If you follow anything food-related on the internet, you've seen Dubai chocolate. Here's what's actually in those green-stuffed chocolate bars.
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When the internet-famous Dubai chocolate first started making the rounds on social media, I definitely wanted to give it a try. However, I wasn’t willing to foot the bill for overseas shipping, and even knock-offs at U.S. bakeries sold out quickly.
Then, I caught a hot tip that my local Costco was getting a shipment of its own version of Dubai chocolate. I jumped at the chance to finally sample it for myself. It was everything I hoped for without breaking the bank! If you have been itching to find out why Dubai chocolate is so popular, now might be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
What is Dubai chocolate?
Dubai chocolate became a viral sensation after a TikTok video showcasing the unique confection took the internet by storm. The original treat from Fix Dessert Shop in Dubai is officially known as Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar. It is a bestseller inspired by a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that has been reimagined with a modern twist. The combination of phyllo, pistachio and chocolate has since inspired countless other desserts with similar flavor profiles.
What is so special about Dubai chocolate?
Whether it’s the original chocolate bar from Dubai or one of the various riffs that have popped up, Dubai chocolate desserts all have similar elements that make them special. A delightful crunch comes from kataifi, which is a shredded phyllo pastry. This is layered with a smooth pistachio cream, and it is all drenched with a rich blanket of chocolate. The result is a multisensory experience that is unlike any other chocolate bar.
If you love making homemade candy, this would be the ultimate from-scratch confection to try.
Why is Dubai chocolate so expensive?
The overseas shipping costs make true Dubai chocolate an expensive experience. However, even if you purchase a bar inspired by the original, it tends to be pricier than a typical chocolate candy. A significant amount of labor and chocolate-making expertise goes into recreating this layered treat, so chocolatiers tend to pass on these expenses to the consumer.
Does Costco have real Dubai chocolate?
New Dubai Chocolates for $17.99
byu/krazycouponlady in Costco
While Costco doesn’t sell the original viral Dubai chocolate bar, the bite-sized pistachio and knafeh-filled chocolates from Bouchard are an accessible and affordable alternative. The generously sized box contains 41 chocolates and sells for $17.99. If you spot them on display at your local Costco, add one to your cart ASAP since they will sell out quickly. The manager at my local store told me it’s their number one requested item lately, and they fly off the shelves anytime a shipment comes in.
Where else can I buy Dubai chocolate?
Plenty of other merchants are jumping on the Dubai chocolate trend with delectable treats inspired by the original. Like Costco, these online retailers also tend to sell out fairly quickly, so be sure to order early (or get on the waitlist) to avoid disappointment, especially around the holidays.
Compartés Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Knafeh Bites
L.A.-based confectionery Compartés, the makers of our favorite box of chocolates, currently has several Dubai-inspired offerings, including Dubai chocolate pistachio knafeh bites available for $50. The box of six treats—packed inside a luxe, giftable package—is a work of edible art.
Other delicious options include Dubai chocolate pistachio knafeh cups, which could probably give peanut butter cups a run for their money. And just in time for Easter, there are Dubai pistachio knafeh chocolate eggs.
Knipschildt Chocolatier Dubai Chocolate Bar
Denmark-born Fritz Knipschildt of Connecticut-based Knipschildt Chocolatier is well known for his unique flavors and ingredients paired with European chocolate-making techniques. His version of the Dubai bar combines housemade pistachio paste with chocolate ganache and crisp knafeh. At 1.2 pounds, this bar can serve up to six people—but only if you’re willing to share it.
Want something you don’t mind actually sharing with others? How about Knipschildt’s jumbo Dubai Bar, made for Stew Leonard’s—a 3-pound chocolate wonder that serves up to 10 people. (Or just you—no judgment here!)
Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar
We’re huge fans of Lindt’s Lindor truffles, so we’re glad to hear that the brand now offers a Dubai style chocolate bar, with a creamy filling with 45% pistachio. This is by no means a plain chocolate bar, but if you want some variety, try the chocolate stick or the chocolate eggs.
André's Pistachio Crunch Bar
We’re big fans of Kansas City-based André’s Chocolate, so we’re intrigued by this Swiss take on Dubai chocolate. The pistachio crunch bar features a delicious combo of pistachios, roasted almonds, Swiss chocolate and caramelized crêpes.
Lovetta Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar
Dubai chocolate lovers can also look to Amazon in search of the best Dubai chocolate bars. Options abound, but this Dubai chocolate knafeh pistachio bar from Lovetta caught our eye with more than 2,000 four-star reviews. Aside from the regular pistachio filling, it also comes in strawberry and cookie butter.
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