Following the viral success of his pistachio-kunafa chocolate bar, Filipino dessert specialist Nouel Catis has unveiled a new creation dedicated to the UAE’s capital. The Abu Dhabi Chocolate is designed to capture the city’s unique heritage and flavour, moving beyond common confectionary tastes to offer a tribute to the emirate. The chef’s previous creation became an international sensation, with the viral treat that captured taste buds and social media feeds worldwide.
A Tribute to the Capital’s Heritage
Chef Catis describes the new chocolate bar as a homage to the UAE, a country he considers his second home. He conceived it as a “love letter” to the city where his global culinary career first gained momentum. “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,” Catis explained. He aims for the chocolate to reflect Abu Dhabi’s enduring heritage, visionary growth, and cultural richness.
Crafting a Unique Flavour Profile
The development of the Abu Dhabi Chocolate was a meticulous process that took over a year. Chef Catis and his team conducted extensive research into ingredients and flavour combinations, seeking feedback from Emirati friends and partners to ensure the final product was authentic. “The execution took a bit longer because we needed to test it out… getting their feedback to ensure we get the flavour profile right,” he told Khaleej Times.
The result is a sophisticated blend of ingredients chosen to “reflect the soul of the city.” The bar features deep, aromatic notes of saffron and cardamom, complemented by the smooth, earthy taste of tahina and dates. To appeal to a younger generation while respecting tradition, the recipe also incorporates salted caramel chocolate and the chef’s signature nostalgic crunch.
From Pistachio to Capital Gold
A defining feature of the Abu Dhabi Chocolate is its appearance. Each bar is sparsely decorated with a thin layer of edible 24-karat gold flakes. This design choice was deliberate, intended to create a distinct identity separate from its Dubai counterpart. “If Dubai has Pistachio, Abu Dhabi has gold,” Catis stated. “For Abu Dhabi, I wanted the chocolate bar to reflect its heritage but also the Capital’s power and understated elegance.”
Availability and Initial Reception
The Abu Dhabi Chocolate is currently available exclusively at select Rain Café outlets for Dh100 per 200-gram bar. The collaboration with the homegrown Emirati brand was a natural fit, stemming from a long-standing professional relationship with the chef. According to a spokesperson for Rain Café, demand has been strong since its launch, with “orders pouring in from across the UAE.”
For now, the chocolate is available in the Muroor Branch and Yas Mall branch, with online ordering expected to begin shortly. While the 200-gram bar is the only size currently offered, the team is considering introducing other sizes in the future. Plans are also underway to expand distribution to major retail outlets across the country.
