The Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar: Answering Every Question You've Ever Had

Welcome to the most comprehensive deep dive into the phenomenon that's taken over social media feeds, dessert menus, and even grocery store shelves: the viral Dubai chocolate bar. If you've scrolled through TikTok, Instagram, or X lately, you've likely seen videos of people cracking open a chunky, green-filled chocolate bar, revealing a gooey, crunchy interior that looks like pure indulgence. But what exactly is this treat? Why has it exploded in popularity? Is it worth the hype (and the price)? And how can you get your hands on one—or better yet, make it at home?

In this blog post, I'll answer literally every question people have been asking about the Dubai chocolate bar. From its origins in a small Dubai chocolatier to the global knockoffs, scams, recipes, nutritional facts, cultural context, and even its impact on the economy, we've got you covered. Whether you're a chocolate aficionado, a curious foodie, or just someone wondering why everyone's obsessed with pistachios suddenly, read on. We'll break it down section by section for easy navigation.

What Is the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar?

Let's start with the basics: The viral Dubai chocolate bar isn't just any candy—it's a luxurious, oversized milk chocolate bar stuffed with a unique filling that combines creamy pistachio paste, tahini, and crispy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough, also known as knafeh or kunafa in Middle Eastern cuisine). This creates a textural explosion: smooth chocolate on the outside, crunchy strands inside, and a nutty, slightly savory flavor from the pistachios and tahini. It's often described as "gooey yet crispy," with a green hue from the pistachio cream that makes it visually striking in those viral unboxing videos.

The original bar is called "Can't Get Knafeh of It" and comes from Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a boutique chocolate shop in Dubai. It's not your standard Hershey's—these bars are hefty, weighing around 150-200 grams each, and they're designed to be shared (though many eat them solo, no judgment). The name plays on the Middle Eastern dessert knafeh, which is a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios, but here it's reimagined in chocolate form.

People often confuse it with other viral chocolates, like the "Labubu Dubai Chocolate" which incorporates cute monster characters for a novelty twist, or even older trends like Jeremy's Chocolate (a conservative-branded bar from 2023 that was more about politics than flavor). But the true viral sensation is the pistachio-knafeh one from Dubai.

Why Did the Dubai Chocolate Bar Go Viral?

The bar's rise to fame is a classic social media story. It started gaining traction on TikTok in mid-2024, with videos of people breaking it open and taking that satisfying first bite racking up millions of views. Influencers and food bloggers in Dubai showcased it first, but it quickly spread globally as travelers brought it back home and shared their experiences. By late 2024 and into 2025, it had become a must-try item, with searches for "Dubai chocolate bar" spiking on Google and X.

Several factors contributed to its virality:

• ASMR Appeal: The crunch of the kataifi against the creamy filling makes for perfect sound-bite content. Videos often feature slow-motion breaks and close-up chews.
• Exotic Flavor Profile: In a world of plain milk chocolate, the pistachio-tahini combo feels fresh and luxurious, blending sweet and savory in a way that's addictive.
• Scarcity and Hype: Originally only available in Dubai, the limited supply drove FOMO (fear of missing out). When imitations popped up, it fueled even more discussion.
• Celebrity Endorsements: Stars like Billie Eilish have been spotted enjoying versions of it, and K-pop idols have mentioned craving it on social media.
• Economic Ripple: The trend even affected global pistachio and cocoa prices, as demand surged.

On X, users have been buzzing about it since early 2025, with posts ranging from reviews to DIY attempts. One user called it "the pistachio sensation," while others debated its authenticity in local markets.

Who Makes the Original Dubai Chocolate Bar?

Fix Dessert Chocolatier, founded by Sarah Hamouda in Dubai, is the creator behind the magic. Sarah, a self-taught chocolatier, started the business in 2021 during the pandemic, focusing on innovative, Middle Eastern-inspired flavors. The shop emphasizes high-quality ingredients, like premium Belgian chocolate and fresh pistachios from Iran or the US.

The "Can't Get Knafeh of It" bar was launched as part of their signature line, drawing from traditional Arabic sweets. Fix has since expanded to other flavors, but this one remains the star. They're based in Al Quoz, Dubai, and ship internationally, though demand often leads to sold-out status.

