From Viral Dubai Sensation to Capital Delight
The culinary world is buzzing with excitement as Filipino pastry master Chef Nouel Catis, the creative genius behind the viral Dubai chocolate phenomenon, has unveiled his latest masterpiece: the Abu Dhabi Chocolate. This luxurious new creation represents a significant evolution from his famous pistachio-crunch bar that took social media by storm, now offering a deeper exploration of authentic Emirati flavors.
Meet the Master Chef Behind the Viral Crunch
Chef Nouel Catis, a Filipino-born pastry specialist, has quietly revolutionized the chocolate scene in the UAE. His original Dubai chocolate bar became an international sensation thanks to its innovative combination of Middle Eastern flavors like pistachio and tahini with the crispy texture of kataifi pastry, inspired by the traditional kunafa dessert. What began as a viral food trend has now transformed into Sna'ap, his successful chocolate brand that continues to push culinary boundaries.
The chef's unique approach blends childhood memories with heritage ingredients and modern pastry techniques, creating products that appear simple but deliver complex theatrical experiences on the palate. His creations have become must-try items for food enthusiasts worldwide, particularly noted for their perfect balance of creamy fillings and satisfying crunch.
The Abu Dhabi Chocolate: A Capital Tribute
After conquering global dessert conversations with his Dubai creation, Chef Nouel turns his attention to the UAE capital with a bar that celebrates authentic Emirati culinary heritage. The new Abu Dhabi Chocolate represents a significant departure from its predecessor, trading the pistachio crunch for a richer, spicier profile that truly honors local traditions.
This luxurious bar features an exquisite blend of salted caramel and traditional halwa, creating a harmonious flavor foundation that immediately captures the essence of Middle Eastern sweets. The complexity deepens with the addition of authentic Emirati spices including cardamom and fragrant saffron, which provide warmth and depth to each bite.
Local touches abound throughout the creation, with creamy tahini and sweet date syrup adding authentic regional character. Chef Nouel even mentions subtle hints of Balaleet, the beloved sweet and savory Emirati breakfast dish, adding another layer of cultural significance to the experience.
The final touch of luxury comes in the form of shimmering 24-karat gold flakes that adorn the bar, cementing its status as a premium edible art piece. Priced at approximately Dh100 for a substantial 200g bar, this creation targets discerning chocolate lovers seeking both quality and cultural authenticity.
Where to Find This Golden Treasure
As a special-edition launch, the Abu Dhabi Chocolate maintains an exclusive availability strategy. Currently, the bar is a collaborative effort with popular local cafe chain Rain Cafe, where it's being sold initially across their UAE outlets.
For those seeking Chef Nouel's other creations, including the original Dubai Chocolate, local food delivery platforms like Careem and Talabat offer convenient access in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The price positioning reflects the artisanal quality and premium ingredients, with the original 90g Dubai Chocolate bars typically selling for around Dh38, making the new Abu Dhabi bar a significant step up in both size and luxury.
International Access and Future Prospects
For international food enthusiasts and UAE residents currently abroad, obtaining these viral chocolate bars requires strategic planning. Since direct international shipping isn't available through the cafe, the most common method involves relying on friends, family, or colleagues traveling from the UAE who can carry them as unique souvenirs.
Some dedicated fans have turned to third-party shipping services based in the UAE, though this significantly increases costs and isn't handled directly by the chocolate maker. The brand recommends monitoring official Sna'ap and Chef Nouel Catis social media channels for potential international pop-up events or partnerships that might temporarily make the bars available in other countries.
Whether you're ordering through delivery apps in the UAE or hoping for a traveling friend to bring you this gold-flaked delicacy, one thing remains clear: Chef Nouel Catis has successfully merged Middle Eastern heritage with modern luxury chocolate craftsmanship. The Abu Dhabi Chocolate represents more than just a sweet treat—it's a cultural experience and a must-try item for every serious food enthusiast's global dessert checklist.
