World Chocolate Day 2026: 7 chocolate-infused dishes to try
From creamy burrata and handmade pasta to comforting risotto and decadent desserts, these chocolate-infused creations prove cocoa deserves a place far beyond the dessert menu this World Chocolate Day.
Chocolate has long been associated with indulgent desserts, but today's chefs are proving that cocoa has a much bigger culinary story to tell. Across contemporary fine-dining kitchens, chocolate is finding its way into savoury creations, where its earthy bitterness, subtle sweetness and remarkable depth add a new dimension to every bite. From artisanal cheeses and handmade pasta to seafood and vegetables, cocoa is being used as a sophisticated ingredient rather than just a finishing touch.
This World Chocolate Day, embark on an unforgettable cocoa journey with Fabelle, the luxury chocolate brand by ITC, where the boundaries of chocolate are reimagined through an exclusive tasting experience at ITC Maurya. The specially curated menu celebrates chocolate's versatility with dishes that seamlessly blend bold flavours, refined techniques and premium ingredients, offering diners an entirely new way to experience cocoa beyond the dessert course.
If you're ready to discover chocolate in its most unexpected avatar, these seven chocolate-infused creations deserve a place on every food lover's bucket list.
MARINATED BURRATA WITH DARK CHOCOLATE CURLS
Creamy marinated burrata meets fresh mesclun greens and a tangy sour cherry glaze, finished with delicate dark chocolate curls. The chocolate lends a subtle bittersweet note that beautifully complements the richness of the cheese.
BEET CARPACCIO FINISHED WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE
Earthy beet carpaccio is paired with creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of white chocolate for an unexpected flavour combination. Seafood lovers can opt for the smoked salmon version, which also features the signature white chocolate finish.
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE SOUP WITH DARK CHOCOLATE
This comforting soup combines Jerusalem artichokes with blue cheese and dark chocolate, creating layers of earthy, creamy and bittersweet flavours. Another variation features spiced confit prawns for a heartier take.
SICILIAN LEMON AVOCADO BATTUTA WITH COCOA
A refreshing avocado battuta infused with Sicilian lemon is topped with toasted hazelnut crumble and lightly dusted with cocoa. The cocoa enhances the citrus notes while adding depth to every bite.
HOMEMADE FETTUCCINE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE CRUMBLE
Fresh handmade fettuccine is served with roasted peppers, aged Parmesan and a dark chocolate crumble. There's also a scallop variation, where the chocolate adds richness without overpowering the delicate seafood.
PARMESAN RISOTTO WITH DARK CHOCOLATE GLAZE
Creamy Parmesan risotto is elevated with confit boletus mushrooms and a glossy dark chocolate glaze. Guests can also choose the confit duck leg version, finished with red wine glaze and chocolate for a bold, indulgent main course.
The meal concludes with the Fabelle Cocoa Trail, a signature dessert that celebrates premium chocolate through multiple textures, flavours and artistic presentation making it the perfect finale for World Chocolate Day.
WHY CHOCOLATE WORKS SO WELL IN SAVOURY DISHES
High-quality dark chocolate adds depth, richness and a gentle bitterness that complements ingredients like mushrooms, aged cheese, duck, seafood and roasted vegetables. When used thoughtfully, it enhances flavours rather than making a dish taste sweet.
World Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to move beyond the usual chocolate desserts. Whether it's paired with creamy burrata, folded into handmade pasta or used to finish a comforting risotto, these chocolate-infused dishes showcase just how versatile cocoa can be in modern cuisin
Chocolate has long been associated with indulgent desserts, but today's chefs are proving that cocoa has a much bigger culinary story to tell. Across contemporary fine-dining kitchens, chocolate is finding its way into savoury creations, where its earthy bitterness, subtle sweetness and remarkable depth add a new dimension to every bite. From artisanal cheeses and handmade pasta to seafood and vegetables, cocoa is being used as a sophisticated ingredient rather than just a finishing touch.
This World Chocolate Day, embark on an unforgettable cocoa journey with Fabelle, the luxury chocolate brand by ITC, where the boundaries of chocolate are reimagined through an exclusive tasting experience at ITC Maurya. The specially curated menu celebrates chocolate's versatility with dishes that seamlessly blend bold flavours, refined techniques and premium ingredients, offering diners an entirely new way to experience cocoa beyond the dessert course.
If you're ready to discover chocolate in its most unexpected avatar, these seven chocolate-infused creations deserve a place on every food lover's bucket list.
MARINATED BURRATA WITH DARK CHOCOLATE CURLS
Creamy marinated burrata meets fresh mesclun greens and a tangy sour cherry glaze, finished with delicate dark chocolate curls. The chocolate lends a subtle bittersweet note that beautifully complements the richness of the cheese.
BEET CARPACCIO FINISHED WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE
Earthy beet carpaccio is paired with creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of white chocolate for an unexpected flavour combination. Seafood lovers can opt for the smoked salmon version, which also features the signature white chocolate finish.
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE SOUP WITH DARK CHOCOLATE
This comforting soup combines Jerusalem artichokes with blue cheese and dark chocolate, creating layers of earthy, creamy and bittersweet flavours. Another variation features spiced confit prawns for a heartier take.
SICILIAN LEMON AVOCADO BATTUTA WITH COCOA
A refreshing avocado battuta infused with Sicilian lemon is topped with toasted hazelnut crumble and lightly dusted with cocoa. The cocoa enhances the citrus notes while adding depth to every bite.
HOMEMADE FETTUCCINE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE CRUMBLE
Fresh handmade fettuccine is served with roasted peppers, aged Parmesan and a dark chocolate crumble. There's also a scallop variation, where the chocolate adds richness without overpowering the delicate seafood.
PARMESAN RISOTTO WITH DARK CHOCOLATE GLAZE
Creamy Parmesan risotto is elevated with confit boletus mushrooms and a glossy dark chocolate glaze. Guests can also choose the confit duck leg version, finished with red wine glaze and chocolate for a bold, indulgent main course.
The meal concludes with the Fabelle Cocoa Trail, a signature dessert that celebrates premium chocolate through multiple textures, flavours and artistic presentation making it the perfect finale for World Chocolate Day.
WHY CHOCOLATE WORKS SO WELL IN SAVOURY DISHES
High-quality dark chocolate adds depth, richness and a gentle bitterness that complements ingredients like mushrooms, aged cheese, duck, seafood and roasted vegetables. When used thoughtfully, it enhances flavours rather than making a dish taste sweet.
World Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to move beyond the usual chocolate desserts. Whether it's paired with creamy burrata, folded into handmade pasta or used to finish a comforting risotto, these chocolate-infused dishes showcase just how versatile cocoa can be in modern cuisin
