Dubai chocolate is everywhere these days! You’ve probably seen photos and videos of giant chocolate bars filled with a vibrant green, crispy filling. It’s become a full-blown viral sensation, taking the world by storm. If you’re curious about this trending chocolate, you’re definitely not alone—millions are wondering what makes it so special!
But here’s a friendly heads-up: by the end of this article, you’ll definitely be tempted to try one of these irresistible chocolate bars for yourself. However, let me offer some advice—having tasted both the original and many imitations, I can confidently say that you should avoid cheap, fake versions. Unless made with top-quality ingredients that deliver the original texture and flavor, these lower-cost alternatives will just leave you disappointed. That’s why I’ve included a recipe at the end of this article—it might be your best chance to experience this unique chocolate bar firsthand.
What is Dubai Chocolate?
Dubai chocolate is more than a basic chocolate bar; it is like an intricate masterpiece, blending textures and flavors in a whole new and exciting way. A glossy shell of high-quality Belgian chocolate cracks open to reveal a crunchy kataifi (vermicelli-style shredded phyllo) crust, all wrapped around a gorgeous green pistachio filling that just oozes decadence. Every bite is a perfect contrast of silky and smooth yet crispy and crunchy. The whole thing is rich, unique, and totally indulgent.
Why is Dubai Chocolate Popular?
The craze began when a TikTok video showcased the ultra-luxurious Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar from Fix Dessert Shop located in Dubai. Overnight, this chocolate creation became the internet’s most desired confection. The viral appeal of Dubai Chocolate isn’t just the taste but also the newness and luxury that comes with each bar. Dubai is known for its over-the-top sweets, and this chocolate bar fits right into that high-end lifestyle. It feels exclusive and luxurious, and it is clearly very Instagram-worthy!
Dubai chocolate has also helped set off a pistachio dessert trend, so get ready to see beautiful green pistachio desserts everywhere! It’s amazing how one viral video created such a huge culinary trend, and this delicious nutty flavor will not be going away anytime soon.
What is the Green Filling in Dubai Chocolate?
So, what exactly is that striking green filling inside the Dubai chocolate bar? It’s pistachio paste! The vibrant green color comes from the high-quality pistachios that are blended into a smooth, buttery paste. Be aware that not all pistachio pastes are created equal. It’s quite challenging to find 100% sugar-free pistachio paste with such vibrant color, like this homemade version, as manufacturers often substitute pistachios with cheaper ingredients and add sugar and other additives to the paste.
Learn how to make pistachio paste at home using this homemade pistachio butter recipe.
pistachio butter in making
What Are the Crispy Pieces Inside Dubai Chocolate?
You may have noticed that the filling of the Dubai chocolate isn’t perfectly smooth but has small, crispy pieces inside as well. I did say that this bar is all about texture! The Kataifi crust inside a Dubai Chocolate bar is what gives it that irresistible, delicate crunch. Kataifi (pronounced ka-ta-EE-fi) is a type of shredded phyllo dough commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts. It’s similar to traditional phyllo that you would use to make baklava but comes in fine, thread-like strands instead of sheets.
The kataifi dough is lightly toasted or fried with a little bit of butter and sugar. Toasting the dough makes it crispy and golden brown, which contrasts beautifully with the smooth pistachio cream and rich chocolate. This subtle, crunchy element is what really makes Dubai Chocolate stand out. While many chocolate bars rely solely on nuts or wafers for texture, the kataifi crust is the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and chocolatey decadence!
Oh, and if you like the mix of creamy and crispy, be sure to check out my baklava cheesecake recipe, which has the same incredible texture contrast. There’s a reason why this is one of my top-rated recipes – it is seriously delicious!
dubai chocolate
Where Can I Buy Dubai Chocolate in the US?
If you’re in the US and craving a taste of this viral sensation, be prepared for a bit of a hunt. The original Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar from Fix Dessert Shop is primarily sold in Dubai, and getting your hands on an authentic one in the US can be a challenge.
The best option is buying from the original Fix Dessert Shop, however, they are shipping world wide only for orders over AED 11,000 (approx. 3000 USD).
There are a few other ways:
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Online Retailers – Some specialty online shops have started importing Dubai chocolate but expect a high price tag due to international shipping costs. It is not cheap to ship chocolate from Dubai to the US!
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Luxury Chocolate Boutiques – Some high-end chocolate stores in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami have started offering similar versions, inspired by the viral trend.
