The Dubai Chocolate Trend: A Sweet Journey
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Initially dismissed as a fleeting social media sensation, Dubai Chocolate has proven to be a culinary fixture four years post-debut. It’s a treat that has captivated taste buds across the globe, maintaining its allure and expanding its fan base.
What is Dubai Chocolate?
For those unacquainted with the trend, Dubai chocolate is a chocolate bar crafted with a rich pistachio cream center, harmoniously juxtaposed with crunchy shreds of phyllo pastry. Depending on the origin of the product, these baked shreds may be referred to by various names, including “kataifi,” “katayfi,” or “knafeh,” showcasing a delightful cultural tapestry.
The nomenclature stems from its roots; the trend originated at Fix Chocolatier in Dubai, a locale celebrated for producing this unique confection.
The Trend Hits the Shelves
The buzz around Dubai chocolate reached new heights when Trader Joe’s introduced its own version onto the candy shelves in late May. The moment was fortuitous for those who had been eagerly awaiting a taste. Excited by the prospects, I found myself purchasing five different bars, including the famously artistic 7-ounce Fix Chocolate bar and the newer 3.52-ounce square bar from Trader Joe’s.
Expectations vs. Reality
I approached this chocolate tasting with eager anticipation, expecting a symphony of strong pistachio filling paired with delightful crunchy textures. What greeted me was an array of milk and dark chocolates, each with varying degrees of filling and crunch. Disappointingly, none of the varieties delivered the robust pistachio flavor I had anticipated. Instead, the chocolate often overshadowed the pistachio, leading to a mixed tasting experience.
A Closer Look at the Bars
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Chocolate with Knafeh and Pistachio
- Origin: Amazon (made in Dubai)
- Price: $39.50 for 200 grams (7 ounces)
- Description: This bar features a thickness of 0.75 inches, comprising roughly 50% chocolate and 50% filling. The chocolate melts quickly, requiring refrigeration for optimal enjoyment.
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Original Dubai
- Maker: Lovetta Chocolate
- Price: $19.99 for 4 ounces
- Description: This bar is thicker, at 1.25 inches, featuring 30% chocolate and a hearty 70% filling, boasting enhanced pistachio flavor thanks to its generous filling.
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Trader Joe’s
- Maker: Patislove Chocolate
- Price: $3.99 for 3.52 ounces
- Description: This dark chocolate bar at 0.50 inches thick holds 65% chocolate against 35% filling. While it appears promising, the rich dark chocolate tends to drown out the pistachio notes, lacking the expected crunch.
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Local Cleveland Creation
- Name: Dubai Bar
- Maker: Sweet Bean (Cleveland)
- Price: $12 for 2 ounces
- Description: Balancing chocolate and filling at a thickness of 0.40 inches, this bar is unique for its use of locally made Nosh pistachio almond butter.
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Daba Du’bites
- Maker: Sweet Designs (Lakewood)
- Price: $15 for 5 pieces
- Description: These bites stand out for their thoughtful balance of chocolate and filling, exhibiting a light crunch that enhances the tasting experience.
The Chocolatier Perspective
In the realm of chocolate making, the wave of Dubai chocolate has not gone unnoticed. Chocolatiers like Kristin Barnes from Sweet Bean and Ines Rehner from Sweet Designs found themselves caught in the delightful urgency of the trend.
Both initially resisted entering what they perceived as a fleeting fad but eventually embraced the culinary creativity it invited. Barnes made a compromise by introducing her interpretation with the “Du’Better Bars,” creatively blending classic American flavors with the essence of the Dubai trend.
Expanding the Options
For those craving more choices, regional and national chocolatiers have been adapting the Dubai chocolate concept to cater to local tastes. Notably, Mon Aimee Chocolat in Pittsburgh has begun stocking various forms, ranging from truffles to premium bars. Their commitment to quality ensures a steady supply of these delicacies, indicating that the Dubai chocolate trend might indeed be here to stay.
With a plethora of options—from the original Dubai chocolate to local interpretations—chocolate lovers have much to explore in this sweet, crunchy world of indulgence.
