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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Kadak Chai Toast to Kunafa Bars: 5 Dubai food trends that went viral on social media
Dubai's viral food trends, from Karak Chai Toast to Kunafa Chocolate Bars, are redefining dessert/ Image Composite: FIX/Representative TL;DR Dubai isn't copying food trends, it's creating them From Kunafa Chocolate Bars to Karak Chai Toast , the city's snacks are going viral worldwide. Here's a real-world guide to five Dubai food trends and where to find them. Dubai isn't just a city of tall buildings and luxury malls, it's also a place where food trends are born. From traditional sweets turned into viral desserts to hybrid pastries that no one saw coming, Dubai has quietly (and sometimes loudly) taken over the global food scene. The city blends its rich culture with bold experimentation, and the result is food that tastes great and looks good on camera. If you're in the UAE or planning a visit, this is your sign to try what the internet can't stop talking about. These are the five Dubai food trends that truly went viral and and you shouldn't miss trying them. 1. The Kunafa Chocolate Bar That Made It to 120 Million Screens You've had chocolate. You've had kunafa. But putting them together? That was a Dubai idea and it worked. The Kunafa Chocolate Bar by FIX Dessert Chocolatier took social media by storm after a TikTok video by Maria Vehera clocked more than 120 million views in late 2023. What is it? A chewy mix of kunafa layered inside a creamy chocolate bar. Sweet, cheesy, rich, it's unlike anything else. What started in Dubai is now being exported globally. But the original still hits different. 2. Karak Chai Toast: A Hot Mess in the Best Way Karak chai is already a UAE classic. But someone in Dubai decided to pour it over a cheese toastie, and things escalated quickly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Here's how it works: Take toasted bread with cream or cheese. Pour hot, spiced karak chai on top. Let it soak. Eat it warm. It's messy, sweet, and oddly comforting. No one knows exactly who started it, but it's now served across dozens of chai cafés in the city. Why it went viral: The visual of tea being poured over toast is strangely satisfying, and it turns out, it actually tastes great. 3. Crookie : When a Croissant Meets a Cookie Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. And yes, it's worth the hype. The Crookie is part croissant, part cookie. You get the crisp layers of a croissant, but the inside is stuffed with cookie dough, chewy, sweet, and warm. It's simple, but brilliant. And you'll find it only at Flaky Pastry in Dubai's City Walk and Dubai Creek Harbour. Why it works: It's indulgent but familiar. Think of it as dessert's version of a mash-up album. Where to try it: Flaky Pastry, City Walk and Dubai Creek Harbour 4. Dubai Ice Cream That Made It to the Arctic Circle Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream isn't just a local treat anymore. It's been spotted in places as far as Norway, yes, near the North Pole. This isn't your regular chocolate scoop. It's packed with flavor: a rich outer layer of dark chocolate, filled with creamy chocolate ice cream, sometimes swirled with kunafa sauce or crushed pistachios. Some call it over the top. Others just call it delicious. 5. The Pink Matcha Everyone's Posting About Call it cloud matcha, pink matcha, or strawberry matcha, it's gone viral for both its look and taste. The drink is layered, combining earthy matcha with strawberry puree or milk, giving it a soft pink-and-green color that's oddly calming. It's not too sweet, and not too bitter. And yes, it looks perfect in photos. Where to try it: Blu Matcha, Dubai's first dedicated matcha café. FAQ Q1: What makes Dubai food trends go viral so often? A mix of bold ideas, strong visuals, and a culture that loves experimenting with food. The city also has a large social media-savvy crowd. Q2: Can you try these viral items all year round? Most of them, yes. While some pop-ups are seasonal, the main cafés and dessert shops serve these year-round. Q3: Are these viral foods worth the hype? Honestly? Most of them are. They're not just photogenic, they're genuinely creative. And many of them taste better than they look.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Here's where to find Dubai chocolate-inspired shakes, lattes and cookies
