Dubai Chocolate, The Viral Pistachio Bar Worth Trying!

At The Chocolatarium, we have daily requests for the Dubai chocolate bar, launched by the Dubai-based FIX Dessert Chocolatier in 2022.

Curious customers asked which one is actually good. We decided to line up more than ten Dubai-style bars available in the UK and tasted them side by side. Many were too sweet without much real pistachio flavour, or lacked the promised crunch.

What is the Dubai Chocolate Bar? 

- It's a chocolate bar with a distinct filling.
- The outer layer is typically a milk chocolate shell.
- Inside, it contains a rich pistachio cream.
- A crispy kataifi pastry (a shredded filo dough) is incorporated for a satisfying crunch.

What are the ingredients of the original Dubai Chocolate Bar?

- Milk Chocolate Shell: Provides a luxurious outer layer.
- Pistachio Cream: A smooth, nutty filling that is a signature component.
- Kataifi Pastry: Thin strands of phyllo dough that provide a delightful crunch.
- Tahini: Sometimes included for its earthy flavour, adding another layer of complexity. 

Why did it blow up?

The unique combination of Middle Eastern flavours and textures quickly gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. Key ingredients include premium chocolate, pistachio cream, kataifi dough, and sometimes tahini, creating a balance of smooth, creamy, and crunchy elements.  

- Social Media Virality: The chocolate's unique texture and flavour profile became a viral sensation, especially on TikTok, with influencers sharing their experiences. 
- Cultural Innovation: It represents a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern ingredients and modern confectionery, reflecting a luxurious and innovative aspect of Dubai.
- Unique Sensory Experience: The combination of smooth chocolate, creamy pistachio, and crispy kataifi creates a distinctive and indulgent sensory experience.
- Shareability: dramatic cross-sections and vivid green pistachios make it highly photogenic.

We tried the Dubai bars available in the UK, so you don’t have to.

Since it went viral on social media, brands around the globe rushed to make their own versions. We tasted over ten Dubai-style bars available in the UK. Only one made us smile from the first bite. That’s the one we’re stocking, online and in-store, starting this week.

Our winner is the Dubai Chocolate Bar by Patislove. 
Buy the Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar

Also available in our physical shop in Edinburgh.