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Oman yet to get acquainted with Dubai chocolate
Oman yet to get acquainted with Dubai chocolate

Muscat Daily

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Muscat Daily

Oman yet to get acquainted with Dubai chocolate

'Dubai chocolate' is a chocolate bar filled with pistachio and knafeh – a traditional Arabic dessert – that instantly became a rage in the gulf and has now gained popularity in other parts of the world. First created in 2021 by Fix Desserts chocolatier, which branded it as 'Can't Get Knafeh of It', this product, however, has not yet made any dent in Oman As foodies and chocolate connoisseurs have had enough of the experiments with 'fruit n nut', orange, red chilli, basil, mint, and even hints of frankincense in chocolate bars, here comes an innovative venture from Arabia, of enclosing milk chocolate with a sumptuous filling of pistachios and Knafeh – the popular Arabic dessert made with spun pastry dough. What began as a combination of pistachio, knafeh, and milk chocolate to satisfy Fix Desserts' chocolatier Sarah Hamouda's pregnancy cravings has now evolved into a chocolate bar worth millions of dollars, propelling the family-business to expand exponentially in ways they couldn't imagine. After a viral influencer campaign by TikTok influencer Maria Vehera gathered millions of views from followers now yearning for a bite, the world affectionately gave it the nickname of 'Dubai chocolate'. The name can be seen as an ode to the place of origin of this chocolate as well as a celebration of the Middle East cuisine. Though popular in Dubai, the chocolate bar – which doesn't bear the name 'Dubai Chocolate' – went viral internationally from late 2023 through to 2024 when it was promoted online by influencers and social media personalities. After multiple popular videos, a surge in demand led to 30,000 online orders, briefly crashing the Fix Desserts chocolatier delivery platform. So if you are looking out for 'Dubai Chocolate', look for the title – 'Can't Get Knafeh of It'. In Oman, the demand for this product is picking up as retailers as well as consumers are yet coming to terms with this new chocolate that offers a welcome deviation from what other chocolate brands offer. Muscat Daily checked out the propularity of this chocolate among young consumers in the capital. Students from The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) like Maryam al Saadi, Pooja Mathiarasan, Ishaan Gupta and Muhammad Osman felt that the price for the authentic Dubai chocolate is too expensive and generally, inaccessible in Oman. Some students from Muscat University, like Deema al Mamari, assert, 'I haven't tried the chocolate from Fix Desserts, but a similar one I tried from Oman was too sweet for me.' The taste of the pistachio filling seemed unauthentic, she said. Fatima Amri, another student from NUST, said, 'I haven't tasted Dubai chocolate, but I'd recommend getting chocolate from shops like Le Chocola because I prefer the taste of slightly bitter dark chocolates.' Ahmed al Tamibi from Muscat University added, 'I have not seen this product yet in supermarkets in Muscat. However, every culture has products we grow more attached to, even if it is a product you may not enjoy as much. I personally enjoy the taste of Al Nassma chocolates because of how they use camel milk to enhance the flavour of its products.' This demand for chocolates from local brands has unintentionally brought light to a discrepancy caused by the demand and supply of these bars to the wider public. Especially when stores like KM, Spar and Lulu Hypermarkets promote and carry other brands like Galaxy, Bounty, Cadbury, Lindt and Hershey's because of their widely recognisable brand names and the wide array of popular flavours they provide for Chocolate enthusiasts in Oman. Retail Manager of KM Trading, Dinesh Nair clarifies 'We tend to place chocolates from brands like Kit-Kat, Galaxy and M&M near the cash counters as these are the brands