Latest news with #Can'tGetKnafehofIt
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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.
Arabian Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
FIX Chocolate Reopens at Dubai Airport Amid Eid Travel Surge
FIX Dessert Chocolatier, the confectionery brand that ignited a global craze with its knafeh-and-pistachio-filled bars, has reinstated its pop-up at Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3. The reopening coincides with the Eid Al Adha travel season, offering departing passengers a chance to purchase the sought-after treats without the usual online scramble. The brand, founded by British-Egyptian engineer Sarah Hamouda in 2021, gained international fame through social media platforms, particularly TikTok. A video by influencer Maria Vehera showcasing the bar's vibrant green pistachio filling and crunchy texture garnered over 100 million views, propelling the product into global demand. The signature bar, aptly named 'Can't Get Knafeh of It,' combines milk chocolate with a filling of pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy knafeh, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Previously, FIX bars were available exclusively through limited daily drops on Deliveroo in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, often selling out within minutes. The airport pop-up provides travelers with a rare opportunity to purchase the bars directly, bypassing the online rush. The return to Dubai Duty Free follows a successful initial stint earlier this year, which saw overwhelming demand and extended stays to accommodate eager customers. The resurgence of FIX at the airport aligns with a broader trend of Middle Eastern flavors gaining popularity in global confectionery markets. The unique combination of textures and flavors in FIX bars has not only captivated consumers but also inspired numerous imitations and adaptations by other brands worldwide. Despite the emergence of copycat products, FIX maintains its exclusivity by limiting sales to specific times and locations, enhancing its allure. See also Jebel Ali Free Zone's Trade Value Surpasses Dhs700bn in 2024
Time Out Dubai
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Can't get knafeh of it? Where to find the original Dubai chocolate (and great dupes)
Haven't heard about the viral 'Dubai chocolate'? Then you need to hop onto an Instagram feed near you, immediately. The first iteration of the now-global chocolate bar started with Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai and its beloved 'Can't Get Knafeh of It' has sold exclusively since 2022. FIX's famous creation, now known as the original Dubai chocolate bar, consists of a rich milk chocolate shell stuffed with green pistachio cream, crispy kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry) and tahini, which was inspired by the traditional Middle Eastern dessert Knafeh. Credit: Instagram @fixdessertchocolatier Although only available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, FIX's ultra-gooey bars have officially gone mainstream and have resulted in many chocolate fans around the globe trying to recreate them at home. It's so good, it's even triggered other brands to create competitive versions too (more of that later!). You might also like: 8 Dubai chefs reveal what they really think of viral FIX chocolate Not only is the viral Dubai chocolate unique, but it's also hard to get your hands on, as FIX only releases two batches per day online and they're usually quick sell-outs. Desperate to try? Here are our tips on where to buy a bar or where to get the best dupes instead. Where can I buy the original Dubai chocolate? Whether it's the classic kunafeh or a bit of baklawa you're after, you need to act quickly. Founded by British-Egyptian Dubai expat Sarah Hamouda, each piece of FIX chocolate is homemade, with designs painted on its surface. Crafted with care, the limited supply makes them all the more sought after. Currently, FIX Dessert's main shop is online only, and you can only order from the Deliveroo app. Going live daily at 2pm and 5pm, if you're ordering on Deliveroo a box of 6 different flavours will cost you Dhs385.50, or a mini box comes with 10 smaller pieces of chocolate from Dhs189. Make sure you're on the app at the time of release and don't hang about getting it in your basket either. The best viral Dubai chocolate dupes Break by Mara Ok so this isn't quite a chocolate bar – but hear us out. It has the kunafa pistachio, it has a gooey centre and it's encased in milk chocolate. Available in Dubai Valley 77, don't hang around – go get your slice. Daily 10am-midnight. Jumeirah 2, @breakbymara (050 871 9882). Chocoart UAE Only available in the store but you can come away with a kunafa pistachio bar for only Dhs20. Usually offering chocolate trays and towers for special occasions, Chocoart offers a budget-friendly version of the popular new snack. Open daily 8am-10pm. Muwaileh Commercial Industrial Area, Sharjah. @ (06 550 8832). Chocovana (Credit: Supplied) The custom-made chocolate company are known for their specially selected sweet treats, and now you can order its pistachio-stuffed bars – but it has to be in a big batch. If you're looking to seriously stock up, or perhaps source some party favours, you can order the bars in boxes of 100 at a time. Dhs12 per piece (minimum of 100 pieces), (04 271 5603). Chunk Bakehouse If you want a change from the chocolate bar, then this dreamcake might be exactly what you're looking for. Filled with a creamy pistachio filling, crispy kunafa underneath and of course, a generous layer of chocolate powder on the top. Priced at Dhs149, the cake is a great one to share with friends if you're feeling peckish. @ Hadoota Masreya Inspired by FIX Chocolate. Credit: Hadoota Masreya. This long-standing Egyptian restaurant is also taking part in the trend with a 'Dubai Feteer' filled with a mixture of crunchy kunafa and pistachio sauce, all topped with a drizzle of rich chocolate. This flaky, buttery pastry, a beloved staple in Egyptian cuisine, has been transformed into the viral dessert. Dhs75. Daily from 10am-midnight. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa 1 (04 380 9000). Kadayifzade The Turkish sweet shop and café has also launched its own version of the bar and you can get it in person or on Deliveroo and Talabat. Usually costing around Dhs75 for one bar, you can try the kunafa filling in milk, dark and white chocolate. Various locations. Lava Cake UAE The cake shop has also joined on the kunafa chocolate trend, but unlike FIX, this is the only flavour you can pick up. Filled with pistachio, you can enjoy a full bar for Dhs35 and while you're there, try the molten kinder cake too (trust us). Open Sun-Thurs 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Jumeirah 3. (04 295 5541). L'ETO Cafe (Credit: Supplied) The cafe have put their own spin on that dreamy pistachio kunafa combination and have turned it into a cheesecake. A mixture of chocolate cream cheese, tahini, pistachio paste and condensed milk, it's topped with fresh blueberries and chocolate ganache – someone serve us a slice immediately. Dhs55 (slice), Dhs618.95 (full cheesecake). Multiple locations. Noon Minutes Crredit: Adobe The express website is known for coming out with some unique snacks (fried chicken ice cream we're talking about you). But now, the brand has joined the pistachio trend and has released the 'Big Daddy' bar. Partnered with Vocca, the 125g bar is also a more affordable option, priced online at just under Dhs23. Trove Trove Restaurant at Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue has also jumped on the viral Dubai chocolate bandwagon. Its version of the Dubai Chocolate is a chocolate bar filled with decadent pistachio cream and layered with a crunchy kunafa topping. Available in two sizes, the dessert comes in a small portion priced at Dhs62 and a larger, shareable size for Dhs165, making it a perfect treat for a little solo indulgence and larger group gatherings. Dhs62 (single), Dhs165 (sharable). Trove Restaurants, Dubai Mall (04 347 7444). Viral Brands Viral Brands are selling dupes of the chocolate bars (Credit: Adobe) The dupe exists only on Deliveroo and sells copies of the viral chocolate as well as energy drinks and ice creams. From the pistachio to a kinder kunafa (yum), each bar is priced at Dhs59. Still hungry? The Dubai restaurants and bars opening soon and we can't wait Get these hot spots on your radar 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs Expert-approved cheap eats in town 101 best breakfasts to try in Dubai 2025 From eggs Benedict to full-on fry-ups here's where to kick off a morning in style
