Discovering the Dubai Chocolate Brownie at Haraz Coffee House
In the vibrant Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, a delicious trend is taking the dessert world by storm: the Dubai chocolate brownie. This delightful treat encapsulates a viral chocolate bar in brownie form, packed with crunchy, creamy layers of flavor, including a charming hint of pistachio. At Haraz Coffee House, this unique dessert has become a highlight, inviting everyone to taste its irresistible combination.
A Sweet Invitation from Haraz Coffee House
The culinary team at Haraz Coffee House welcomes guests into their kitchen to experience one of the most indulgent desserts you can imagine. Enaas Sultan, the Head Pastry Chef, emphasizes the allure of the Dubai chocolate brownie. “It’s a big trend these days,” she notes, highlighting the brownie’s perfect harmony of nutty pistachio flavors combined with rich chocolatey goodness.
The Cultural Essence of Yemeni Coffee
Haraz Coffee House isn’t just about their decadent brownies; it’s also rooted in a rich tradition of Yemeni coffee. Enaas explains, “The heart of what we do is we serve Yemeni coffee.” With a legacy that stretches deep into coffee history, Yemen is recognized as the birthplace of the coffee trade. The name “Haraz” references a mountain range in Yemen known for its exquisite coffee cultivation.
This women-led establishment has become a family affair, driven by passion and heritage. Enaas shares that she collaborates closely with her mother, aunt, and a family friend, making the experience truly special. The community vibe attracts customers looking not only for exceptional coffee but also for a taste of a different culture.
Unique Coffee Creations
Among the standout offerings at Haraz is the pistachio latte, which has quickly become a favorite among patrons. As Zehra Wamiq, Enaas’s mother, explains, “We combine really interesting nuts and spices with coffee, which isn’t very common in the United States.” This inventive approach intrigues visitors eager to explore new flavors, making each cup feel like a journey to another part of the world.
A Social Atmosphere
Haraz Coffee House is more than just a place to grab a drink or dessert. It aims to be a gathering spot for the community, especially for those seeking an alcohol-free environment. Zehra emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where individuals of all ages can gather. “We serve non-alcoholic drinks and offer programming like game nights,” she shares. This welcoming approach has made Haraz a local favorite.
How to Make the Dubai Chocolate Brownie
If you’re inspired to recreate this trending dessert at home, here’s the recipe straight from Haraz Coffee House!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 and 1/3 cups (280g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (85g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (60g) cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup (80g) chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola or avocado)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Kitaifi Pistachio Mix:
- 1 cup (150g) Kataifi, toasted and shredded
- 1 and 1/2 cup (225g) pistachio paste
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup (220g) heavy cream
- 1 cup (200g) chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and sea salt. Stir well, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, ensuring no dry spots remain. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the corners.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely, then chill them for easier handling during assembly.
- For the pistachio mix, combine the toasted kataifi and pistachio paste in a bowl until coated evenly.
- To make the ganache, set up a double boiler and melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- For assembly, spread the kataifi pistachio mixture over the cooled brownies, then pour the ganache on top, smoothing it out evenly.
- Chill the assembled brownie to set the ganache before slicing and serving.
Enjoy the rich, decadent flavors of the Dubai chocolate brownie from your own kitchen!
