Dubai Chocolate

February = Love = Chocolate + Pistachio = Dubai Chocolate

Valentine’s Day is often associated with Chocolate, so I thought this was a perfect time to talk about a chocolate flavor that is becoming as ubiquitous as pumpkin spice in the fall, called Dubai Chocolate. The new flavor combination is chocolate and pistachio with some Middle Eastern elements. Sarah Hamouda and her husband, Yezen Alani, owners of Fix Dessert Chocolatier of Dubai created this sensation in response to Sarah’s cravings for the flavor combination in 2021 while pregnant. She dreamed of combining chocolate, pistachio, tahini, and knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert made of kadayif, syrup and a soft cheese). The bar’s signature combo is milk chocolate, pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy pastry. People love it for the flavor and texture innovation it provides. Multi-sensory experiences such as layered textures, with crunchy inclusions and unexpected pairings such as the pistachio crunch are what people crave today.

Fun fact: the original bar was playfully named “Can’t Get Knafeh of It,” a pun that helped make the brand become a global viral sensation, driven by TikTok taste tests and ASMR-style “crack-open” videos that highlight its gooey pistachio filling and crunchy kataifi texture. The demand for the flavor surged so dramatically during the craze that it contributed to a global pistachio shortage and even sparked limited-time release windows in Dubai due to sellouts. The trend has now inspired countless copycats worldwide. Major brands like Lindt chocolate and bakeries across the U.S., UK, and Canada have launched their own pistachio‑stuffed versions to meet demand. “Nothing Bundt Cakes” is releasing a limited edition version available March 2-15, 2026, and “Send a Cake” also offers the Dubai Chocolate Cake as a choice in their gift boxes. Starbucks also has a Pistachio Cream Cold Brew or Pistachio Latte seasonally that you can try if you prefer the liquid version. Pistachio remains the breakout flavor of the year thanks to the Dubai Chocolate craze and the photogenic green interior.

"It has even started appearing in my phone’s random rotating screensaver."

 If green chocolate is not your thing, maybe functional chocolate for wellness might make your Valentine smile.  Functional chocolate is booming, with adaptogens, superfoods, and mood‑supporting ingredients (like ashwagandha or reishi) becoming mainstream viewing chocolate as both an indulgence and wellness tool. Premium chocolate continues to gain popularity; people are willing to pay more for craftsmanship, unique flavors, and small‑batch artistry.

So what do you think? Do you feel the “tingle” of excitement to try Dubai Chocolate and share it with your Valentine? We would love to hear what you think! 

Sending you sweet wishes of Love for February and Valentine’s Day!