What is Dubai Chocolate?
Dubai chocolate is typically made from a combination of chocolate, pistachio cream and crispy kataifi pastry, creating the rich, crunchy texture the treat is known for. Traditionally, milk chocolate is used to form the outer layer of the bar, however dark and white chocolate can be common to sweeten or unsweeten the bar.
The filling combines smooth pistachio cream with finely shredded kataifi pastry. Some recipes also include ingredients such as tahini or butter to add extra richness.
The contrast between the smooth chocolate and creamy pistachio filling and the crisp pastry is what makes Dubai chocolate so distinctive.
While recipes can vary between brands and chocolatiers, pistachio and kataifi are the key ingredients that give Dubai chocolate its signature flavour and texture.
What is The Crunchy Stuff in Dubai Chocolate?
The crunchy stuff in Dubai chocolate, also known as Kataifi pastry, starts as a dough. The dough is then drizzled in fine, thread-like strands onto a hot rotating plate to cook lightly, creating the viral crunchy, shredded pastry.
Kataifi pastry can be used in Dubai chocolate bars or to create many savory dishes. Some Dubai chocolate bars also include tahini which is mixed in with the pastry. This is how the original bar was made but there are many adaptations now, some with the tahini and some without.
What Does Dubai Chocolate Taste Like?
It’s a very distinct flavour, and is perfect if you love pistachio flavoured treats. Our indulgent Dubai bar is made from smooth, creamy milk chocolate. Inside, we you’ll find a layer of rich pistachio cream mixed with perfectly toasted, crispy kataifi pastry.
However, Dubai chocolate is more than a flavour profile, the resulting bar is a textural masterpiece: creamy, nutty, and satisfyingly crunchy.
How Did Dubai Chocolate Become a Trend
Dubai chocolate became a global sensation thanks to TikTok. In late 2023, an ASMR video went viral for the satisfying snap of the thick shell, the vibrant green cream and the crunch of toasted kataifi. The original TikTok video surpassed tens of millions of views, creating an international craze.
Originally, the bar became difficult to purchase locally as many chocolatiers shipped to specific countries only, this led to businesses hopping on the trend, and in such, it became a viral sensation.
Who Invented Dubai chocolate?
Dubai chocolate was introduced in the United Arab Emirates and invented by Sarah Hamouda and chef Nouel Catis Omamalin. It came about when the creator was attempting to recreate the comforting flavours of the middle eastern dessert Knafeh that her mother made during her childhood, adapting to satisfy a pregnancy craving.
The original chocolate bar was called ‘Can’t get Knafeh of it’ which is a clever pun, however the name was lost on many viewers of the viral TikTok video, so comments were flooded with ‘the chocolate bar from Dubai’. Quickly the name transitioned to Dubai chocolate.
Where Can you Buy Dubai Chocolate?
You can buy our Dubai chocolate bars directly from our Sam Joseph chocolates website, or alternatively in-person at our market stalls located in Altrincham Market and New Chester Market or Picturedome, Macclesfield.
In our Dubai chocolate collection, we offer our classic Dubai bar as well as Dubai medjool dates. Our dates are a popular choice, they are carefully pitted and then generously filled with a blend of our rich, pistachio paste and kataifi pastry. They are then covered in a light but luxurious layer of our smooth 34% milk chocolate, for a deeply satisfying treat.
Final thoughts: Is Dubai Chocolate Worth The Price?
Compared to regular chocolate bars, Dubai chocolate can be slightly more expensive, but many would argue the price reflects the quality. The hype around Dubai chocolate bars largely comes down to how much you love pistachios and texturally unique treats.
Our Dubai bar and Dubai medjool dates have become fan favourites and are available in all our stores and online. Why not give Dubai chocolate a try, and let us know what you think.