Among countless food videos that have taken social media by storm, there is one that doesn't seem to be dwindling in popularity any time soon. The viral Dubai chocolate has become a social media sensation with people far and wide breaking into the oozy treat, capturing the moment across Instagram and TikTok. However, if you haven't yet tried it, you might be wondering what is the secret to Dubai's chocolate bar recipe that sets it so far apart from the rest? There is, in fact, a simple answer: Knafeh. If you've found yourself in one of the countries of the Middle-East, you may have come across this dish on a dessert menu. However, if not, you may be wondering what is Knafeh, and what is the world's latest obsession with it?
So, What Actually is the Dubai Chocolate Bar?
From the outside, the hefty slab resembles any other chocolate bar. However, once you break it in half, the infamous, bright green filling inspired by Knafeh, is revealed. Sarah Hamouda is the brains behind the indulgent treat, the founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Driven by her pregnancy cravings, she set out with an aim to create chocolate bars that combine unique textures and flavours, focusing on the filling as her unique selling point. The chocolate bar was catapulted into the spotlight when Maria Vehera, an influencer from the UAE, posted a TikTok from her car, devouring the bar in ASMR fashion. The TikTok spread like wildfire, resulting in countless copycat videos in the months since, and sparking worldwide fascination with Dubai chocolate, the Dubai chocolate recipe, and as such, Knafeh.
What is Knafeh?
As mentioned, the infamous chocolate is inspired by the traditional Arabic dessert, Knafeh. Also known as Kunafa, Knafeh is essentially a sweet, cheesy pudding that is loved all over the Middle East. It is made with shredded filo dough, also known as Kataifi, stringy, soft cheese soaked in syrup, and pistachios. The result is a buttery crust encasing a sweet, luscious interior with a sprinkle of pistachios on top for a final crunch.
Similarly, the filling of the Dubai chocolate bar is of Kataifi and pistachio cream to resemble the dessert. The blend of mouth-watering textures and flavours insipred by Knafeh is what sets this chocolate bar apart from the rest.
Where to Buy the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar in London
Unfortunately for us here in the UK, this renowned product is only available to purchase in Dubai, meaning our UK chocolatiers have had to take matters into their own hands…
If you're hunting down where to buy the viral Dubai chocolate bar in London, take a look at the following:
Love Cocoa has its own entire Dubai Collection, inspired by the opulence of Dubai with bold and luxurious textures and flavours. Here, you can purchase the bars in sets of two, the original pistachio and knafeh paired with one of the other flavours: salted caramel and peanut butter, caramelised biscuit, or hazelnut créme. Alternatively, pop into the shop at 36 South Molton St in London to see the full collection in person!
Maison Samadi sells its own version of the bar for £15.75, inspired by the Dubai Viral Chocolate combined with the Samadi heritage for Baklava and Kunafa.
Qoqoa, a family-run business based in Northampton, has also created their own version, made fresh daily for £20 and shipped right to your doorstep.
Last but not least, you can, in fact, pick up one of these infamous chocolate bars in your weekly food shop (if you're shopping in Waitrose, that is.) Master Chocolatiers, Lindt, have jumped on the bandwaggon, filling a usual block of Lindt milk chocolate with the finest pistachio paste and crunchy Kadayif.
Now that we have clarified what Knafeh is, it becomes all the more understandable why the chocolate inspired by the dessert has created such a stir in the world of sweet treats. To conclude, from its crispy, creamy filling to the luscious, chocolatey coating, it doesn't seem like the hype of Dubai's chocolate will be dying down any time soon. If you haven't already, we implore you to discover the hype for yourself.
