Purple yam moves from nostalgic treat to rising gourmet ingredient across the Emirates Last updated: May 07, 2026 | 13:23 Clockwise from left: Halayang ube, ube macapuno cake, and ube halo-halo bravo Supplied Dubai: The Philippine dessert staple ube is steadily carving out a place in UAE kitchens, as Filipinos introduce the vibrant purple yam ingredient to a multicultural audience. Known for its striking colour and gently sweet flavour, ube is now becoming a favourite among residents seeking something both unique and comforting. For many Filipino business owners in the Emirates, the challenge has been to preserve authenticity while appealing to diverse local tastes. The result is a growing selection of ube-based desserts that balance tradition, quality, and adaptation. Get updated faster and for  FREE : Download the  Gulf News  app now - simply  click here .…