Young chefs visiting the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) kicked off their day with a unique culinary adventure, crafting chocolate kunafas in an interactive workshop designed to blend tradition with creativity.

Held at the bustling Cookery Corner, the “Kunafa Chocolate Trend” session delighted schoolgoers as they explored a fusion of the classic Middle Eastern dessert with the richness of chocolate. The workshop, led by UAE-based Skilldeer, combined hands-on learning with an exciting culinary experience, filling the hall with the enticing aroma of melted chocolate and warm butter.

Ola Altaki, one of the instructors, guided the children through each step of this delectable creation. “We began with a quick lesson on the origins of chocolate,” Altaki explained. “The children then melted chocolate to form a base layer, learning basic handling skills. After a brief introduction to kunafa’s roots, we demonstrated how to bake it to a perfect golden brown. They then layered their chocolate base—cooled in the freezer—with pistachio dough and topped it with another chocolate layer. By the end, each child had their own kunafa mould to take home. And really, who doesn’t love chocolate?”

But the workshop wasn’t just about making a sweet treat. Altaki emphasised a deeper purpose behind the activity: “We wanted to encourage children to lend a hand in the kitchen, use their imagination, and develop confidence. It’s about sparking joy and creativity through cooking,” the Syrian instructor added, highlighting the power of culinary arts in nurturing young minds.

The session was a hit among the young attendees, many of whom were excited to share their experiences. Ahmed Mohammed Al Hassan, a 10-year-old from Sudan and a student at Rashidiya School in Ajman, said, “It was so much fun!”

For six-year-old Maryam Mansoor from India, the workshop was an adventure in creativity. “I liked putting the chocolate and pistachio together. It tasted yummy, and I want to make it again at home,” she said with a big smile.

The workshop sparked the inner chef in each child, blending cultural education with hands-on culinary fun.