The original Dubai chocolate bar went viral in 2023, when content creator Maria Vehera posted a TikTok video of her trying the luxury dessert. Dubai chocolate bars, known for their hard-shell chocolate exterior and creamy, nutty green center, have taken over social media for months. In addition to countless "dupes," or replicas, of the viral chocolate, some brands have released their own products that pull inspiration from the dessert. Shake Shack released a Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake, Costco stocked After's Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Bars and Starbucks has promoted a make-it-your own Dubai chocolate beverage. Notable brands that have released their own Dubai chocolate bars include Trader Joe's and Lindt, the latter of which launched its Dubai Style Chocolate Bar in major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Walgreens and Kroger, on Monday, July 7. Here's a look at some of the products floating around the Dubai chocolate flavor atmosphere. Shake Shack In June, Shake Shack released its Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake across the U.S. The shake is made with pistachio frozen custard, toasted kataifi (shredded phyllo), a dark chocolate shell and topped with chopped pistachios and kataifi. The shakes start at $9.49. A Shake Shack spokesperson told USA TODAY that the shakes will be available at participating locations through August, though due to availability and ingredients, each location will sell a limited amount of shakes per day. Costco After Hours Ice Cream, based in California, released a Dubai chocolate ice cream bar earlier this summer. However, as of July 10, the ice cream bars did not appear on the Costco website. Neither Costco nor After Hours immediately responded when contacted by USA TODAY on July 10. Crave Cookies Crave Cookies has released two Dubai chocolate-inspired items, a cookie and strawberry cup. According to the Crave Cookies website, the cookie is made with chocolate dough and stuffed with kunafa pistachio filling and layered with milk and white chocolate icing and crispy, toasted kataifi. The cookie is available at participating locations through Thursday, July 10. The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is made with house-made pistachio cream, milk chocolate ganache, crushed pistachios, strawberries and topped with shredded kataifi and crushed chocolate chip cookies, per the Crave Cookies website. Starbucks Starbucks hasn't officially released a Dubai chocolate drink, but the chain crafted up a "secret" menu item it feels fits the taste and aesthetic. Starbucks recommends the following order to sip on a Dubai chocolate-inspired drink: What is the viral Dubai chocolate bar? The original Dubai chocolate bar is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is called "Can't Get Knafeh Of It." A six-pack of bars costs $120 on the FIX Dessert Chocolatier website, making one bar $20. The chocolate bar was released in 2022 when FIX Dessert Chocolatier Founder Sarah Hamouda wished to satisfy her pregnancy cravings for knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert made with pastry dough, sweet cheese and syrup) and pistachio, BBC reported. "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" first went viral in 2023, when content creator Maria Vehera posted a TikTok of her trying the luxury chocolate bar. As of July 10, the video has more than 131 million views. Countless brands have made their own versions, or "dupes" of the viral chocolate bar, including Florida-based Bolci ($19 for one bar) and New York City-based The Nuts Factory ($50 for two bars) and countless homemade recipes on Etsy. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Lindt has released a Dubai chocolate bar: Here's where to buy it
The original Dubai chocolate bar is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A six-pack of the bars cost $120. The internet-famous Dubai chocolate bar is making its way to major retailers, as Lindt has released its own version of the viral dessert. Lindt launched a limited-run of its Dubai Style Chocolate Bar in Walmart, Target, Kroger, and other retailers on Monday, July 7. The milk chocolate bar is filled with pistachio paste, kadayif (shredded phyllo dough), sugar-coated pistachios and hazelnuts. Lindt first launched its Dubai Style Chocolate Bars in December 2024 and then again in June. The bars quickly sold out, an indicator that a more widespread launch of the bars would be successful, a news release states. Interested in getting your hands on one of the chocolate bars? Here's what to know. More Dubai chocolate: Trader Joe's sells viral Dubai chocolate bars for 5 times less than original price Where are the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars available? The Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar is available at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Albertson's, Meijer, Publix, Stop & Shop, Hannaford and Hy-Vee, a news release states. The chocolate bar is also available on the Lindt website. When are the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars available? Lindt launched the specialty chocolate bar on Monday, July 7. The bars are available for a limited time, while supplies last. According to the Kroger website, the bars won't be available at the chain until July 14. How much do the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars cost? The Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar is $15, according to Lindt. Kroger also lists the bar at the $15 price point. Prices have not been listed yet for any other retailer. What is the viral Dubai chocolate bar? The original Dubai chocolate bar is called "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" and is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A six-pack of bars costs $120 on the FIX Dessert Chocolatier website, making one bar $20. The chocolate bar was released in 2022 when FIX Dessert