One of life’s greatest pleasures? Chocolate, of course, and July 7th is a date that foodies never forget: it’s Chocolate International Day! The Arab world may not have been the first to put it on the map, but once it emerged from the Aztec Empire, we’ve made the most out of it. To be enjoyed in moderation, here are some of the region’s most delicious ways to celebrate, every day, the sweetest day of the year.
Make It
Learn about the art of chocolate and chocolate making in the heart of Dubai with Mirzam. Offering a host of workshops and tours, true lovers of the sweet stuff can discover the work that goes into Mirzam’s tasty treats. Choose from a coffee and cocoa pairing, a tour and tasting or moulding or date dipping and for the little ones (and big kids at heart), there’s also a custom wrapper-making workshop.
Get Pampered in It
You don’t just have to eat chocolate to experience its benefits. You can also be slathered in it. Its rich scent and indulgent texture help you to relax, releasing endorphins, the happy hormone. Packed with antioxidants, it helps protect skin from free radicals, is ultra-moisturising, and, due to its high caffeine content, it can help stimulate circulation, which firms up the skin. Invite a loved one and enjoy the Couple Chocolate Delight massage at the Four Seasons in Doha, which starts with a coffee body scrub to kick things off.
Indulge In It
If you’ve been meaning to catch up with your family or friends, then why not do so with an afternoon dedicated to chocolate? The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa hosts a chocolate afternoon tea in its lounge every day. Book ahead and delve into a selection of treats created from premium French Valrhona chocolate.
Learn About It
Want to learn more about chocolate? Head to the museum at Choco Story in Beirut. Transporting you back in time, you can learn the history of chocolate and how cocoa was used by different cultures centuries ago. If you’re not up for learning, the all-you-can-eat chocolate dispensers around the museum will tempt you. There’s also a range of workshops on offer, from moulding to designing and decorating.
Smash It
Dubai-based Tania’s Teahouse has been dubbed one of the most Instagrammable cafés, not only in the region, but in the world, and for good reason. Its interiors are as sweet as its offerings, which include Tania’s Smash Hearts. The chocolate casing can be customised and filled with whatever message and treats you desire. Arriving with a mini hammer, you’ll enjoy a sweet workout smashing the heart before you indulge in it and its contents.
