The Dubai chocolate bar is one of the most shared desserts on social media these days. With its craveable blend of milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy kataifi, it’s indulgent, eye-catching, and offers a rich flavour and texture.
Now, Dubai chocolate drinks are popping up on menus in addition to your social media feed. From lattes and cold brews to milkshakes and mocktails, the Dubai chocolate bar has inspired the latest viral flavour trend in beverages.
In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of this viral dessert, what makes Dubai chocolate so delicious, and how to bring this flavour trend to life with irresistible drink recipes.
What is Dubai Chocolate?
The original chocolate bar debuted in 2021 by FIX Dessert Chocolatier, a Dubai-based confectionery known for bold, modern flavours. Their signature item is the Can’t Get Knafeh of It bar (which is now known as the famous Dubai chocolate bar). It is inspired by the beloved Middle Eastern dessert knafeh.
The confection is known for three primary ingredients:
- A smooth outer layer of milk or dark chocolate
- Silky green pistachio cream center
- Crispy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) mixed into the pistachio cream
The original chocolate bar went viral for its decadent flavour and stunning visuals, with influencers breaking the bar in half to reveal its vibrant green filling. It has been trending strong since 2023, and this latest wave of the Dubai chocolate craze includes beverages inspired by the delicious treat.
What Does it Taste Like?
The dessert isn’t just visually appealing, it’s downright delicious. Its unique flavour profile is creamy, nutty, and just sweet enough. Pistachio cream adds rich, buttery notes, while the kataifi adds a satisfying crunch and toasty finish. Encased in milk or dark chocolate, the flavour combination is indulgent and comforting, but still feels elevated, making it perfect for crafting “treat yourself” beverages or desserts, for instance.
Chocolate Pistachio Drinks
This flavour combo works beautifully in all kinds of hot and cold drinks. When it comes to crafting Dubai chocolate-inspired beverages, bold or earthy bases like espresso, matcha, and even bourbon are good starting points.
For example, trending drinks inspired by the chocolate bar include:
- Iced pistachio lattes with chocolate drizzle and kataifi topping
- Pistachio matcha lattes topped with chocolate cold foam
- Chocolate-pistachio milkshakes or frappes
- Chocolate cold brews with pistachio cold foam
- Espresso martinis garnished with a chocolate drizzle and a pistachio-kataifi rim
And finally, to accurately capture the Dubai chocolate bar flavour and aesthetic, be sure to incorporate kataifi in delicious ways that pay homage to the original confectionery.
The Main Ingredients
To bring the dessert's signature flavour and texture to your beverage creations, start with these elements:
- Espresso, cold brew, matcha, milk, or sparkling base: choose a base depending on your desired drink
- Chocolate Syrup or Dark Chocolate Sauce*: for rich, smooth sweetness
- Pistachio cream or Pistachio Syrup: essential for the nutty base
- Kataifi or cookie crumble: for that signature crisp finish
- Tahini (optional): adds complexity and earthiness
- White Chocolate Sauce (optional): for layering and drizzling
*For low-calorie beverages, you could also substitute Monin Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Sauce or Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup.
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Dubai Chocolate Drink Recipes
Looking for recipe inspiration? Try these delicious Dubai Chocolate-inspired drink recipes that you can make at home or add to beverage menus.
#1 Gooey Dubai Chocolate Iced Matcha
With its earthy profile, Monin Matcha Green Tea Concentrate is a delicious base for rich Pistachio Syrup and a drizzle of Dark Chocolate Sauce. Garnish this Gooey Dubai Chocolate Iced Matcha with a kataifi rim and a piece of the actual chocolate bar for the ultimate matcha indulgence.
#2 Dubai Chocolate Espresso Martini
When two viral flavours meet, it’s dessert perfection! This Dubai Chocolate Espresso Martini mocktail espresso offers bold, coffee taste and a rich finish from non-alcoholic rum and Monin Chocolate Fudge Syrup. A pinch of salt complements the lightly roasted flavour of Pistachio Syrup.
#3 Dubai Chocolate Milkshake
The classic chocolate milkshake is elevated by a splash of Monin Pistachio Syrup. A finishing touch of crispy kataifi sprinkled on whipped cream takes this Dubai Chocolate Milkshake to the next level.
#4 Dubai Hot Chocolate
Need something soothing? Nutty pistachio adds a cozy twist to hot chocolate. Try this Dubai Hot Chocolate the next time you’re in need of a little something sweet.
#5 Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Bar
Dubai Chocolate strawberries are also going viral, and this treat is made by topping fresh strawberries with a rich drizzle of chocolate and pistachio sauces. Why not bring that berry flavour to the original chocolate bar? You can make your own version at home with this Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe!
Whether you're craving something rich and indulgent or just want to try the trend everyone’s talking about, these pistachio and chocolate drinks are a great place to start. With just a few key ingredients, it’s easy to bring a little luxury to your daily sips.
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