Chocolatier Founder Sarah Hamouda wished to satisfy her pregnancy cravings for knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert made with pastry dough, sweet cheese and syrup) and pistachio, as reported by BBC. "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" first went viral in 2023, when content creator Maria Vehera posted a TikTok video of her trying the luxury chocolate bar. As of July 10, the video had more than 131 million views. Countless brands have made their own versions, or "dupes" of the viral chocolate bar, including Florida-based Bolci ($19 for one bar) and New York City-based The Nuts Factory ($50 for two bars) and countless homemade recipes on Etsy. Some brands have even released their own Dubai chocolate-inspired products, like Shake Shack's Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake, which is made with pistachio frozen custard, toasted kataifi and a dark chocolate shell. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Metro
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Move over Dubai chocolate — there's a new craze hitting the shops
For months social media feeds have been flooded with photos and videos of the Dubai Chocolate bar. The filled chocolate treat features pistachio cream and Kadayif pastry and sparked a frenzy after influencer Maria Vehera shared a clip of her trying one from FIX Dessert Chocolatier. A few months later, just about every confectionery brand out there had created its own version of the sweet treat, including Lindt and Lidl. Demand for the product was so high that limits had to be set for the amount of bars you could buy at one time and the chocolate bar was even blamed for a worldwide pistachio shortage in April. Those who roll their eyes every time they see another Dubai chocolate review cropping up on their TikTok FYP might want to brace themselves though, as there's a brand new chocolate craze that's about to be absolutely everywhere, known as Angel Hair chocolate. One Angel Hair chocolate bar has already hit the mainstream, with Noesis Angel Hair (70g) being sold in Tesco for £5, or £4.50 with a Clubcard. It's made with ruby and white chocolate, and like the Dubai bar features a pistachio cream filling. However, instead of Kadayif pastry, it's filled with 'cotton candy'. Food futurologist, Dr Morgaine Gaye, told Metro that this cotton candy is actually what's known as Pashmak, and it's this ingredient specifically that's set to be the next big thing. 'There's going to be a rise in Pashmak – it's being touted as a challenger for the pistachio trend,' she said. 'Pashmak is an Iranian pulled sugar that's reminiscent of candy floss, it's like hair fibres, it's very straight. 'It's similar to candy floss, but it's not the same thing.' So far, those who've tried it have had mixed reactions to the sugary filling, with some saying it's 'beautiful', but a few weren't keen on the unique texture. Helena Smith was a fan, posting on the Food Finds UK Official Facebook group: 'I must say I thought it tasted really nice. I don't normally give in to the hype, but so glad I did with this one.' And Dee Aldrich also liked it, sharing she found it to be 'well worth the money'. However, Gary Hodgson, wrote of the Noesis chocolate: 'It's very expensive when you see the bar is actually tiny. It tastes nice but I found the texture of the candy floss strange in a chocolate bar, like eating loft insulation.' Beverly Waldron agreed, replying: 'I got one from Home Bargains, I'm not going to lie, it was beautiful chocolate, but tasted like I was licking a carpet.' 'Very strange texture,' commented Jacqueline Reid, as Eden Lewis claimed it was 'wayyyy too sweet'. Others admitted they 'weren't sure' about it, or were 'intrigued' but hadn't tried it yet. But whether or not you're tempted by Angel Hair, one thing's certain – you can expect to see more of it over the coming months, according to Morgaine. More Trending The expert believes you'll see it popping up inside of chocolate and cakes, as well as being used on other treats like doughnuts as a 'decorative' topping. She adds that trends like this one and the pistachio one can go on and on and don't tend to die down until they are 'absolutely everywhere'. 'It often seems like something is everywhere because it's all over social media, but that doesn't mean it has actually fully infiltrated the mainstream. View More » 'Until every large brand is selling chocolate or cakes with this filling, and people who aren't on social media or aren't in London are aware of it and are being inundated by it, then it's not really everywhere.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Aldi has introduced a one-per-customer limit on 'world's best' £15 item MORE: Billionaire's wife gets £230,000,000 after he said she'd have to work at Tesco MORE: McDonald's fans fuming as fast food chain quietly puts menu prices up Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Hi Dubai
08-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
World Chocolate Day: The Business Behind Dubai's Artisanal Dessert Boom
