Dubai has long been a hub for luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation – and now the city has left its mark on the world of desserts. The latest trend? Dubai Chocolate – a decadent, chocolate-covered pistachio dessert that has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram.
What is Dubai Chocolate?
Dubai Chocolate is a layered dessert featuring crispy kataifi (a shredded filo-like pastry), a sweet and nutty pistachio cream, and a generous coating of chocolate. The result is a crunchy exterior, a smooth filling, and a rich chocolate finish that melts in your mouth.
Why has it become so popular?
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Camera-ready visuals: The glossy chocolate top and vibrant green pistachios make it a photogenic favorite on social media.
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Flavor balance: The combination of nutty, sweet, and crispy appeals to both classic dessert lovers and trend-chasers.
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Easy to recreate: The dessert can be made at home using store-bought kataifi, quality chocolate, and pistachio spread.
The trend has grown so fast that major chains have jumped on board. In June 2025, Shake Shack is launching a “Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake” in the U.S. – proof of the dessert’s global impact.
Want to try it at home? Here are some tips for success:
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Use kataifi or shredded filo pastry to create a crispy base.
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Make your own pistachio cream or use a ready-made version with a high nut content.
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Melt high-quality chocolate and coat the dessert generously for a luxurious finish.
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Top with chopped pistachios for extra texture and color.
Drink pairings for Dubai Chocolate
Wines that complement pistachio and chocolate
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Sauternes or other sweet Bordeaux
A classic match for nutty desserts. Sauternes offers notes of honey, dried fruit, and spice that pair beautifully with pistachio. -
Vin Santo (Italy)
This Tuscan dessert wine, made from dried grapes, has a rich, nutty flavor perfect for creamy and chocolatey sweets. -
Tawny Port (Portugal)
Matured notes of nuts, caramel, and dried fruit make this an ideal match for chocolate. -
Sweet red wine with chocolate notes
Try a dessert Zinfandel or a red Banyuls from southern France – a delicious match for deep chocolate flavors.
Non-alcoholic pairings
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Spiced tea – like cardamom or chai
A warm, aromatic tea complements the Middle Eastern notes of the dessert. -
Cold brew coffee with vanilla or tonka bean
A refreshing drink that balances the richness of the chocolate and pistachio.
Dubai Chocolate is a sophisticated, flavorful dessert inspired by Middle Eastern traditions – ideal for anyone looking to serve something both elegant and on-trend.
