A certain pistachio-stuffed, knafeh-crusted milk chocolate treat has taken the internet by storm this year, dominating social media feeds and making dessert enthusiasts work overtime. Known as the “Dubai Chocolate bar,” it’s a sensory delight: crunchy Knafeh phyllo dough encased in velvety milk chocolate and oozing a creamy pistachio spread. Its ASMR-worthy texture and irresistible drip have earned it millions of likes on TikTok and Instagram. But here’s the kicker—unless you’re in Dubai, your experience with this viral confection might not be the real deal.
The Origins of the Craze
The Dubai chocolate bar rose to fame in December 2023 when Dubai-based food influencer Maria Vehera posted a review that skyrocketed to over 80 million views on TikTok. The original is crafted by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a boutique dessert brand founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda. Inspired by pregnancy cravings, Hamouda started experimenting with decadent chocolate textures, culminating in her now-famous pistachio-and-knafeh creation, aptly named “Can’t Get Knafeh of It.”
Available exclusively via Deliveroo in Dubai, Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s offerings have become the stuff of internet legend. However, the limited availability of this luxurious treat has created a fertile ground for scams and counterfeits.
Fake Dubai Chocolate: A Global Scam Epidemic
As the original confection gained popularity, knockoffs quickly flooded global markets. A slew of websites and online retailers began offering dubious versions of the Dubai chocolate bar, often with questionable payment methods and shady shipping policies. Some even go so far as to mimic the Fix branding, leading unwary buyers to believe they’re purchasing the authentic treat.
Fix Dessert Chocolatier addressed this issue directly on their Instagram, clarifying that they have no official website, authorised resellers, or physical stores. The real chocolate bar is only available in Dubai, and counterfeit sellers are often mishandling the product, leading to subpar taste and exorbitant prices.
Read more: How To Make The Famous Viral Knafeh Chocolate At Home
Making the Magic at Home
If you’re outside Dubai and unwilling to risk being duped, the best way to savour this viral sensation is to recreate it at home. Influencers and home chefs have taken to Instagram and YouTube with recipes designed to mimic the original. For an authentic flavour, don’t forget the tahini—a key ingredient that many copycat recipes miss.
A basic recipe might involve:
- Knafeh crust: Crisp phyllo dough baked to perfection.
- Pistachio filling: A creamy, nutty mixture, ideally enhanced with tahini.
- Chocolate coating: A smooth, high-quality milk chocolate shell.
The Global Appeal of Luxury Desserts
The Dubai chocolate bar highlights the power of social media to catapult niche, local creations into global fame. While its exclusivity fuels its mystique, it’s also a cautionary tale about navigating viral trends. Whether you make it at home or book a flight to Dubai for the real deal, this chocolate bar is proof of how one dessert can captivate the world.
For now, let the green-and-brown sensation remind us that sometimes the sweetest experiences come with a little detective work—and a lot of creativity.
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