The rich aroma of cocoa and the delicate crunch of kataifi pastry fill the air, drawing curious visitors through the aisles of Expo Tlaqueparte this weekend in Ciudad Juárez. Among the vibrant stalls, one stands out: that of Sinam Sicei, an Istanbul native, who has brought one of the Middle East’s most talked-about treats – the famed Dubai Chocolate – to Mexico.
From a Pregnant Woman’s Craving to a Global Sensation
Sicei explains that this sweet delight became a sensation across social media and regional markets following a rather peculiar origin story. As he recounts, it all began with a pregnant woman’s intense craving for chocolate – a craving that no existing chocolate could satisfy. Determined, she decided to create her own unique combination. “A pregnant woman had a very strong craving for chocolate and none convinced her, so she decided to create her own combination. This is how this chocolate was born, which later went viral in the Middle East in 2021,” Sicei reveals.
The chocolate bar is distinguished by its exquisite blend of flavors and textures. It features a chocolate shell generously filled with pistachio, pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi pastry – a traditional Oriental ingredient that lends a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy interior. “The combination of pistachio, tahini, and kataifi creates a different experience, because it mixes the crunchy with the creamy, and that really highlights the flavor of the chocolate,” he notes.
A Taste of Home, Far from Home
The entrepreneur, Sinam Sicei, travels to Ciudad Juárez several times a year to participate in gastronomic and cultural events. He asserts that he has found a curious audience in Juárez, eager to explore new and exotic flavors. According to Sicei, the response from the locals has been overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors are drawn to his stall, captivated either by the intriguing story behind the product or by its widespread popularity on social media and within Middle Eastern culinary culture.
During his participation in Expo Tlaqueparte, Sicei also offers beverages inspired by recipes that have gained notoriety through international television series, adding a rich cultural layer to the culinary experience. The Dubai Chocolate bars are priced between 250 and 300 pesos. Additionally, the stall features “Dubai strawberries,” another sweet offering designed to transport visitors to the distinctive flavors of that distant region.
Juárez Embraces Global Flavors
The success of Dubai Chocolate in Ciudad Juárez underscores a growing appetite among locals for diverse and trending culinary experiences. The Expo Tlaqueparte, serving as a vibrant platform for international artisans and entrepreneurs, has once again proven its capacity to connect cultures through shared passions, particularly that of food. As the sweet scent of pistachio and chocolate continues to waft through the exhibition halls, it’s clear that this viral sensation has found a welcoming home, albeit temporary, in the heart of Chihuahua.
Source: https://oem.com.mx/elheraldodejuarez/local/chocolate-de-dubai-conquista-paladares-en-juarez-28971124
