The viral dessert sensation that has taken South Korea’s social media by storm has officially landed in Hong Kong. The “Dubai Chocolate Mochi,” a decadent fusion of Middle Eastern flavors and East Asian textures, is currently the city’s most sought-after treat. Combining rich pistachio paste and crunchy Kataifi shreds within a chewy marshmallow-like mochi skin, the dessert has gained massive celebrity endorsements, including high praise from K-pop idol Wonyoung of IVE and renowned chef Sung-jae Ahn.
A Masterclass in Extreme Textures
What sets this dessert apart is the complex interplay of ingredients. Each bite starts with a soft, elastic outer layer dusted in premium cocoa powder. This gives way to a center packed with a mixture of nutty pistachio butter and toasted Kataifi (fine Turkish vermicelli), providing a “crunchy-meets-chewy” contrast that has become a hallmark of the trend.
For food enthusiasts looking to skip the flights to Seoul, here are some of the most prominent spots to track down this viral delicacy across Hong Kong.
Top Local Destinations for Dubai Chocolate Mochi
- Kactus Koffee: A favorite among the lifestyle crowd, this café hand-crafts their mochi daily. Their version is celebrated for its generous filling and the use of aromatic cocoa powder that balances the sweetness of the nut paste. Given their popularity on Threads, batches often sell out early in the afternoon.
- Casabake: This reputable bakery elevates the recipe by using 100% pure pistachio butter. Their signature touch includes the addition of strawberry pieces, providing a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
- Yeon Nam Dong: Managed by a Korean owner, this establishment is often cited by netizens for offering the most “authentic” taste profile. The focus here is on the intensity of the pistachio flavor and the stark contrast between the marshmallow-soft skin and the ultra-crispy interior.
- Yoajung: The famous Korean yogurt chain has brought its proprietary “Dubai Chocolate Mochi” toppings to its Hong Kong branches. These are designed to be paired with tart frozen yogurt, creating a balanced flavor profile that manages to be indulgent without being cloyingly sweet.
- LY Bakery (享樂烘焙): Known for accessibility and value, their Tsim Sha Tsui pop-up has drawn long queues. They offer a larger-format mochi that emphasizes a “triple texture”—soft, chewy, and crispy—at a very competitive price point.
- ATF By ATFOODFACTORY: Featuring high-end French Weiss cocoa powder, this shop offers a premium take on the trend. Their apm branch even features a limited-edition version featuring Japanese strawberries.
Broadening the Pistachio Horizon
The Dubai Chocolate Mochi trend is an extension of Hong Kong’s ongoing obsession with pistachio-based desserts. Beyond the viral mochi, local favorites like Kadoorie Bakery and Chun Dor Mei continue to innovate with pistachio-crusted cream puffs and French pudding breads.
As international dessert trends continue to move rapidly across borders via social media, the success of the Dubai Chocolate Mochi highlights a growing consumer demand for “multi-sensory” eating experiences. While many of these items are currently limited-edition or daily-quota based, their overwhelming popularity suggests that these Middle Eastern-inspired flavors are becoming a permanent fixture in Hong Kong’s diverse pastry landscape.