that are popular amongst younger children and families. We try to increase their visibility in these areas, as they are smaller bars which are easier to miss in our regular chocolate and confectionary aisles.' An assistant store manager at a Lulu Hypermarket outlet explained, 'Recently, we started to promote Pistachio-Kunafa chocolates from brands like Choco Lake which is a popular brand from UAE, to give our customers special access to this kind of trendy chocolate that is too expensive to purchase otherwise. The quantity over quality model proves a big barrier for local Omani chocolatiers to be carried in these supermarket chains as their focus is to create a culturally enriching experience with their products.' The market is, however, seeing a proliferation of lower quality imitations of the Dubai chocolate. But, Omani chocolatiers and consumers alike are not concerned over it. Instead, they wish to remain authentic to their culture by sharing their rich flavors with the rest of Oman. Salma al Hajri, business owner of Salma's Chocolates, said, 'As we are a proud Omani company, we wish to share a piece of Oman with the rest of the world by combining past flavours in each season with the present to make new flavours that chocolate lovers around the world can appreciate.' This sentiment is echoed in similar shops, such as the employees in Fuala Chocolate, who believe in improving the experience customers have with their brand through their special attention to aroma and visual appeal of their chocolates to reflect the values of hospitality that is associated with the people of Oman. Owner of Prestige Chocolate, Khawla al Bahri claims, 'Even if people like me prefer local Omani brands of chocolate, we settle with imported products because we feel like the Omani brands are not as well-known. That is why, when I started the company in 2015, I wanted to give people good custom-engraved chocolates that they can enjoy for any occasion. We currently sell them in a variety of fillings like Pistachio, Hazelnut and Saffron as those flavors are associated with other food we enjoy, like Halwa and other nutty sweets.' From customisable chocolates that have consumer's names written on the chocolate to Chips Oman and Halwa-flavoured chocolate bars that capture the culinary extravagance of Omani cuisine, these brands continue to grow and flourish within the country. Reshaping the nation's perspective of success within the confectionary industry is something that cannot be quantified or easily replicated through cheap imitations but as something sweet that brings consumers together for their love of their own culture and their love of chocolates. Capitalising on popularity Jumping in to make hay while the Sun shines is The Turkish Delight Mediterranean Sweetery, a family-owned and run business that began as a successful pop-up stall at the Central Market in Adelaide (Australia) in 2016. This confectionary has been dedicated to serving up authentic Mediterranean treats to Adelaide's sweet-tooths from their brick-and-mortar location on Rundle Street while shipping nationwide. The store, run by the mother-son duo of Mona and Mohammad Hassan, has now added another delectable treat to their arsenal by bringing 'Dubai chocolate' to the hungry foodies of Adelaide. When you visit their stall at the Adelaide Central Market, you won't miss the new 3-tier silver platter tower covered in pristinely wrapped chocolate bars that have been branded as 'Dubai Chocolates', indeed! So, whether you're a chocolate connoisseur, someone who simply appreciates fine things, or someone eager to try something new, this Dubai's viral chocolate is a must-try for those visiting Adelaide who are probably unaware that this sweetery has created a new product inspired by the original and branded it with the popular nickname. Though deceptive, this venture has instantly struck a chord with buyers in Adelaide Central Markets at The Turkish Delight Mediterranean Sweetery at Stall 8. (Contributed by: Ishita Shetty)