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Middle Eastern Specialty Shops – If you live in an area with a strong Middle Eastern presence, check local dessert shops. Some have begun recreating their own versions of Dubai Chocolate.
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Social Media Sellers – Some independent sellers on Instagram or TikTok claim to ship Dubai Chocolate to the US, but be cautious and check reviews before purchasing.
Because of the high demand, Dubai Chocolate sells out fast, so if you spot it, grab it before it’s gone! There are rumors that Costco will soon have its own line of Dubai chocolate available, and I hope this is true!
Why is Dubai Chocolate so Expensive?
There’s no sugarcoating the fact that Dubai Chocolate isn’t cheap. But why does a single bar cost so much? Let’s break it down:
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Premium Ingredients – The bar is made with some of the finest ingredients available: Belgian chocolate, high-grade pistachios, and delicate kataifi pastry. Each of these components is already expensive on its own, and when combined, they create a truly luxury product.
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Handcrafted Process – Unlike mass-produced chocolate bars, the original Dubai Chocolate from Fix Dessert Shop is handmade, requiring careful layering and precision. Even the new chocolatiers making Dubai chocolate bars are doing the process by hand. This level of craftsmanship takes time and skill.
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Dubai’s Luxury Branding – Dubai is synonymous with opulence, and that extends to its food culture. Everything from gold-covered pizza to $1,000 cupcakes can be found in the city, and Dubai Chocolate fits right into that world of extravagance.
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Import Costs – If you’re buying Dubai Chocolate outside of the UAE, you’re not just paying for the treat itself but also for international shipping, import taxes, and retailer markups.
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The Hype Factor – Part of the price of Dubai chocolate is driven by its viral status. Anything that becomes a must-have item instantly sees a price increase, and Dubai Chocolate is no exception.
dubai chocolate
Can I Make My Own Dubai Chocolate Bar?
Absolutely! If you don’t want to wait weeks for an imported bar or spend a small fortune, you can recreate your own version at home. Here’s how:
Simplified Homemade Dubai Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients to make two thick chocolate bars:
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5 oz (150g) katafi – shredded phyllo dough, available at Middle Eastern grocery stores)
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2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
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10 oz (300g) pistachio paste – 100% pistachio butter, no sugar, no additives)
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2 tablespoons (30g) tahini – sesame paste
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10 oz (300g) high-quality milk chocolate e.g. Lindt or Callebaut – tip: try the chocolate with dark chocolate as well. I personally favor the less sweet version with dark chocolate.
dubai chocolate
Prepare the Katafi:
Heat the butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped katafi and fry it for 6-7 minutes (or until the katafi becomes very crunchy and golden brown), stirring frequently. Set it aside to cool.
Prepare the Pistachio-Tahini Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the pistachio paste and tahini together until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to combine. Mix in the katafi and set it aside.
Temper the Chocolate (Seeding Method):
The seeding method is a simple way to temper chocolate, ensuring it will be set properly and have a shiny finish. Here’s how you do it:
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Chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place about 2/3 of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
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Melt the Chocolate: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir gently until the chocolate is melted and reaches a temperature of 115°F (46°C) for milk chocolate.
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Seed the Chocolate: Remove the bowl from the heat and add the remaining 1/3 of the chopped chocolate into the melted chocolate. Stir constantly to help cool the chocolate and incorporate the unmelted pieces. This will lower the temperature to about 84°F (29°C).
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Bring the Chocolate Back to Working Temperature: Place the bowl back over the pot of hot water for a few seconds, just to bring the chocolate to about 88-90°F (31-32°C). This is the perfect temperature for molding and working with the chocolate.
Assemble the Chocolate Bars:
The recipe makes two chocolate bars so you will need to half the chocolate as well as the katafi pistachio filling before assembling.
Pour the tempered chocolate into a silicone chocolate bar mold, spreading it evenly. Freeze it for 5 minutes. Then, sprinkle the pistachio katafi layer on top and gently press it with an offset spatula. Freeze it for 5 minutes again. After, pour the remaining tempered chocolate mixture over the katafi and smooth it out. Repeat with the second chocolate bar.
Chill:
Let the chocolate set in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once the chocolate is fully set, remove it from the mold and enjoy!
Homemade Dubai Chocolate may not be exactly like the Fix Dessert Shop version, but it’s a close enough (and much cheaper) alternative that is still insanely delicious and much closer to the real thing than some low-quality copies you can usually buy.
In my opinion, Dubai chocolate is definitely worth the hype!
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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