If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve seen videos of people tasting and reviewing Dubai chocolate, the luxurious treat that’s become a global sensation. But have you heard of Dubatsa? If not, you’re about to—because this Thessaloniki-born dessert is quickly stealing the spotlight.

What is Dubai Chocolate?

Dubai chocolate refers to high-quality, opulent chocolates either produced in Dubai or inspired by its reputation for luxury and extravagance. These chocolates are known for their exquisite presentation, often adorned with edible gold leaf or infused with exotic flavors like pistachios and cardamom.In many cases, the chocolate incorporates ingredients like the famous kataifi—a shredded phyllo dough commonly found in Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern desserts. This unique element adds both texture and a nod to regional culinary traditions.
Even in Greece, the craze for Dubai chocolate is everywhere. From high-end patisseries to budget supermarkets like LIDL, shops have embraced the trend. On TikTok, users are sharing videos of themselves sampling these treats and offering critiques.

Dubatsa – A Game Changer from Thessaloniki

The Dubai chocolate fad took a delicious turn when a dessert innovator in Thessaloniki decided to blend the richness of the chocolate with the city’s iconic bougatsa.

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek pastry made of flaky, buttery phyllo dough filled with creamy semolina custard that is usually served warm and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Dubatsa, however, combines the traditional bougatsa with the flavors of Dubai- such as chocolate and pistachio-creating a fusion dessert that is as luxurious as it is homey.

@katselis.mpougatsa Όταν η παράδοση της μπουγάτσας συνάντησε την πολυτέλεια του DUBAI !🐪🍫 Πιστεύετε άξιζε το deal ? #katselis #fyp #dubaichocolate #mpougatsa #funny #foryou #dubai #greece ♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – Katselis Mpougatsa

One pastry shop known for its bougatsa has gone viral with a clever ad featuring a wealthy Arab man trading dubatsa for cash with a Greek shop owner. The video perfectly captures the humor and creativity behind this dessert’s story.

Other Fusion Desserts 

Dubatsa is not the only Dubai chocolate-inspired dessert to be found in Greek pastry shops this winter. Social media is buzzing with Greek sweetbreads, known as tsoureki, filled with creamy pistachio and chocolate, and even Dubai chocolate melamakaronas, a twist on the classic Greek Christmas cookie.

These fusion desserts are set to dominate Christmas 2024, showcasing the harmony and compatibility of regional cuisines, and serving as a delicious reminder of the commonalities that unite us in an increasingly divided world.