We’re not exactly sure what kick-started the virality of Dubai chocolate on TikTok, but we think it has something to do with the unique flavour profile of the tahini-infused dessert, the texturally and aesthetically interesting pistachio-green interior, as well as the pure ASMR involved in cracking off a piece of the creamy treat.
The confection is also referred to as chocolate Knafeh, as it was inspired by the traditional Middle Eastern dessert Knafeh – which is made with spun pastry dough (otherwise known as kataif) layered with cheese and soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup and often garnished with pistachios. Don’t worry, the chocolate version isn’t cheesy.
The luxury chocolate bar, originally named "Can't Get Knafeh Of It," was created in 2021 by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and has since reached true viral status on all forms of social media – resulting in a myriad of copycats attempting to recreate the Dubai-exclusive dessert across the globe with varying degrees of success.
The original "Can't Get Knafeh Of It," is made with crispy kataifi, pistachio and tahini paste in a casing of milk chocolate, which results in a sweet yet salty and uniquely umami flavour. Though difficult to get a hold of here in the UK, it’s far from impossible. As such, we’ve curated a selection of the best chocolate Knafeh on the market for you to try.
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Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar 145g
The master chocolatiers over at Lindt have hopped on the Dubai chocolate trend with this creamy and luxurious limited edition bar. Swiss melt-in-your-mouth chocolate meets a delectable Knafeh-inspired filling made from the finest pistachio paste and crunchy Kadayif in this cult-favourite delight.
Buy now £10.00, Lindt
Real Dubai Chocolate, 200g, Pistachio Cream & Kunafa
Imported from the UAE, this option delivers the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth chocolate Knafeh experience with the perfect level of crunch and is made from authentic Middle Eastern ingredients.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Top Tier Chocolatier Kunafa Dubai Chocolate Bar
Handmade in the UK, this decadent Kunafa by Top Tier chocolatier is made with Callebaut Belgian milk chocolate, pistachio cream, kataifi, Biscoff spread, Tahini, hazelnut spread, Kinder, Nutella, salted caramel and peanut butter – certainly not for the faint of heart.
It’s also offered in two sizes: the mega (500g) or mini (100g) lab.
Buy now £8.99, Etsy
Petek 1942 - Famous Dubai Chocolate
Packaged rather luxuriously, Petek 1942’s Dubai chocolate is the perfect option for those looking to gift the viral treat to a loved one with a particularly sweet tooth. Made with velvety smooth chocolate, it’s marvellously addictive without being overwhelming.
Buy now £23.47, Etsy
Sweet Story Dubai Style Chocolate Spread
A rather unique way to enjoy the dessert, Sweet Story’s Dubai Style Chocolate Spread features all the wonderful flavours associated with the Knafeh-inspired chocolate bar – but in jar form. Drizzle over pastries, into cake, or even enjoy spread on a slice of brioche.
Buy now £14.46, Etsy
Maison Samadi Knafeh Pistachio Dubai Viral Style Chocolate Bar
Offered in a vast range of different sizes to suit your appetite, Maison Samadi’s take on chocolate Knafeh is handmade with carefully selected ingredients to deliver authentic Dubai flavours and is suitable for vegetarians.
Buy now £15.15, Amazon
Hotel Chocolat Pistachio Chocolate Selector
Perfect for those who like the sound of pistachio-flavoured chocolate but aren’t sure about the decadence of a classic Dubai-style bar, these pistachio chocolate selectors by Hotel Chocolat are sure to go down a treat.
Buy now £5.45, Hotel Chocolat
