If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, chances are you’ve come across Dubai chocolate — a Middle Eastern-inspired chocolate treat filled with kunafa and pistachios that went viral last year. It’s sweet, nutty, crisp, and totally unlike anything you’d find in the usual supermarket aisle.
But what exactly is Dubai chocolate, and why is it suddenly on everyone’s wishlist? Let’s get into it.
So, what is Dubai chocolate?
Dubai chocolate isn’t a brand, but rather a special type of milk chocolate bar with a distinctive greenish filling at its centre that is made with finely ground pistachios, kunafa (a traditional Arabic dessert made with shredded phyllo pastry), and tahini (a type of condiment made from ground sesame) paste.
Because of its unique filling, Dubai chocolate offers a creamier and more decadent taste than regular chocolate bars. It’s also bigger and heavier, too.
The story behind it and how it went viral
The original Dubai chocolate bar was created by Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier, whose founder, Sarah Hamouda, wanted to make something unique amidst her pregnancy cravings. The result was a chocolate bar made with knafeh (another spelling for kunafa), syrup, and nuts, which Hamouda launched as “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” in 2024.
The chocolate went viral after food influencer Maria Vehera posted a TikTok video of her eating it in her car, which garnered over a hundred million views and quickly became a huge hit among other influencers and foodies across the platform as well as Instagram, driving many others to want to try it.
It was then that this viral treat became known as the Dubai chocolate.
Is it any good?
Dubai chocolate blends the rich goodness of milk chocolate with the flavours of its distinctive filling. When you bite into it, the outer layer breaks with a satisfying snap, followed by a creamy, slightly gritty texture from the nut paste and the gentle crunch from the kunafa.
It’s a sweet and indulgent sensation you won’t find in typical store-bought chocolate.
The catch — it’s not easy or cheap to get the original one
Like the name implies, Dubai chocolate originated in Dubai, which means you can likely only get the original version in the UAE. Together with high demand, this exotic chocolate is not easy to come by; it’s also pricier than typical chocolate, especially if you ship it from overseas.
That said, you don’t have to miss out on the hype. Dubai-style chocolate bars inspired by the original have been created by other chocolatiers and brands, which means you don’t have to book a flight to Dubai to get a taste of the hype!
Get a taste of it today with Mahnaz Food
If you’ve been wondering where to buy Dubai chocolate in Malaysia, you’re in luck. Here at Mahnaz Food, we’re now offering our own selection of Dubai-style chocolates!
While they may vary slightly from the original, ours are just as delicious and still deliver the rich pistachio-kunafa profile that made the original famous. Take your pick from:
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Lale Dubai Chocolate Kunafa with Pistachio
A silky chocolate bar filled with crispy kunafa and crunchy pistachios, perfect for indulging. -
Dubai Pistachio Dates Chocolate (200g)
A rich fusion of sweet dates and pistachios wrapped in premium chocolate for a perfect balance of sweet flavours. -
Chocolate Kunafa with Pistachio (100g / 200g)
Imported from Turkey, this chocolate combines creamy pistachio filling and crisp kunafa with smooth milk chocolate for the ideal sweet treat.
If you’re a big lover of chocolate, sweets, or just curious about the next big food trend, it’s worth experiencing the hype of Dubai chocolate, even in Malaysia. Come get yours today at Mahnaz Food!