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Chocolate fountains in Abu Dhabi

Statement of decadence or basic human right? Here are our faves

It’s the ultimate statement of decadence: a luscious free-flow of silky magic that has us momentarily fantasising about being a two-inch high pixie person with a pair of miniature swimming goggles. You’ll find them stationed at most all-day dining restaurants in the city (usually encircled by awestruck children and nervous-looking women), but, for our money, these four are the best of the bunch:

Sofra Bld: One of the few places in town where you can take your pick from white, milk and dark chocolate. Fruit and marshmallows are both ready and waiting for a drizzling, while the chef is also happy to add a dollop of your chosen flavour to ice cream and crepes. What a hero.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8555)

Al Bathna: This uptown eatery adds a dash of Willy Wonka-style magic by occasionally experimenting with hazelnut and orange chocolate. The array of dunkables is admirably diverse, too; fruit, sponge cake, macaroons, cookies, brioche and marshmallow are all on offer.
Armed Forces Officer’s Club & Hotel (02 441 5900)

The Garden: Dark chocolate is the order of the day here, although milk chocolate also makes the odd appearance. Choose from strawberry, pineapple, brownie and marshmallow accessories, or simply cut out the middle man and shove your face into the sticky, sinful cascades.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000)

Choices: Over on Yas Island, strawberries, brownies, cake and marshmallows all get in on the fun. They also regularly colour their chocolate for special occasions, so don’t be surprised if you see a pink fountain around Valentine’s Day, orange at Halloween or brown for International Bear Appreciation Day.
Yas Island Rotana (02 656 4000)