Kathy Johnston’s Dubai day mixes sunrise swim, bakery treats and chocolate art. The short video of her routine was released on 2 July 2026, giving a vivid glimpse of how she blends two passions – baking and chocolate making – into a single, flavorful day.
Morning splash and bakery buzz
She kicks off the weekend with a dip in the Gulf at Kite Beach, followed by a quick coffee and a few minutes of people‑watching. "Hi, I'm Kathy Johnston, a chocolate maker here in Dubai," she says, setting a relaxed tone for the day. The early‑morning swim not only energises her but also mirrors the city’s love of outdoor activity, a habit she carries into her kitchen work.
After the beach, Johnston heads to Birch Bakery in Al Quoz. The shop opens early to serve families with young kids, expats, tourists and Emirati locals alike – a diverse customer base that reflects Dubai’s multicultural fabric. She notes that her family moved to the city 40 years ago; her mother, a photographer, used to rise before sunrise to capture traditional gates across the country. Those gate images now inspire a set of decorative packaging that Johnston uses for her chocolate creations, linking heritage to modern taste.
While at the bakery she meets Shaw from Lila Molino, who stops by to try a custom tortilla she’s been developing. The new menu item combines a mini‑baguette shape with red cheddar and whole cloves of caramelised garlic, showcasing how local flavours can be re‑imagined for restaurant diners. Johnston’s dual role as baker and chocolate maker allows her to experiment across both sweet and savoury lines, reinforcing the bakery’s reputation for inventive, early‑morning treats.
Chocolate craft at Mirzam
Next, Johnston walks into Mirzam Chocolate Makers, also located in Al Quoz’s creative zone and linked to the wider Alserkal Avenue arts district. The factory’s seven grinders each handle a different chocolate origin – from classic white chocolate to milk chocolate and a caramelised white variety – allowing the team to fine‑tune flavour profiles that echo Dubai’s historic spice‑route connections.
"The world thinks they know what Dubai chocolate is, but Mirzam is crafting chocolate that’s truly rooted in Dubai,"
— Kathy Johnston, Chocolate Maker
Inside the factory, the aroma of melting cocoa blends with the hum of machinery, creating a sensory backdrop for her creative process. Johnston points out a monster embroidered on the pocket of her jacket, a nod to old spice‑route maps where traders marked sea monsters to warn rivals. This playful reference underscores how Mirzam draws on the city’s trading past to shape its contemporary chocolate identity.
By the end of the day, Johnston’s itinerary – from sunrise swim to bakery bustle and chocolate laboratory – illustrates how Dubai’s vibrant, multicultural environment fuels culinary innovation. Her story offers a ready‑made weekend plan for anyone looking to experience the city’s blend of sport, food and heritage in one seamless, delicious journey.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kathy Johnston's Dubai day entail?
Kathy Johnston's Dubai day mixes a sunrise swim at Kite Beach, sampling bakery treats at Birch Bakery, and crafting chocolate at Mirzam Chocolate Makers.
Where can I find Kathy Johnston's chocolate creations?
Kathy Johnston's chocolate creations are sold at Mirzam Chocolate Makers, located in Al Quoz's creative zone.
What inspires Kathy Johnston's chocolate packaging?
Her packaging is inspired by her mother's photographs of traditional gates across the UAE, which she incorporates into decorative designs.
What is unique about Mirzam Chocolate Makers?
Mirzam Chocolate Makers operates seven grinders, each handling a different chocolate origin, allowing precise flavour profiling.
Where can I go for a morning swim in Dubai?
Kite Beach is a popular spot for a sunrise or morning swim in Dubai.
What kind of treats can I find at Birch Bakery?
Birch Bakery offers inventive early‑morning treats, including a custom tortilla with red cheddar and caramelised garlic, plus a range of pastries.
