If you follow food trends online even casually, you’ve probably seen Dubai chocolate popping up everywhere. Those thick chocolate bars with bright green filling have taken over social media feeds, leaving people wondering what’s inside and why everyone is rushing to try them.
When Dubai chocolate first went viral, many people were eager to taste it for themselves. The problem was the price. Overseas shipping made the original version costly, and even local bakery imitations in the U.S. tended to sell out almost instantly.
Recently, however, more affordable versions have started appearing in familiar stores, making this viral treat easier to try without spending a fortune. If you’ve been curious about Dubai chocolate, now may be the perfect time to jump on the trend.
Dubai Chocolate Recipe (Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar)
If you’ve been seeing those green-filled chocolate bars all over social media and wondering if you can actually make them at home, the answer is yes. This homemade Dubai chocolate recipe captures the same crunchy, creamy, and rich flavors that made the original dessert go viral, without the expensive shipping or hard-to-find bakeries. It looks impressive, tastes luxurious, and is surprisingly doable in a home kitchen.
Ingredients
200 g milk or dark chocolate (high quality)
100 g kataifi dough (shredded phyllo pastry)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
200 g pistachio paste or pistachio cream
2 tablespoons tahini (optional but traditional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Start by preparing the kataifi. Gently separate the strands and chop them into shorter pieces. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, add the kataifi, and toast it slowly while stirring until it turns golden brown and crisp. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
In a bowl, mix the pistachio paste with tahini and a small pinch of salt. Once the kataifi has cooled, fold it into the pistachio mixture until well combined. This creates the signature crunchy pistachio filling.
Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Spoon a layer of melted chocolate into a silicone bar mold or small loaf pan lined with parchment, coating the bottom evenly.
Add a generous layer of the pistachio-kataifi filling, pressing it gently into place. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the top, smoothing it out so the filling is completely sealed inside.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully set. Once firm, carefully remove from the mold and slice if needed.
What Is Dubai Chocolate?
Dubai chocolate became a global sensation after a TikTok video showcasing the unique dessert exploded in popularity. The original version comes from Fix Dessert Shop in Dubai and is officially called the Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar.
This dessert is inspired by a classic Middle Eastern sweet that has been reimagined in chocolate bar form. It combines layers of pistachio, kataifi pastry, and chocolate into one indulgent treat. Since going viral, the flavor combination has inspired countless spin-offs, from candy bars to bite-sized chocolates.
What Does Dubai Chocolate Taste Like?
Whether it’s the original version from Dubai or one of the many recreations now available, Dubai chocolate shares the same standout qualities. The crunch comes from kataifi, a finely shredded phyllo pastry. This crisp texture is layered with a rich, smooth pistachio cream and then coated in a generous layer of chocolate.
The contrast between crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey creates a unique sensory experience that sets Dubai chocolate apart from standard candy bars. For anyone who enjoys making homemade desserts, this is the kind of confection that feels both luxurious and exciting to recreate from scratch.
Why Is Dubai Chocolate So Expensive?
Authentic Dubai chocolate carries a high price mainly because of international shipping. Even versions inspired by the original tend to cost more than regular chocolate bars.
That’s because these treats are labor-intensive and require advanced chocolate-making techniques. Each layer must be carefully prepared and assembled, and chocolatiers often pass those costs on to buyers. The result is a premium product that feels more like a dessert experience than a simple candy.
Does Costco Have Real Dubai Chocolate?
Costco does not sell the original chocolate imported from Dubai, but it does offer a popular alternative. Bite-sized pistachio and knafeh-filled chocolates from Bouchard have become a hot item at many locations.
The box includes 41 pieces and sells for $17.99, making it one of the most affordable ways to try the Dubai chocolate flavor profile. These chocolates tend to sell out quickly, and many stores report them as one of their most requested items. If you see them in stock, it’s smart to grab them before they’re gone.
Where Else Can You Buy Dubai Chocolate?
Several specialty chocolatiers have joined the Dubai chocolate trend. One notable option comes from a Los Angeles-based chocolate maker offering pistachio knafeh-inspired bites in a high-end gift box.
Priced at around $50 for a box of six, these chocolates are designed to feel luxurious and are often packaged as edible art. Like other Dubai chocolate variations, they frequently sell out, so timing matters if you want to try them.
