Filipino chef who helped create viral Dubai chocolate unveils new Abu Dhabi flavour

The culinary mind who helped create Dubai's viral pistachio-kunafa chocolate is back with another ode to the UAE, this time, a bar dedicated to the nation’s capital. Chef Nouel Catis, a Filipino dessert specialist, has unveiled the Abu Dhabi Chocolate.

It's unlikely you missed the buzz around the Dubai chocolate, the viral treat that captured taste buds and social media alike. From tourists around the world hunting for a taste to shelves quickly emptied by eager shoppers, the chocolate became an international sensation.

Recommended For You

UAE weather alert: Unstable conditions with rain forecast from December 12

Smarter government practices start with smarter data

UAE: $1.9 billion aid to eradicate polio, Bill Gates to donate $1.2 billion

Global Investors Forum 2025 concludes with launch of Saudi-Georgia Investment Platform

Air India Express resumes direct flights from Lucknow to Ras Al Khaimah

 

Now, the same chef behind that phenomenon is turning his attention to Abu Dhabi, creating a chocolate that celebrates the Capital's rich culture, flavour, and heritage. For the chef, Abu Dhabi Chocolate is more than just a confection. It's a homage to the UAE.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Conceived as a love letter to the city where his global career first took flight, said, "I created the Abu Dhabi Chocolate as my way of paying homage to the UAE, a place I have long considered my second home. This bar continues my mission of crafting chocolates that honour the country’s most iconic cities, each one telling a flavour story rooted in place."

Talking to Khaleej Times, chef Catis revealed that he and his team spent over a year researching ingredients and experimenting with combinations to craft a chocolate.

"The execution took a bit longer because we needed to test it out with our Emirati friends and partners, getting their feedback to ensure we get the flavour profile right. Overall it took us a year."

The flavour

Moving away from the usual vanilla, hazelnut, or pistachio flavours, chef Catis designed Abu Dhabi Chocolate to "reflect the soul of the city". "This time, I celebrate Abu Dhabi, the nation’s proud capital — a city of enduring heritage, visionary growth, and cultural richness."

The flavour profile was built to reflect the soul of the city: Saffron and cardamom, deep, aromatic, and timeless. Tahina and dates that gave the smooth, earthy taste rooted in local tradition, and of course, his signature nostalgic crunch, a texture that recalls cherished memories.

The chocolates are sparsely covered in a thin, edible, 24-karat gold flakes, often used to decorate desserts and other foods. Balancing innovation with tradition, he combined salted caramel chocolate to appeal to a younger generations.

"The team and I kind of thought about what should make the Abu Dhabi chocolate look and feel different and how we should speak about it, so then we came to the idea that if Dubai has Pistachio, Abu Dhabi has gold. For Abu Dhabi, I wanted the chocolate bar to reflect its heritage but also the Capital's power and understated elegance," said the popular Filipino chef.

Abu Dhabi Chocolate cost

For now, the Abu Dhabi Chocolate is available at select Rain Café outlets, sold as a 200-gram bar priced at Dh100.

While this is currently the only size on offer, the team is open to introducing alternative sizes in the future. Though the bars are available only through Rain Café at present, plans are already underway to expand distribution, with the brand confirming that the chocolates will soon be available across major retail outlets.

Collaboration and exclusivity

Chef Catis partnered with Rain Café, a homegrown Emirati brand, to make Abu Dhabi Chocolate available exclusively at their cafés. Currently, the chocolate is available in the Muroor Branch and Yas Mall branch, with online orders opening later this week.

Talking to Khaleej Times, Rain Café said that the collaboration was a natural extension of their long-standing relationship with the chef.

"Rain is the point of sale only. The collaboration happened because of our multiple past projects with Chef Nouel, and given our established presence in Abu Dhabi, he chose Rain as the exclusive outlet,” a spokesperson said.

"Demand has been great for the first and second days, with orders pouring in from across the UAE," Rain Cafe spokesperson said.

Ajanta Paul

Senior Editor

• 
• 

ajanta@khaleejtimes.com

Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.