What Are the Ingredients in the Dubai Chocolate Bar?

Breaking it down (pun intended):

• Outer Shell: Milk chocolate (typically 30-40% cocoa), made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk powder, and vanilla.
• Filling: Pistachio cream (ground pistachios, sugar, and oil for creaminess), tahini (sesame paste for nuttiness), and toasted kataifi (shredded phyllo dough coated in butter and sugar for crunch).
• Allergens: Contains nuts (pistachios), gluten (from phyllo), dairy, and sesame. Not suitable for those with allergies.
• Variations: Some versions add strawberry, hazelnut, or even gold flakes for extra flair.

No artificial colors—the green comes naturally from pistachios. Calorie-wise, a full bar can pack 800-1000 calories, mostly from fats and sugars.

How Much Does the Dubai Chocolate Bar Cost?

Prices vary wildly due to the hype:

• Original from Fix: Around $15-20 USD per bar in Dubai.
• International Shipping: Can bump it to $30-50 with fees and customs.
• Imitations: In the US or UK, knockoffs sell for $4-15 at stores like Home Bargains or Five Below.
• Resellers: On eBay or Amazon, expect $20-100 for "authentic" imports, but beware fakes.
• Homemade: DIY versions cost $5-10 in ingredients for multiple bars.

In Korea, it's gone for as high as 100,000 won (~$75 USD) due to import costs. The price surge is partly due to rising cocoa and pistachio costs from global demand.

Where Can You Buy the Dubai Chocolate Bar?

• In Dubai: Fix Dessert Chocolatier stores or their website for pickup/shipping.
• US: Nuts Factory in NYC, Five Below, or online via Amazon (search "Carian's Bistro Dubai Chocolate").
• UK: Home Bargains has stocked imitations for £3.99.
• Online: Throne.com for gifting, or Etsy for handmade versions.
• Global: Check local Middle Eastern groceries or import shops. In Australia, specialty chocolatiers have started producing their own.

If it's sold out, join waitlists on Fix's site or look for pop-ups in major cities.

Is the Dubai Chocolate Bar Worth the Hype?

Opinions are split. Fans rave about the unique texture—crispy yet creamy—and the balanced flavors that aren't overly sweet. One X user said it's "life-changing," while another compared it favorably to Kit Kats but elevated.

Critics argue it's overpriced for what it is, with some imitations tasting bad or being too greasy. In New Orleans, a Reddit thread called out fakes as disappointing. Personally, if you love pistachios and Middle Eastern desserts, yes—it's worth trying once. For everyday snacking, cheaper alternatives suffice.

Are There Scams or Fake Dubai Chocolate Bars?

Absolutely, and this is a big question amid the hype. With popularity comes counterfeits. Some "Dubai bars" sold online or in markets use low-quality ingredients, like dyed cream instead of real pistachios, or skip the kataifi altogether.

Signs of a scam:

• Too cheap (under $10 for "authentic").
• No branding or poor packaging.
• Sellers claiming "original viral" without proof.
• High shipping from dubious sources.

In Arizona, there were even market feuds over who "invented" it, leading to lawsuits and price gouging. Always buy from verified sellers like Fix or reputable importers to avoid disappointment.

How to Make the Dubai Chocolate Bar at Home

One of the most asked questions! Yes, you can replicate it with some effort. Here's a step-by-step recipe for a homemade version (makes 4-6 bars):

Ingredients

• 400g milk chocolate, chopped
• 200g kataifi dough (found in Middle Eastern stores or online)
• 100g butter
• 150g pistachio paste (or blend 100g pistachios with 50g oil and sugar)
• 50g tahini
• 100g powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Steps

1. Toast the kataifi: Shred the dough, toss with melted butter and sugar, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Mix filling: Combine pistachio paste, tahini, salt, and half the crispy kataifi.
3. Melt chocolate: Temper half the chocolate (melt to 115°F, cool to 88°F) for a shiny finish.
4. Assemble: Pour melted chocolate into bar molds, add filling, top with more chocolate and remaining kataifi for crunch.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
6. Enjoy: Break and share (or not).

