“The Filipino chef who gained fame for creating Dubai’s viral chocolate has introduced an exciting new flavor in Abu Dhabi, delighting fans and continuing his sweet culinary journey in the UAE.”
“Filipino Chef Behind Dubai’s Viral Chocolate Launches New Flavor in Abu Dhabi”
The creative force behind Dubai’s famous pistachio-kunafa chocolate is back, this time celebrating Abu Dhabi with a brand-new creation. Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis has introduced the Abu Dhabi Chocolate.
The Dubai chocolate had already made waves, winning hearts and trending online. Tourists flocked from across the globe to try it, while eager shoppers quickly cleared store shelves, turning the treat into a worldwide phenomenon.
Now, the same talented chef responsible for the viral sensation is focusing on Abu Dhabi, crafting a chocolate inspired by the city’s vibrant culture, unique flavors, and deep-rooted heritage. For Chef Nouel Catis, the Abu Dhabi Chocolate is more than a sweet treat—it’s a tribute to the UAE, a nation he proudly regards as his second home.
He explained, “The Abu Dhabi Chocolate is my tribute to the UAE, a country I’ve grown to call my second home. With this creation, I continue my journey of designing chocolates that celebrate the nation’s most iconic cities, each one conveying a unique story through its flavors.”
Aiming to create a chocolate that embodies the essence of an Emirati city, this latest bar reflects the heart of Abu Dhabi. “With this creation, I honour Abu Dhabi, the nation’s capital—a city of rich heritage, forward-looking vision, and vibrant culture,” Chef Catis shared.
Departing from familiar flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, or pistachio, he crafted the Abu Dhabi Chocolate to truly “capture the spirit of the city.”
The chocolate features a unique combination of flavors:
Saffron and cardamom — rich, aromatic, and timeless.
Tahina and dates — smooth, earthy, and inspired by local heritage.
Nostalgic crunch — a texture designed to evoke fond memories.
Each piece is lightly adorned with a delicate, edible gold filigree, a traditional touch often seen in gourmet desserts. Blending innovation with classic flavors, Chef Catis added salted caramel chocolate to appeal to younger palates.
“Every element was carefully selected to reflect the warmth, hospitality, and cultural depth that define Abu Dhabi,” said the acclaimed Filipino chef.
Chef Nouel Catis teamed up with homegrown Emirati brand Rain Café to offer the Abu Dhabi Chocolate exclusively at their locations. At present, the chocolate can be found at the Muroor and Yas Mall branches, with online ordering set to launch later this week.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Rain Café described the collaboration as a natural outcome of their longstanding partnership with the chef.
“Rain serves purely as the retail partner. This project came about thanks to our previous collaborations with Chef Nouel, and with our strong presence in Abu Dhabi, he selected Rain as the exclusive outlet,” a spokesperson explained.
The spokesperson added, “The response has been tremendous over the first two days, with orders coming in from all over the UAE.”
