A Korean dessert trend called 'Dujjonku'—a local rework of Dubai chocolate featuring pistachio spread and Middle Eastern kadaif wrapped in a chewy rice-cake-like coating—has spawned many variations, including a luxury 'Dubai bungeoppang' (붕어빵, a fish-shaped winter pastry) selling for 7,500 won each. Social media posts show the pastry filled with kaif (key ingredient from Dubai chocolate) and customers lining up despite the high price. The craze accelerated after K-pop and celebrity mentions and has led cafes and even non-dessert outlets to create Dujjonku variants like Dujjonku kimbap and cake. Industry observers note widespread adoption but say how long the fad will last is uncertain.
