Artisanal

Life

by Sarah Joseph
2 hours ago

With a first-of-its-kind chocolate factory right in the centre of Ganache Chocolatier in Alserkal Avenue, guests can now observe and experience first-hand the craft of artisan chocolate-making.
Founded by Mouza Alabbar, this home-grown artisanal chocolatier celebrates the craftsmanship and wonder of hand-crafted chocolates made with the finest ingredients sourced from Switzerland, Belgium and France.
To walk through the process of chocolate making, Emirates Woman spoke to Alabbar Enterprises’ Chef Joseph El Hajj on how Ganache Chocolatier focuses on artisanal chocolates crafted to perfection.
How have your cocoa travels and experience in the industry contributed to your chocolate-making skills?
Traveling far and wide, exploring cultures, and delving deep into the industry has been a game-changer for my expertise. Those journeys opened my eyes to the intricate world. I learned that each region has unique flavors, and this knowledge guides our meticulous selection process for Ganache chocolates. Moreover, my experience in the industry keeps us at the forefront of innovation and quality.
The boutique features over 100 different flavors – which are most popular?
Our boutique is a treasure trove of flavours, with something to suit every taste bud. Some favorites that customers can’t get enough of are the Almond Praline, Hazelnut Praline, and Pecan Praline. These chocolates strike a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and our customers adore them. Also, don’t miss our Za’atar Praline; it’s a fusion masterpiece that beautifully blends tradition and innovation, and it’s become a must-try.

Ganache Chocolatier has a unique gift-wrapping station that customises boxes – how does this add to the bean-to-bar journey?
Our gift-wrapping station is like the cherry on top of the Ganache chocolate journey. It’s where we add that personalised touch to each box, making it an experience, not just a purchase. By offering customised boxes with a variety of bespoke options, we are able to cater to all different occasions and needs. It reflects the care and precision from selecting the finest ingredients to crafting each piece with love. This station gives the final magical touch, turning a simple purchase into a memorable and heartwarming gift.
Chocolate lovers can experience first-hand the craft of artisan chocolate-making – tell us more.
At Ganache Chocolatier, we’re all about sharing the art of artisan chocolate-making with chocolate enthusiasts. Our on-site factory is where the magic happens, and we invite guests to come and see it firsthand. It’s an immersive experience that takes you behind the scenes, creating praline, ganache, and exquisite fillings in every chocolate piece. It’s educational and interactive, giving you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into chocolate-making.
The creations are all homegrown – can you expand on the creative and production process?
The heart of Ganache Chocolatier lies in our commitment to homegrown creativity. We begin from scratch, managing every aspect of chocolate creation in our Alserkal Avenue factory. Our team lives and breathes the craft to preserve its authenticity, and our hands-on approach ensures unwavering quality and consistency.
The boutique sources the finest ingredients from Switzerland, Belgium, and France – was this the plan from the outset?
Sourcing the finest ingredients from Switzerland, Belgium, and France has been a fundamental part of our vision for Ganache Chocolatier from the very beginning. Our unwavering focus is on maintaining exceptional quality and product excellence. These exquisite ingredients form the basis for our distinctive chocolate, which includes Dulcey Valrhona, Caramelia Valrhona, Jivara milk Valrhona, Caraibe dark Valrhona, and Abinao 85 dark Valrhona. Our dedication to quality and taste has been our driving force since day one and continues to define our brand.

With a fast-paced production – how do you ensure the quality remains consistent?
Maintaining the highest quality amidst our fast-paced production is our top priority at Ganache Chocolatier. We do this through unwavering attention to detail at every stage of the chocolate-making process. Our dedicated team upholds the highest production standards. We follow strict quality control protocols and steadfastly adhere to our original vision of quality and excellence. Continuous monitoring, frequent quality checks, and a commitment to never compromise on the integrity of our chocolates allow us to deliver the consistent quality our customers know and love. We seek to elevate our craft, exploring new techniques, flavours, and innovations. We invest in research and development, learning from tradition and contemporary trends to refine our production methods. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of chocolate-making, ensuring that every piece we create reflects the utmost refinement and excellence that Ganache Chocolatier stands for.

The minimal interiors contribute to the refined experience, designed to resemble the colors, curves, and textures of the chocolate it creates – how does this add to the occasion?
The minimalist interiors at Ganache Chocolatier are a deliberate choice to enhance the refined experience we offer. Inspired by our chocolate creations’ colors, curves, and textures, the space creates a sensory connection to chocolate. Our collaboration with Dubai-based architect and interior designer Ghida Chehab has added a layer of sophistication to Alserkal Avenue while preserving its industrial feel. As soon as guests enter, they embark on a chocolate journey that leads them into the world of Ganache Chocolatier. It deepens the overall experience, offering a visual and sensory delight that mirrors the essence of our chocolates.
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