Abu Dhabi to Unveil Unique Chocolates Inspired by Local Heritage
By Kirstin Bernabe (Abu Dhabi)
As anticipation swells among food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, Abu Dhabi is set to introduce a chocolate that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also embodies the essence of its vibrant culture. Nouel Catis, the acclaimed chef behind the viral pistachio kunafa bar, is poised to launch “Abu Dhabi Chocolate” within the next two months. This eagerly awaited confection promises to encapsulate the city’s rich narrative, forged through the chef’s unique culinary journey and passion for the local community.
Catis, a Filipino expatriate who has made Abu Dhabi his home for the past seven years, brings a wealth of experience to this venture. Having honed his culinary skills as an inflight chef for Etihad Airways for five years, Catis took the entrepreneurial leap in 2018, establishing his culinary consulting firm. Each aspect of his journey informs his chocolate creation, which he claims will be “a product that the city truly deserves.”
In a recent interview with Aletihad, Catis candidly reflected upon his fond memories of living in Abu Dhabi and emphasized his commitment to crafting a chocolate that reflects the city’s heart. “I’m drawing from those memories to craft a chocolate that truly reflects the soul of Abu Dhabi and puts it on the global chocolate map,” he stated.
Infusing Local Culture into Chocolate
Central to Catis’s vision for Abu Dhabi Chocolate is the notion of integrating local flavors into this artisanal creation. The chef recognizes a burgeoning community of food enthusiasts, particularly among the Emirati population, who have demonstrated a keen interest in unique and customizable culinary experiences. Catis perceives a palpable shift towards innovative desserts, including DIY dessert options and a rising popularity of matcha, a premium Japanese green tea powder that complements a myriad of food items beyond traditional beverages.
Yet, Catis believes that the true essence of Abu Dhabi lies within its traditional flavors. “Aseeda remains a cherished dessert, along with traditional Emirati flavors like saffron, cardamom, and other warm spices,” he observed. He anticipates that these elements will not only garnish the chocolate but will also shape the broader landscape of future culinary trends in the region. “I believe these ingredients will continue to evolve, being reimagined and paired with more contemporary flavor profiles to keep them exciting and relevant for the next generation of food lovers,” he added.
A Legacy of Culinary Innovation
Catis’s current endeavor is a continuation of his illustrious culinary narrative, which began when he first arrived in the UAE in 2009, post a tenure in Jordan. Some may be surprised to learn that the popular pistachio kunafa was not the chef’s first entry into the world of viral Middle Eastern desserts; he played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the renowned “Baby Dynamite.” His efforts in this domain were recognized at a TEDx Talk in 2019, where he shared the innovative principles behind his creations.
Under his brand, SNA’AP Chocolate, Catis has already introduced an enhanced version of “Dubai Chocolate,” which has garnered considerable acclaim. He also owns The Sweet Life, the first build-your-own dessert concept in the region, making him a pivotal figure in Abu Dhabi’s culinary evolution. With the upcoming Abu Dhabi Chocolate, Catis is eager to narrate a new culinary tale through his craft. “Abu Dhabi is ready for its own culinary story to be told through chocolate,” he proclaimed, underscoring the significance of this launch.
As residents and visitors alike await the unveiling of Abu Dhabi Chocolate, it becomes clear that Catis’s initiative represents more than just a culinary innovation; it symbolizes a broader narrative of community and identity in a rapidly evolving city. With its roots deeply embedded in local culture and its eyes set on the international stage, Abu Dhabi Chocolate stands to carve out a distinguished place for itself, capturing the hearts and taste buds of chocolate lovers around the world.
In conclusion, as flavors are fused and memories are crystallized into chocolate, the introduction of Abu Dhabi Chocolate is not merely a gastronomical event; it is a celebration of a city’s spirit, a tribute to its culinary heritage, and an invitation for the world to savor its story.
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