The craze for Dubai chewy cookies, known locally as dujjonku, is quickly moving beyond social media buzz and into convenience stores and major café chains across Korea.

The dessert, inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, combines crispy kadaif pastry and pistachio cream wrapped in melted marshmallow and finished with cocoa powder. Its unusual texture and rich sweetness have made it a favorite among younger consumers.

CU is leading the trend with an expanding lineup of Dubai inspired desserts under its private brand.

After earlier hits such as Dubai chewy rice cakes, chocolate brownies, and macarons, CU has now added new items including the Dubai mini towel cake. These products have already recorded cumulative sales of more than 8.3 million units. Originally launched online last month, the mini towel cake is now rolling out to offline stores, with additional items set to follow. CU is also running a promotional event offering Dubai flight tickets as prizes.

Other convenience store chains are moving fast. GS25, E마트24, and Seven Eleven have each introduced their own versions using kadaif and chocolate based fillings, with more products scheduled for release this month.

The popularity has even caught the attention of large café franchises.

Twosome Place is reportedly reviewing the idea of adding a Dubai style twist to its signature strawberry chocolate cake, signaling that the trend may soon reach full scale cafés as well.

Café