More than just a dessert:<br /> <br /> The Middle East is home to people from all over the world, which obviously creates a varied and eclectic demand for different flavour profiles. <br /> <br /> Treat yourself to some hot chocolate with a pinch of chili with churros at Taqado Mexican Kitchen. More than just a dessert:

The Middle East is home to people from all over the world, which obviously creates a varied and eclectic demand for different flavour profiles.

Treat yourself to some hot chocolate with a pinch of chili with churros at Taqado Mexican Kitchen.

4 MORE THAN JUST A DESSERT
Elizabeth Stevenson, development chef at Taqado Mexican Kitchen says Dubai is notorious for its experimental chefs.

“Having so many chefs from different parts of the world, they all use chocolate in their own way. We add a pinch of chili to our milk chocolate to give it an extra kick. Using chocolate in savoury cooking, while new to this region, has been taking place in Mexico for centuries.

The Middle East is home to people from all over the world, which obviously creates a varied and eclectic demand for different cuisines and flavour profiles, so I’m sure there is scope for both savoury and sweet chocolate cooking.”

So while chocolate has always showed its versatility as an irresistible and indispensable ingredient for any decadent dessert, do not be surprised to learn your savoury dish has been sweetened too.

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Head pastry chef Jhambo Caraquio at Crumbs Elysée explains the appeal: “The inherent bitter and rich aroma of chocolate lends itself particularly well with recipes of dry rubs for meat. Its velvety texture when melted has been an ideal thickening agent for soups and sauces, while its earthy notes have blended perfectly with the strong flavours of different herbs and spices.”

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