosted fun events like a $10 French Toast (pain perdu) workshop one Saturday, and even themed evenings (word on the street: they did a Champions League viewing with special pizzas and snacks turns out the French aren’t above a bit of footie and fusion food).

Local tip:

The coffee at Délifrance is brewed strong and delicious perfect to pair with that almond croissant. And if you find yourself in Lubumbashi, rumor has it they’ve expanded there too.

In Kinshasa, Délifrance offers a truly délicieux taste of Paris with a uniquely local twist.

5. Kalipain: Local Star with French Flair

Rounding out the list is a homegrown hero: Kalipain. This bakery-patisserie may not have a century of French history behind it or a global brand name, but it has something arguably better the heart of Kinshasa in its DNA. The name Kalipain hints at its concept (pain means bread in French, and “Kali” might nod to Kalina, an old name for the Gombe area), and it operates with a simple philosophy: fresh bread, happy people. Tucked in the leafy Ma Campagne neighborhood (Place Commerciale mall) of Kinshasa’s Ngaliema district, Kalipain offers a calm, friendly refuge from the city’s frenzy. It’s the kind of place where the staff know the regulars, and where you might catch a local celebrity quietly munching a croissant in the corner.

The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, with the smell of baguettes coming right out of the oven. Kalipain’s Instagram sums it up: “Dimanche = Pause Kalipain. Pain chaud, viennoiseries dorées, ambiance tranquille. Tout est prêt, sauf vous”  Sunday means a Kalipain break: warm bread, golden pastries, tranquil vibe everything’s ready, except you. In other words, this is your go-to for a relaxed weekend pastry binge see it on Instagram.

Despite being a younger brand, Kalipain’s quality easily rivals the international players. Their croissants are gorgeously buttery (frankly, among the best in town), and they do a mean pain au chocolat that often sells out by mid-morning. You’ll find fruit tartlets, éclairs, and brownies in the display, as well as artisan breads ranging from the classic baguette to wholewheat loaves. Prices are a tad gentler than the big chains: you can grab a croissant for around $1.50 (≈3,300 CDF) and most pastries and cookies fall under $3. A coffee + pastry combo might be about $4–5 – not bad for this level of tastiness.

Kalipain also caters to local tastes and seasons: during Congolese holidays or events, they whip up themed treats (their Halloween cupcakes in 2025 were a spooktacular hit). They’re community-oriented often popping up at the Marché Kitoko farmers’ market to bring their goodies to a wider crowd, and even partnering with local schools and events. The bakery has been doing so well that they recently opened a second branch (“Kalipain 2”) over in Brikin (near Hôpital Smet) to reach customers on the other side of town

Talk about rising dough!

Local tip: 

Kalipain opens early (they know Kinois need their morning fix) get there by 7am for hot bread right from the oven. Also, if you have a special occasion, they do custom cakes and catering; their birthday cakes are beautifully designed and not cloyingly sweet like some others. In a city where mbisi and makemba (fish and plantains) might be the daily norm, Kalipain proves that Kinshasa’s palate has room for croissants and café au lait culture too. This little bakery that could is now a local superstar and every bite shows why.

From the bustling streets of Gombe to the quiet lanes of Ma Campagne, Kinshasa offers a surprisingly indulgent slice of French pâtisserie life. Whether you’re an expat craving a taste of home, a local looking to treat yourself, or just a traveler in need of a sugar rush, these five spots have you covered. Expect the unexpected: a rooftop bar might be just downstairs from a bakery, Lingala chatter might fill the air over slices of tarte Tatin, and you could very well find a world-class mille-feuille a stone’s throw from the Congo River. In true Kinshasa style, the city embraces these sweet imports and makes them its own with a dash of local flavor (and maybe some extra sukali in that coffee). So go forth and explore the boulangeries and pâtisseries of Kin la belle. Just be prepared: you may walk in for “just a look” and walk out with a box full of treats and zero regrets. As they say in French, bon appétit and as we say in Lingala, meli malamu  enjoy!