By now most are also familiar with Sugar Daddy’s Bakery, which was responsible for starting the cupcake craze in the region. First opened in Amman, and soon followed by branches in Beirut and Dubai, Sugar Daddy’s has been attracting a steady following with its selection of cupcakes that mix whimsical designs and delicious flavorings with a bit of social activism.

We stopped by the innovative bakery’s latest outpost in Dubai’s Village Mall, to speak with its owner Dana Jallad, and find out what makes Sugar Daddy’s cupcakes so special. 

So how did Sugar Daddy’s come to life?
Sugar Daddy's began as an idea to bring a slice of New York back to the Middle East.  I loved the idea and decided to bring this concept to Dubai.  We strive to insure that Sugar Daddy's always remains fun and cutting edge, with that touch of tongue-in-cheek humor to it.  We're all about decadent indulgence in desserts and making sure that our customers always get that ultimate sugar fix.  I have to warn you. Sugar Daddy's cupcakes aren't for the faint of heart especially with names like  "Naughty by Nature", and "Chocoholic's Anonymous", "24 Carrot", "Gold Digger",  "Never Kiss N' Tella" and of course "Red Velvet" which has made us famous. But one can chose from over 20 flavors available at the shop.

Cupcakes have always been an all-American favorite. Are they catching on in the Middle East? What is the most challenging part of working here?
I think we are seeing a huge reception for cupcakes in the Middle East.  Especially in Dubai, everyone is so up-to-date with all the new trends that have hit the other capitals of the world.  We often have a long queue of young Emiratis and expatriates lined up outside our shop, especially on the weekends.

The challenges we face aren’t necessarily specific to the Middle East, but ones that every business deals with.  At our bakery, we never compromise on quality, and use the best ingredients available.  We never use ready-mix.... No way, we just don't! And we also invest a lot in building a strong team and training them in our special "hand-icing" technique so that each cupcake looks delicious yet has a home-made touch.  

Where do you get your recipes from?  
I am always thinking of new interesting flavors for cupcakes....and then our team has to test and re-test many recipes till we decide on the best one.  It's really a combination of cookbooks, internet and a lot of trial and error.  This Ramadan, I launched 3 cupcakes with a Middle Eastern flavor:

"Blind Date": Date with Cinnamon icing
"Arabian Delight": Pistachio and orange blossom icing  
"Qamar a Dream": An apricot flavored cupcake.

Is there such a thing as a guiltless cupcake?  
Of course not, especially not at Sugar Daddy's (just kidding!!).  No honestly, we will be launching a "healthier" option cupcake with fewer calories....so definitely keep a look out for that one!  

Any plans for Sugar Daddy’s future expansion?
We will have our second shop in MAF Mirdif City Center in March 2010.  You can also buy them at Milk and Honey Gourmet store in Palm Jumeira starting November, and we are also opening a kiosk next week in Abu Dhabi.  

Sugar Daddy’s Bakery Around the Middle East
Dubai:
Village Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road
+9714-344-8204
Email: infodxb@sugardaddysbakery.com
Amman:
Abdoun Kurdi Plaza
+9626-593-3032
Email: infojo@sugardaddysbakery.com
Beirut:
Qoreitem, Ras Beirut
+961-1-1787-487
Email: infolb@sugardaddysbakery.com
www.sugardaddysbakery.com