Pro tips: Use silicone molds for easy release. For vegan versions, swap milk chocolate for dark and use plant-based butter. YouTube tutorials abound, with creators claiming homemade tastes better than store-bought.

Nutritional Information and Health Concerns

Not the healthiest treat, but let's be real—it's chocolate. Per 100g (half a bar):

• Calories: ~550
• Fat: 35g (mostly from nuts and chocolate)
• Carbs: 50g (sugars ~40g)
• Protein: 8g (thanks to pistachios)
• Fiber: 3g

Pistachios add healthy fats, antioxidants, and potassium, but the sugar and calories make it an indulgence, not a snack. For diabetics, the high glycemic load is a no-go. Gluten-free? No, due to kataifi. Nut-free? Definitely not.

If you're health-conscious, opt for smaller portions or DIY with less sugar.

Variations and Spin-Offs of the Dubai Chocolate Bar

The original inspired a wave of twists:

• Strawberry Dubai: Adds freeze-dried strawberries for tartness.
• Hazelnut or Almond: Swaps pistachios for other nuts.
• Vegan Versions: Uses dark chocolate and coconut oil.
• Novelty: Labubu-themed bars with character designs.
• Dessert Hybrids: Sundaes (like at Goodberry's), cakes, or even wedding versions.

Chains like Nuts Factory offer their takes, while home bakers experiment with flavors like matcha or rose.

Cultural and Historical Context

The bar draws from Middle Eastern cuisine, where knafeh is a staple dessert during Ramadan and celebrations. Pistachios, native to the region, symbolize luxury. Fix's creation bridges traditional Arabic sweets with Western chocolate, appealing to global palates.

Historically, chocolate bars evolved from ancient Mesoamerican drinks to European confections in the 1800s. Viral trends like this echo past crazes, such as Queen Victoria's Boer War chocolate in 1900 or the 2023 Jeremy's Chocolate political stunt.

In 2025, it's part of a broader "exotic fusion" trend, alongside things like Korean corn dogs or Japanese mochi.

Impact on the Economy and Environment

The virality has boosted Dubai's tourism and Fix's business, but it's strained supplies. Cocoa prices rose due to demand, echoing broader chocolate industry issues. Pistachio farms in Iran and California are seeing booms, but water-intensive growing raises environmental concerns.

Small businesses have capitalized: One entrepreneur made $100k/year selling similar desserts. However, copycats and price wars (like in Arizona) highlight cutthroat competition.

Reviews and User Experiences

From X and TikTok:

• Positive: "So mf good" with strawberries. "Pretty good" for non-viral food fans.
• Negative: "Tasted like shit" for overpriced fakes. Some find it too rich.
• Celebrity Takes: K-pop stars crave it; Billie Eilish inspired vegan recipes.

Overall rating: 8/10 for originals, 5/10 for knockoffs.

Alternatives to the Dubai Chocolate Bar

If you can't get the real deal:

• Similar Bars: Pistachio-filled Lindt or Godiva.
• DIY Sweets: Make knafeh at home or try pistachio baklava.
• Other Virals: Fruity Pebbles candy bars or discontinued classics like Texan or Marble.
• Healthier Options: Quest bars for protein-packed chocolate.

Frequently Asked Miscellaneous Questions

• Is it halal? Yes, Fix uses halal ingredients.
• Shelf life? 1-2 months unrefrigerated; longer in the fridge.
• Best way to eat? Room temperature for max gooeyness.
• Pet-safe? No—chocolate is toxic to dogs.
• Gifting ideas? Pair with coffee or nuts.
• Future trends? Expect more fusions, like Dubai-inspired ice creams.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Dubai Chocolate Bar

We've covered everything from ingredients to economics, scams to spin-offs. The Dubai chocolate bar isn't just a treat—it's a cultural moment, blending tradition with TikTok fame. Whether you hunt down the original, whip up a batch at home, or settle for a knockoff, it's a reminder of how food trends connect us globally.

If you have more questions (somehow), drop them in the comments. Happy munching!