Launched at FIX Dessert Chocolatier in the large city of Dubai, the infamous Dubai chocolate was first introduced to the world by Sarah Hamouda.

Made with pistachio paste, tahini and crispy kataifi topped with a smooth layer of milk chocolate, the desire for the chocolaty sweet was inspired by Hamouda’s pregnancy cravings for a traditional Middle Eastern dessert called knafeh. What was once a small craving has since become a large-scale craze. 

Its viral moment on TikTok and Instagram reels showcases its gooey chocolate drizzle and crisp kataifi layers.  Kataifi are thin sheets of shredded phyllo. The buzz has sparked continuing global attention which has inspired brands to cash in with a variety of bakeries modeling desserts off chocolate bars.

Dubai Pistachio Croissant (⅗) – Château De Chantilly

Starting at $8.49, the Dubai Chocolate croissant from Chateau De Chantilly on Metrotech Dr was topped with crispy kataifi, and a drizzle of chocolate and dusting of crushed pistachios and pistachio cream filling. Visually, it was very appetizing and clearly made to attract customers.

The croissant had a nice crunch with the soft filling in the interiors masking some tahini flavor. The chocolate, however, didn’t add anything to the pastry, making it seem only pistachio flavored. While aesthetically pleasing, the flavor balance could have been better. 

Dubai Gold Chocolate (1.5/5) – Nutsball (Amazon) 

A chocolate bar variation by the company Nutsball is priced at a steep $25.99. Visually, it was very unappealing, misshapen and lacked a clean glossy finish. The pistachio filling was dry and chalky with barely any flavor or moisture. The chocolate coating was the only redeeming factor offering a rich milk chocolate flavor, but not enough to save the product. 

Dubai Chocolate Brownie (⅗) – Bakery Museum and Co.

Priced at $4.50, the brownie from Bakery Museum and Co on Lee Hwy. The brownie was gooey and rich with a soft texture that was very chocolatey. The base itself was fudgey and satisfying, however, the pistachio filling didn’t add much overall which is what generally defines the Dubai chocolate. 

The filling lacked flavor and felt unnecessary, getting overshadowed by the intense chocolate. While enjoyable, the dessert didn’t quite capture the unique balance of chocolate and pistachio filling that the chocolate is known for online. 

 Dubai Chocolate Macaroon (⅘) – Bakery Museum and Co.

 Sold at $3.00, the macaron from Bakery Museum and Co. looked promising with its glossy shell, chocolate drizzle and signature green pistachio paste. The outer layers were crisp and chewy and the added surprise was an extra layer of chocolate in the middle. Once again, however, the chocolate outshone the pistachio. The paste itself was bland with a nutty crispy consistency.

While the Dubai chocolate craze brought a wave of visually stunning and highly shareable desserts, most of the products didn’t quite live up to the hype. Overall, the chocolate elements were consistently rich and enjoyable, but the pistachio, which should have been a main flavor, was often bland and dry. For a trend rooted in Middle Eastern inspiration, the execution for many of the deserts prioritized style over quality.