skip to contentAdvertisementChef Catis introduced the Abu Dhabi chocolate to the world, calling it his “way of paying homage to the UAE, a place I have long considered my second home.”By: Express Web Desk November 10, 2025 08:10 PM IST First published on: Nov 10, 2025 at 08:10 PM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookAbu Dhabi chocolate is continuing his mission of crafting chocolates that honour the UAE’s most iconic cities. (Photo: Chef Nouel Catis)No food has taken the world by storm in recent years like the viral Dubai chocolate. Created in 2021 by Filipino chef Nouel Catis, the Dubai Chocolate went viral first on TikTok in late 2023 and became a global sensation in 2024. The Dubai Chocolate has maintained its viral status ever since.Meet Abu Dhabi chocolateBut the Dubai Chocolate may soon get a competitor, incidentally from the creator of the original viral sensation itself. Chef Catis has launched his latest creation, the Abu Dhabi chocolate, a salted caramel and halwa treat that he hopes will capture the capital’s distinct flavours and identity.Abu Dhabi chocolate is continuing his mission of crafting chocolates that honour the UAE’s most iconic cities. (Chef Nouel Catis)On the weekend, Chef Catis introduced the Abu Dhabi chocolate to the world, calling it his “way of paying homage to the UAE, a place I have long considered my second home.”What is Abu Dhabi chocolateAccording to Chef Catis, the Abu Dhabi chocolate is continuing his mission of crafting chocolates that honour the UAE’s most iconic cities, each one telling a flavor story rooted in place.“The flavor profile was built to reflect the soul of the city: Saffron and cardamom, deep, aromatic, and timeless. Tahina and dates, smooth, earthy, and rooted in local tradition. Nostalgic crunch, a texture that recalls cherished memories,” Chef Catis explained in a post on Instagram.“Each ingredient was chosen with purpose to echo the hospitality, warmth, and cultural richness that define Abu Dhabi,” he added.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Chef Nouel Catis, Dessert Specialist (@chefnouel)The Abu Dhabi chocolate is priced at $27 (Rs 2,400) for a 200g bar, and will be available only through Rain Café outlets.Most Read1US Government Shutdown Live Updates: Senate passes federal funding bill, opens route to end longest govt shutdown in US history2BBC’s director general, head of news resign following criticism over Trump speech edit3Former Bangladesh minister alleges USAID, Clinton family backed plot to oust Sheikh Hasina: ‘There is a nexus’4‘We’re the richest country in the World’: Trump promises $2,000 ‘dividend’ to Americans5Pakistan’s 27th Amendment Bill: 7 things to know about the proposed constitutional changes6US Senate nears potential deal to extend government funding, to vote on bill to end federal shutdownWho is Chef Nouel CatisBorn in the Philippines, Chef Catis first moved to the UAE in 2004 to work at the Burj Al Arab hotel as its first Filipino pastry chef. After a brief stint in China, Chef Catis returned to the UAE, where he worked as an in-flight chef for Etihad Airways for eight years.Born in the Philippines, Chef Catis first moved to the UAE in 2004. (Photo: Instagram/ Chef Nouel Catis)In 2021, Chef Catis and Sarah Hamouda, the co-founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, co-created the viral Dubai Chocolate.According to Chef Catis, the viral Dubai chocolate was inspired by the traditional Arab dessert Knafeh.AdvertisementAdvertisementLoading Taboola...