If you’ve been online anytime since last year, you’ll definitely have seen people raving about Dubai chocolate. Typically, it is a milk chocolate bar with pistachio tahini cream and crunchy kadayif (also spelled kataifi) threads. Despite first going viral in 2024, this sweet treat still has the internet in a chokehold. Let’s break this trend down, including where you can buy the best Dubai chocolate bars.
Who invented Dubai chocolate?
The original bar was invented by British-Egyptian engineer by Sarah Hamouda, who currently resides in Dubai. Together with Filipino culinary consultant Nouel Catis Omamalin, they dreamt up a chocolate bar with a crunchy texture and dessert-like taste. In 2022, they partenered with Fix Dessert Chocolatier and began selling their treat, named, “Can’t Get Knafeh of It.”
Last year, TikTok users began posting reviews of the bar, coining the name “Dubai Chocolate.” The bar looked very appealing on camera, with influencers splitting it open to reveal the vivid green filling. It was also met with positive reactions for its unique texture and rich flavour. As the trend grew, many began attempting to make their own versions at home, and copycat versions popped up around the world.
What is the vibrant green filling in Dubai chocolate made of?
The “green stuff” is pistachio tahini cream, which is then blended with kadayif (shredded phyllo dough), an ingredient that provides a unique, crispy texture.
Kadayif is used in many Middle Eastern desserts. One such dish, knafeh, was the main inspiration behind the original Dubai chocolate bar. Knafeh is made with layers of kataifi, cheese and topped with sugar syrup and rose water or orange blossom. There are many regional varieties of this dessert, from Jordan to Palestine to Turkey.
What are some of the ways to try Dubai chocolate?
While the OG came in the form of a chocolate bar, there are now many other ways to enjoy this viral food trend. From cakes to lattes, major brands and local businesses have introduced their own versions of this popular flavour combination. Even Swiss chocolatier Lindt is getting in on the trend by introducing their own Dubai chocolate-inspired bar.
Shake Shack hopped onto this trend with a Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake, which debuted at Middle Eastern chains first before expanding to select locations in the U.S. This drink features real pistachio frozen custard with toasted kataifi, poured into a cup coated with a crackable dark chocolate shell.
The Cake Life Bake Shop in Philadelphia is known for creating birthday cakes and custom treats for Beyonce. They recently debuted a Dubai Chocolate Krispie, made with pistachio butter, crunchy kataifi and chocolate on top of a marshmallow treat.
At The Praguery food truck in B.C., Canada, they have four special Dubai Chocolate-inspired desserts. They include an affogato, ice cream cone, cheesecake and a matcha latte, which combines multiple food trends into one drink.
7 of the best Dubai chocolate bars
Dubai Style Chocolate Bar
This bar is around for a limited time only. This bar from the historic and world-renowned confectionary is made with silky milk chocolate and features a 45% pistachio filling, for an extra indulgent bite.
Price: 19.99shop now
Original Dubai Chocolate
This New York-based confectioner creates their Dubai Chocolate with Belgian milk chocolate, Italian pistachio cream and Greek kataifi dough. They also sell other stuffed bars like PB&J, Matcha Magic and S’mores.
Price: 70 for 2 large barsshop now
Vegan Halal Pistachio Dubai Chocolate Bar
The crunchy pistachio nut butter centre gets enrobed in vegan dark chocolate instead. They also sell other creative versions of Dubai Chocolate, including Red Velvet, Cotton Candy and one shaped like a Labubu doll.
Price: 11.99shop now
Pistachio Chocolate Knafeh Bar
Based in Medellin, Colombia, this woman-owned and operated company creates artisanal chocolates with high-quality cacao. In fact, the cacao used to make this bar even won a gold medal at the International Chocolate Awards.
Price: 38 for 2shop now
Dubai Chocolate Bar
This popular Miami-based brand is known for using ethically sourced cacao beans to make their treats. Besides Dubai Chocolate, they are known for other unique flavoured bars and bites, like Passionfruit and Blueberry Yogurt.
Price: 25shop now
Dubai Bark
Of course, the historic and popular Canadian chocolatier has their own version of Dubai Chocolate. This bark comes in velvety milk chocolate, and is made with sustainable cocoa.
Price: 45 for 200gshop now
Milk Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa
Dubaïmo’s signature bar features a secret pistachio filling recipe. Just one hint: an addition of tahini, a nutty Middle Eastern condiment made with sesame seeds. They also offer a dark chocolate version.
Price: 19.99shop now