Coles shoppers gobsmacked over 'eye-watering' price of popular item: 'Wow'
Coles shoppers gobsmacked over 'eye-watering' price of popular item: 'Wow'

Daily Mail​

time16-06-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Mail​

Coles shoppers gobsmacked over 'eye-watering' price of popular item: 'Wow'

Coles has jumped on board the pistachio-filled dessert trend - but the eye-watering price tag has raised eyebrows among shoppers. The supermarket giant is now selling a fancy pistachio cake, perfect for every special occasion - but it will set you back $40. In comparison, a classic mud cake sold at Coles costs just $6.60. The decadent double-layered vanilla cake is filled with pistachio cream cheese buttercream and topped with crushed nuts. But there may be a simple explanation for the price - the delectable gourmet cake weighs 1.2kg, serves up to 18 people and is made with pistachios, a high-demand ingredient amid a global shortage driven by the viral Dubai chocolate trend. In a 19-second video, Coles confirmed that 'the viral Pistachio Cake has landed'. 'It's so tasty and creamy... We have a delicious cake and it's hand decorated with more buttercream on top plus sprinkles of pistachio to add an extra crunch. 'And the rumours are true, it's absolutely delicious... Our pistachio dreams have come true.' However, many shoppers took particular issue with the cake's $40 price tag. 'It's $40 though. I can go to a cake shop for that money,' one claimed. 'It may look tasty and creamy, but I cannot justify $40 for that cake,' added another. 'For $40 you would want it to be amazing,' chimed in a third. 'Too expensive,' another added. While one shopper said she didn't know how much the cake cost until she got a rude shock at the checkout. FEMAIL contacted Coles to determine the reaction they'd received from customers about the price of its pistachio cake, but is still awaiting comment. The video has been viewed over 130,000 times - with many divided over the cake. One shopper said they would be 'waiting for a yellow clearance ticket' – alluding to the cake being marked down in store closer to its expiry date. However, other customers argued the cake was worth the splurge. 'I absolutely loved it,' one said. 'I bought it last week. Absolutely delicious,' another raved. Sydney woman Rose described the cake as 'the best pistachio collab yet'. She specifically pointed out the size was a 'massive 1.2kg pistachio cake' – suggesting that this warranted a more expensive price. 'The cake is super soft and moist and the buttercream is delicious,' Rose said in her video review. 'This is a must try if you love anything pistachio.' Despite the price tag, many said they were keen to give it a go. 'I need to try this,' one said. 'Wow yum, I need to check it out,' another said. Pistachio has long been the hero ingredient of baklava and Middle Eastern desserts and is currently the popular flavour of the moment. The pistachio trend is believed to have originated from a viral Dubai chocolate bar, which became popular via social media. It was made by Luxury Dubai chocolatier Fix Dessert Chocolatier, with their 'Can't Get Knafeh of It' treat featuring layers of crunchy kataifi pastry, pistachio cream and glossy milk chocolate. The craze has since spawned several copycats, including one from Swiss chocolatier Lindt. Lindt recently released their own version of the Dubai Style Chocolate, $20, which is exclusively available at Lindt Chocolate Shops across Australia. Pistachio has also cropped up as the featured ingredient in other popular sweet treats, including Krispy Kreme donuts. In February, they launched a limited edition Pistachio Overload Doughnut in collaboration with Pistachio Papi spread – and it was an instant sell-out. Krispy Kreme Australia even quietly relaunched the popular flavour recently back in stores. The growing taste for pistachio flavoured treats has even been deemed responsible for creating a global shortage of pistachios. In April, reports emerged that the price of pistachios had skyrocketed due to supplies dwindling. Speaking to the Financial Times, Giles Hacking of nut trader CG Hacking, said that the pistachio industry, had become 'tapped out' as a result of the growing demand kicked off by the viral Dubai chocolate bar. Hacking added that chocolatiers were now making mass purchases of the kernels as they scrambled to produce their own version of the viral chocolate bar.

We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?
We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?

Yahoo

time28-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?

