Dubai Chewy Cookie Sparks Dessert Craze in South Korea
A new dessert dubbed the Dubai chewy cookie is sweeping across South Korea, capturing the attention of food lovers and restaurants alike. With its unique texture and flavors inspired by the globally popular Dubai chocolate, this indulgent treat has quickly become a sensation, leading to increased demand and rising prices for key ingredients.
Why It Matters
The rapid rise of the Dubai chewy cookie reflects a growing trend in South Korea towards visually appealing and indulgently rich desserts. This phenomenon highlights how global food trends can influence local markets, creating new opportunities and challenges for local businesses as they adapt to consumer cravings.
Key Developments
- The Dubai chewy cookie contains pistachio cream and knafeh shreds, encased in a chocolate marshmallow.
- Since the fad began, some shops report selling hundreds of cookies in mere minutes.
- Prices for these cookies range from 5,000 to 10,000 won, with expectations of future increases due to demand.
- Various establishments, including sushi and cold-noodle shops, are now offering this dessert.
- Local convenience store CU has sold approximately 1.8 million chewy cookies since their introduction in October.
- Demand has led to a 20% price increase for pistachios at major supermarkets.
- Some stores have implemented purchase limits for customers amid the craze.
- Counterfeit versions have emerged, sparking consumer backlash on social media.
Full Report
Cookie Origins
The Dubai chewy cookie is inspired by the Dubai chocolate, a popular confection that features a rich mix of pistachio cream, tahini, and knafeh pastry. The cookie’s unique texture closely resembles a rice cake rather than a traditional cookie and has resonated with the South Korean sweet tooth.
Culinary Impact
The trend began last September when Jang Won-young, a member of the girl group Ive, shared a photo of the cookie on Instagram. This sparked significant interest, leading bakeries and restaurants not typically focused on desserts to join the frenzy. Some establishments now find themselves unable to keep pace with the overwhelming demand.
Sales and Limitations
Various bakeries are meeting this demand by selling hundreds of cookies daily. As a result, local convenience chain CU has reported impressive figures, with 1.8 million units sold in just a few months. Due to the intense enthusiasm around the product, some shops have had to impose limits on how many cookies a single customer can buy.
Market Reaction
The surge in popularity has dramatically affected ingredient prices, particularly pistachios, which are now 20% higher at grocery stores compared to earlier this year. Additionally, the emergence of counterfeit cookies has concerned consumers, prompting them to take to social media to voice their discontent regarding inferior products.
Visual Appeal
Critics attribute the cookie’s success to its substantial and visually striking nature, which resonates with Korean culinary preferences that prioritize bold visuals over delicacy in flavor combinations. Food critics, such as Lee Yong-jae, emphasize that the cookie’s dense attributes cater well to local tastes.
Context & Previous Events
The Dubai chewy cookie’s craze emerged from the global popularity of its Dubai chocolate counterpart, which features a rich filling of pistachio cream and knafeh pastry. This earlier dessert trend laid the foundation for the cookie’s introduction in South Korea, showcasing how international flavors can take root in local cultures.
