Dubai Chocolate Dreams: How a Viral Pastry Sparked a Dessert Revolution
In the culinary zeitgeist of 2025, few treats have captured global attention like the Dubai Chocolate bar—a decadent fusion of pistachio-tahini cream and crunchy knafeh (kataifi) encased in chocolate. What began as a heartfelt dessert has evolved into a worldwide culinary movement.
From Craving to Craze: The Birth of Dubai Chocolate
This trend traces back to 2021, when British Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda, amid pregnancy cravings, envisioned a chocolate bar that blended elements of her beloved knafeh—the velvety pistachio paste, tahini’s savoriness, and the shatter crisp kataifi pastry—wrapped in milk chocolate. Partnering with pastry chef Nouel Catis Omamalin, she brought the idea to life through her Dubai-based boutique, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, debuting the now-iconic “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar.
Exclusively handmade in limited batches, each uniquely designed bar became a gem on social feeds—particularly after a TikTok influencer’s ASMR-style crunch video went viral, amassing over 120 million views.
Why It Mesmerized the World？
Sensory Harmony: The sensation of crackling filo, plated with silky pistachio-tahini and cloaked in chocolate, offers a taste experience both nostalgic and novel.
Visual Allure: Bold green and golden fillings and hand-painted bars were eye-catching, especially on platforms driven by visual impact.
Cultural Fusion: It bridges Middle Eastern tradition and modern indulgence, appealing to global appetites for Mediterranean flavor and artisan craftsmanship.
A Global Ripple: From Haute Dessert to Supermarket Aisles
Soon, independent chocolatiers and major brands joined the movement. Lindt, Ülker, and supermarket chains introduced their versions. Trader Joe’s launched an affordable take on the bar, making the indulgence more accessible.
Across the U.S., this trend morphed into new formats—from croissants in San Francisco to brownies and donuts in New York, pies in Detroit, strawberry “cups” in Houston, and cakes in Oakland. Even Costco and national chains like Baskin Robbins adapted the flavor into milkshakes and ice-cream bars.
In Germany and other European countries, bars sold out quickly; some supermarkets implemented purchase limits. The virality even led to pistachio shortages globally.
Homemade Dubai Chocolate Pistachio-Tahini Bars
Base:
● 100g kataifi pastry
● 40g melted butter
● 2 tsp sugar
Pistachio-Tahini Cream:
● 100g roasted pistachios
● 2 tbsp tahini
● 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
● 2–3 tbsp milk
Chocolate Coating:
● 150g milk or dark chocolate
● 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
● Garnish: crushed pistachios or edible gold dust
Instructions
● Base: Mix kataifi with butter and sugar. Bake 10–12 min at 180°C until golden. Cool.
● Cream: Blend pistachios, tahini, sugar, and milk until smooth.
● Assemble: Layer half kataifi, cream, then remaining kataifi. Press lightly.
● Chocolate: Melt chocolate with coconut oil. Pour over bars. Chill 30–40 min.
● Serve: Garnish, slice, and enjoy.