Every July 7, the world pauses to celebrate chocolate, a treat that transcends cultures and ignites joy. World Chocolate Day is more than a nod to cocoa's universal appeal; it's a moment to savor indulgence and creativity. From sleek boutiques in Dubai Mall to artisanal workshops tucked away in Al Quoz, the city's dessert scene has transformed into a global hotspot for premium confections. Dubai's obsession with premium desserts reflects its identity as a melting pot of cultures and a hub for innovation. The city's residents, a mix of locals and expats, demand excellence, and its visitors expect experiences that match Dubai's reputation for opulence. Artisanal chocolate has emerged as a perfect fit, blending craftsmanship with the city's love for the extraordinary. Behind the glossy packaging and viral Instagram posts lies a dynamic industry driven by consumer trends, cultural fusion, and entrepreneurial grit. Dive deep into the business behind Dubai's artisanal dessert boom, exploring how chocolatiers are carving out a niche in a competitive market and why their creations are more than just a sweet escape. The Rise of Artisanal Chocolate in Dubai Dubai's chocolate scene wasn't always about small-batch, handcrafted bars. A decade ago, the market leaned heavily on mass-produced chocolates from global giants like Mars, Nestlé, and Ferrero. These brands still dominate supermarket shelves, but consumer tastes have shifted dramatically. Today, Dubai's residents and visitors crave authenticity, quality, and unique flavors. This evolution mirrors global trends, with the chocolate market projected to reach $255.58 billion by 2034, driven by demand for premium and artisanal products. In the UAE, the chocolate market is expected to hit $704.11 million by 2030, with Dubai leading the charge. The city's diverse population, with over 200 nationalities, has fueled this shift. Expats bring their culinary traditions, while food tourism, amplified by events like the Salon du Chocolat, has introduced visitors to Dubai's growing reputation as a confectionery capital. Social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram, has been a game-changer. Viral videos, like Maria Vehera's 2023 post about FIX Dessert Chocolatier's 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It' bar, have turned local creations into global sensations, driving demand and inspiring new chocolatiers. Brands like FIX Dessert Chocolatier, Mirzam, VOCCA, Forrey & Galland, and Ganache Chocolate have led the artisanal movement. Mirzam, founded by Kathy Johnston, was among the first to bring bean-to-bar chocolate to Dubai, focusing on quality and storytelling. FIX, with its pistachio-filled, knafeh-crunch bars, captured global attention through social media. VOCCA and Forrey & Galland cater to the luxury market, while Ganache emphasizes accessibility without compromising craftsmanship. These brands have tapped into Dubai's appetite for exclusivity and quality, setting the stage for a vibrant artisanal scene. The Business of Bean-to-Bar Bean-to-bar is more than a buzzword; it's a philosophy that defines artisanal chocolate. Unlike mass production, where manufacturers buy pre-processed cocoa, bean-to-bar chocolatiers control every step, from sourcing raw cocoa beans to crafting the final bar. This hands-on approach ensures quality and allows makers to highlight the unique flavors of cocoa from specific regions, like Madagascar or Venezuela. In Dubai, brands like Mirzam and VOCCA have embraced this method, turning chocolate into a narrative of origin and craft. Sourcing sustainably is central to the bean-to-bar ethos. Mirzam, for example, works with farmers along the ancient Spice Route, ensuring fair trade practices and transparency. This resonates with Dubai's conscious consumers, who value ethical production. The process is costly, sourcing high-quality beans and investing in small-scale equipment drives up production expenses. Yet, consumers are willing to pay premiums, often AED40-AED80 per bar, for the story, quality, and exclusivity. The global demand for bean-to-bar and single-origin chocolates is growing, with consumers prioritizing flavor authenticity over mass-market uniformity. The value lies in the experience. A Mirzam bar isn't just chocolate; it's a journey through the cocoa's origin, paired with flavors like cardamom or date. This storytelling sets artisanal products apart, justifying higher price points in a city where luxury is a lifestyle. However, scaling bean-to-bar production is challenging due to limited cocoa supply and high operational costs, pushing chocolatiers to innovate in sourcing and marketing to stay competitive. Chocolate and Culture: Global Flavours, Local Touch Dubai's artisanal chocolate scene thrives on its ability to blend global techniques with local flavors. Chocolatiers draw inspiration from the city's culinary heritage, incorporating ingredients like saffron, dates, rosewater, and za'atar into their creations. Mirzam's date and fennel bar, for instance, pays homage to Emirati traditions, while Forrey & Galland's saffron pralines fuse French techniques with Middle Eastern flair. This fusion creates a unique identity that sets Dubai's chocolates apart on the global stage. French chocolatier training is a common thread among Dubai's artisans. Brands like Ganache and Forrey & Galland use classic techniques like tempering and ganache-making, honed in European kitchens. Yet, they adapt these methods to local tastes, creating confections that feel both familiar and novel. Al Nassma, another local favorite, uses camel milk to craft chocolates that resonate with Emirati culture, offering a 'taste of the Emirates' that appeals to tourists and locals alike. Cultural events like Ramadan and Eid drive innovation. During these holidays, chocolate becomes a centerpiece of gifting, with brands releasing limited-edition boxes featuring regional flavors. The UAE's gifting culture, rooted in hospitality and celebration, has spurred demand for premium chocolates, especially during festive seasons. This demand peaks in December and January, as well as during Valentine's Day and National Day, making these periods critical for sales. Made for Instagram: Aesthetic, Packaging & Brand Identity Image Source: FIX Dessert Chocolatier In Dubai, presentation is everything. Artisanal chocolates are as much about visual appeal as taste, designed to dazzle on social media. A FIX chocolate bar, with its vibrant toppings and oozy pistachio filling, is crafted for Instagram and TikTok, where ASMR videos of snapping bars rack up millions of views. This visual allure has fueled the Dubai chocolate craze, with brands like FIX selling out within minutes on delivery apps like Deliveroo. Luxury packaging is a cornerstone of brand identity. Forrey & Galland's elegant boxes and Ganache's sleek designs elevate chocolates into gift-worthy art. Limited editions, like FIX's 'Mind Your Own Biscoff' or Mirzam's seasonal spice bars, create a sense of exclusivity, driving consumer frenzy. Packaging isn't just aesthetic; it's functional, with brands investing in sustainable materials to align with global trends. Recyclable pouches and eco-friendly boxes, like those used by Nestlé's Sustainably Sourced range, appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Influencer marketing amplifies this visual strategy. TikTok and Instagram influencers, from local foodies to global stars, showcase Dubai's chocolates, turning small brands into international names. Dessert experiences has also surged, with visitors flocking to Mirzam's Al Quoz workshop or Al Nassma's boutique for hands-on experiences. These moments, shared online, create a feedback loop of hype and demand, cementing Dubai's status as a confectionery destination. Challenges and Growth Potential Building an artisanal chocolate business in Dubai isn't easy. High startup costs like imported equipment, premium ingredients, and prime retail space create significant barriers. Competition is fierce, with global brands like Godiva and Patchi vying for market share alongside local artisans. The niche nature of artisanal chocolate limits the customer base to affluent consumers and tourists, requiring brands to balance exclusivity with accessibility. Despite these challenges, growth opportunities abound. Collaborations with luxury hotels, cafes, and airlines have helped brands like Mirzam and VOCCA expand their reach. E-commerce has been a game-changer, with platforms like Noon and making premium chocolates accessible beyond Dubai. Export markets are also opening up, with Dubai-based chocolatiers shipping to Europe, Asia, and North America, capitalizing on the global appetite for luxury confections. Emerging trends are shaping the future. Vegan and sugar-free chocolates are gaining traction, with brands like Nestlé launching plant-based options like KitKat V to meet demand. Sustainable packaging is another focus, as consumers prioritize eco-friendly brands. The UAE's chocolate market is projected to grow at a 5.56% CAGR through 2030, driven by tourism and retail expansion. However, maintaining quality while scaling remains a delicate balance for artisanal makers. Will this sweet success last? The signs are promising. As long as Dubai continues to embrace innovation, whether through new flavors, sustainable practices, or digital marketing, the artisanal dessert scene will thrive. Challenges like high costs and competition persist, but the city's unique position as a cultural and commercial hub ensures its chocolatiers have room to grow. For now, every bite of a Dubai chocolate bar tells a story of craftsmanship, ambition, and a city that never settles for ordinary. Here's to savoring the sweetness and the business behind it. Also Read: Where to Find the Viral Dubai Chocolate! The Dubai Chocolate is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern sweets with a globally-loved treat. Snap & Savor: The Most Instagrammable Desserts in Dubai! Dubai has some of the most Instagram-worthy and delicious desserts that will leave you craving for more. Check them out! 10 Unique Desserts in Dubai to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth! Here are 10 places that serve desserts that are fun and extravagant and are sure to make you go back for a second, third, and even fourth bite! The Best Bakeries in Dubai to Satisfy your Sugar Cravings Specially curated for the sweet lovers, our list reveals the best bakeries across Dubai specialising in everything from cakes to pastries, to Arabic sweets.