If you like your chocolate bars with a satisfying crunch like I do, then the viral Dubai chocolate bar is also your perfect bite. And now, thanks to Trader Joe's, this internet sensation comes at a much more reasonable price point. For anyone unfamiliar, the Dubai chocolate bar is a stuffed chocolate bar that's a texture lover's dream come true. The filling, which is encased in chocolate, blends crisp, golden kataifi (aka shredded phyllo strands) with creamy pistachio, creating that signature crunch when you bite into it. Originally popular in the Middle East, the flavor combo has since taken off globally, inspiring pricey dupes as well as other types of desserts with its signature flavor profile. Now, thanks to Trader Joe's, it's way easier to get your hands on the chocolate bar that is coveted by the social media masses. The concept of the Dubai chocolate bar originated in 2021 by Dubai-based stuffed chocolate bar makers Fix Dessert Chocolatier under the name 'Can't Get Knafeh of It,' a reference to the Middle Eastern dessert that inspired its flavor profile. The treat didn't go viral until 2023, when food influencer Maria Vehera posted a TikTok of herself eating the crunchy chocolate bar. The video received more than 124 million views — sparking a craze and inspiring people to find the soon-coined 'Dubai chocolate bar' themselves. While Nuts Factory in New York City initially imported the bar from Dubai, some who couldn't get their hands on it replicated the recipe at home. Meanwhile, bakeries, candy stores and grocers sold their own versions of the dessert — often at a very high price point. As a customer eager to try the bar myself, I've seen off-brand versions of the Fix's bar at a candy shop for $30 and at a bakery for $25 in Los Angeles. My husband, who knew I was eager to try the viral food trend, finally purchased it at a grocery store for $15 so I could try it myself. (And hey, at that price, it seemed like a steal!) Getting my hands on the actual bar was difficult and expensive, but now, the flavor of the bar has been replicated and borrowed by dozens of companies, from small shops offering things like Dubai chocolate bar sundaes to major chains. Shake Shack offers a Dubai chocolate bar-inspired milkshake, while Dunkin' locations outside of the United States were spotted selling doughnuts influenced by the flavor profile. Nuts Factory offers chocolate-covered strawberries, Dubai-style. But some major chocolate retailers are launching their own chocolate bars too, with chocolatier Lindt promising a Dubai-style chocolate bar after a successful test run. Trader Joe's, however — always in tune with the taste buds of the masses with hits like Everything But the Bagel Seasoning — beat them to the punch. It's worth noting that the 'official' Dubai chocolate bar remains the one by the Fix — but the Trader Joe's dupe, called the 'Pistachio Dark Chocolate' bar from Patislove, is pretty similar. It even has the words 'Dubai style' on the front. Like the Fix's bar, it's made with pistachio cream and kataifi. The label also states that the bar hails from Turkey, not Dubai. The biggest difference between the other dupes of the Dubai chocolate bar and Trader Joe's version? The price point. It's $4 for one 3.52-ounce bar — the cheapest I've ever seen. The Trader Joe's bar also looks luxurious, with gold foil hiding beneath its paper cover. But does it stack up to the original in terms of texture and taste? With one bite, the answer was a 'yes' — mostly, anyway. The pistachio cream was just the right amount of sweet, and I definitely wanted to keep eating it beyond my research experiment. The one issue? The bar is thin — while it's a filled bar, there's not enough of it to really chomp down for that satisfying texture experience. Still, for $4? I can have the Dubai chocolate bar every day — no flights to the UAE or shelling out serious cash required.

TikTok's Viral Dubai Chocolate Is Finally Coming To This Beloved Grocery Chain
TikTok's Viral Dubai Chocolate Is Finally Coming To This Beloved Grocery Chain

Yahoo

time28-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

TikTok's Viral Dubai Chocolate Is Finally Coming To This Beloved Grocery Chain

In the age of TikTok food trends, few treats have captured global attention like Dubai Chocolate: a glossy chocolate bar filled with vibrant green pistachio cream and crunchy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough). What started as an exclusive luxury from the United Arab Emirates is now set to hit the shelves of Trader Joe's -- and for a fraction of the price. According to a now-deleted TikTok video posted by a Trader Joe's employee, the grocery chain will soon launch its own version, named Dubai-Style Dark Chocolate Bars, for just $3.99 with a projected release date of May 28. The U.S. version is reportedly made by Patislove, a food group known for its creams, chocolate-covered fruit, and, of course, Dubai Chocolate. The original version of this dessert -- called Can't Get Knafeh of It -- was created by Fix Dessert Chocolates in Dubai and became a runaway hit on TikTok in December 2023. At the time, the only way to try it was to be in the UAE. Since then, however, several chocolatiers have created their own "Dubai chocolate" products, including Patislove, the supplier behind Trader Joe's much-anticipated launch, and many Dubai chocolates have been found in major grocery stores, such as Costco. Read more: 12 Delicious Italian Cakes You Need To Try At Least Once It's easy to understand the visual appeal of Dubai Chocolate, especially when you crack it open to reveal its striking green filling. What really made it an international sensation, however, is the contrast of flavors and textures: crisp kataifi mimics the trending Middle Eastern dessert knafeh, while the rich pistachio cream offers a smooth, nutty balance. While the exact ingredient list is still unknown, it's expected that the Trader Joe's version will have similar elements, including the pistachio cream and kataifi. The biggest difference lies in the chocolate. Trader Joe's version uses dark chocolate instead of milk, which could be a plus for fans of more bittersweet flavors, or a disappointment for those wanting to try the milk chocolate original. Still, for most American shoppers, it may be the closest thing to the real deal -- and at a fraction of the cost and travel time. Planning to snag a bar on release day? For the best experience, try refrigerating it first for a clean, satisfying snap, or let it soften to room temperature for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can also crumble it over pistachio ice cream, melt it into milk for hot chocolate, or use it to upgrade your next batch of s'mores. And if it sells out fast, DIY versions of Dubai chocolate are trending, so you can always try recreating the experience at home. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. Read the original article on Food Republic.

