Dirty Chocolate Buns Aren’t Just Chocolate Flavored Anymore — Strawberry and Matcha Varieties Are Making a Mess and Sparking New Buzz

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Reported by Chen Wenlin
 
The “dirty chocolate bun,” which rapidly gained popularity in Korea and then swept across mainland China, has recently created a whirlwind in Taiwan’s dessert scene. Previously, the well-known Taiwanese bakery brand semeur Sainte also jumped on the “dirty” trend, developing a brand-new product called the “Dirty Haha,” which received an enthusiastic response. Since then, many more bakeries have followed suit—not only launching various versions of dirty buns but also getting creative by introducing new flavors such as matcha and strawberry. These additions bring a burst of colorful fun to the classic dirty bun experience, making each bite not just indulgent but delightfully messy.

The dirty chocolate bun is a bread roll coated with chocolate sauce and dusted with cocoa powder, which leaves your mouth—and often your clothes—covered in dark smudges. Many people find the concept highly creative, as one bite delivers a rich chocolate punch that’s incredibly satisfying. Ever since its launch, it has sparked endless online discussions. Now, aside from the classic chocolate flavor, bakeries have innovated with new versions in strawberry and matcha flavors. A single bite leaves your mouth painted in pastel pink and vibrant green hues, adding an extra layer of fun.

Moreover, the dirty bun craze has swept across Taiwan, prompting many renowned bakery brands to quickly introduce their own takes. For example, Yizhi Xuan launched both matcha and chocolate-flavored dirty buns at the Taipei International Bakery Show last week, winning over netizens and achieving an impressive sales rate of one bun every four seconds on average. 85°C also developed three brand-new dirty bun flavors, released in a Taiwan-wide limited edition of 5,400 units. The instant sell-out of dirty buns upon release shows just how beloved they’ve become. If you want to dive into the fun of biting into a deliciously messy bun, you’d better hurry before they’re all gone.