We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?
We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?

Yahoo

time28-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?

If you like your chocolate bars with a satisfying crunch like I do, then the viral Dubai chocolate bar is also your perfect bite. And now, thanks to Trader Joe's, this internet sensation comes at a much more reasonable price point. For anyone unfamiliar, the Dubai chocolate bar is a stuffed chocolate bar that's a texture lover's dream come true. The filling, which is encased in chocolate, blends crisp, golden kataifi (aka shredded phyllo strands) with creamy pistachio, creating that signature crunch when you bite into it. Originally popular in the Middle East, the flavor combo has since taken off globally, inspiring pricey dupes as well as other types of desserts with its signature flavor profile. Now, thanks to Trader Joe's, it's way easier to get your hands on the chocolate bar that is coveted by the social media masses. The concept of the Dubai chocolate bar originated in 2021 by Dubai-based stuffed chocolate bar makers Fix Dessert Chocolatier under the name 'Can't Get Knafeh of It,' a reference to the Middle Eastern dessert that inspired its flavor profile. The treat didn't go viral until 2023, when food influencer Maria Vehera posted a TikTok of herself eating the crunchy chocolate bar. The video received more than 124 million views — sparking a craze and inspiring people to find the soon-coined 'Dubai chocolate bar' themselves. While Nuts Factory in New York City initially imported the bar from Dubai, some who couldn't get their hands on it replicated the recipe at home. Meanwhile, bakeries, candy stores and grocers sold their own versions of the dessert — often at a very high price point. As a customer eager to try the bar myself, I've seen off-brand versions of the Fix's bar at a candy shop for $30 and at a bakery for $25 in Los Angeles. My husband, who knew I was eager to try the viral food trend, finally purchased it at a grocery store for $15 so I could try it myself. (And hey, at that price, it seemed like a steal!) Getting my hands on the actual bar was difficult and expensive, but now, the flavor of the bar has been replicated and borrowed by dozens of companies, from small shops offering things like Dubai chocolate bar sundaes to major chains. Shake Shack offers a Dubai chocolate bar-inspired milkshake, while Dunkin' locations outside of the United States were spotted selling doughnuts influenced by the flavor profile. Nuts Factory offers chocolate-covered strawberries, Dubai-style. But some major chocolate retailers are launching their own chocolate bars too, with chocolatier Lindt promising a Dubai-style chocolate bar after a successful test run. Trader Joe's, however — always in tune with the taste buds of the masses with hits like Everything But the Bagel Seasoning — beat them to the punch. It's worth noting that the 'official' Dubai chocolate bar remains the one by the Fix — but the Trader Joe's dupe, called the 'Pistachio Dark Chocolate' bar from Patislove, is pretty similar. It even has the words 'Dubai style' on the front. Like the Fix's bar, it's made with pistachio cream and kataifi. The label also states that the bar hails from Turkey, not Dubai. The biggest difference between the other dupes of the Dubai chocolate bar and Trader Joe's version? The price point. It's $4 for one 3.52-ounce bar — the cheapest I've ever seen. The Trader Joe's bar also looks luxurious, with gold foil hiding beneath its paper cover. But does it stack up to the original in terms of texture and taste? With one bite, the answer was a 'yes' — mostly, anyway. The pistachio cream was just the right amount of sweet, and I definitely wanted to keep eating it beyond my research experiment. The one issue? The bar is thin — while it's a filled bar, there's not enough of it to really chomp down for that satisfying texture experience. Still, for $4? I can have the Dubai chocolate bar every day — no flights to the UAE or shelling out serious cash required.

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