If you're as chronically online as we are, you've most likely heard of the latest dessert trend that's gotten TikTok drooling: the viral "Dubai Chocolate." The original luxury chocolate bar by FIX Dessert Chocolatier, named "Can't Get Knafeh of It," is only available in Dubai for now, but the combination of nutty pistachio, rich dark chocolate, and crunchy knafeh (a traditional Arab dessert made with shredded kataifi or shredded filo pastry) mixed with creamy tahini has everyone around the world obsessed.
The original "Dubai Chocolate" bar may not officially be available in the Philippines just yet, but desserts inspired by this trendy pistachio-chocolate-kataifi combo have now popped up all over the Metro, ranging from cakes and pastries to ice cream. Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth at these seven spots that offer desserts with similar ingredients as the original chocolate bar.
ALSO READ:
- 7 Aesthetic Cafes In Metro Manila That'll *Matcha* Freak
- 7 Aesthetic Cafés With Wi-Fi And Sockets Where You Can "WFH"
Where To Buy Dubai Chocolate-Like Desserts In Metro Manila
Pistachio Kadayif Chocolate Pudding Parfait from M Bakery
Location: M Bakery has multiple branches around Metro Manila
M Bakery takes the pistachio-kataifi pairing to the next level with a layered dessert that's as indulgent as it looks. Their new Pistachio Kadayif Chocolate Pudding Parfait has layers of pistachio pudding, chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and roasted kataifii (also known as kadayif hence the name of this dessert), which is then finished off with pistachio nuts and chocolate shavings. Dig deep to get all the layers, so you can enjoy the contrasting creamy and crunchy textures in one bite. Heads up, though: This dessert is only until supplies last, and it gets sold out within the day pretty quickly so we recommend heading to the nearest branch early!
For more information, check out M Bakery Philippines' Instagram.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups from Chocoberry MNL
Location: 79 Maginhawa St. Diliman Quezon City
Strawberries are chocolate's perfect pair—Chocoberry MNL takes it a step further by adding kataifi and creamy pistachio sauce into the mix for a rich and crunchy treat. Their Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups have layers of fresh strawberries, a mix of kataifi and pistachio sauce, and milk chocolate glaze which is then topped with chopped pistachio nuts. These run out pretty quickly so it's best to follow their social media for updates on how to reserve your cup!
For more information, check out Chocoberry MNL's Instagram.
Pistachio Chocolate Knafeh Gelato from Manila Creamery
Location: Manila Creamery has multiple branches around Metro Manila
If you're craving a sweet cold treat in this hot weather, Manila Creamery always has your back with their unique creations—and of course, they also had to take on the viral "Dubai Chocolate." Their version, aptly named the Pistachio Chocolate Knafeh Gelato, is pistachio gelato with chunks of chocolate-covered pistachio-knafeh and a chocolate-hazelnut ganache folded in for a treat of contrasting creamy-crunchy textures. You can get a scoop (or two!) at any Manila Creamery branch or order a pint through their website.
For more information, check out Manila Creamery's Instagram.
Knafeh Pistachio Croissant from Nomu Cafe
Location: Balagtas Street, UP Diliman, Quezon City; 34 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City; 1200 Lacson Avenue corner Dapitan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Kataifi is a layered, flaky "string" pastry so in some ways it's similar to a croissant…right? You can say that Nomu Cafe had the same vision, turning the trendy dessert into their Knafeh Pistachio Croissant. Their version has the buttery, flaky layers of an excellently made croissant, stuffed generously with pistachio-kataifi cream and topped with chocolate sauce and more crunchy pistachio nuts. Have your pastry with any of their coffee or milk tea for an afternoon pick-me-up!
For more information, check out Nomu Cafe's Instagram.
Knafeh Chocolate Pistachio Cake from Czaczacza Cafe
Location: G/F SM San Mateo; 2/F SM Marikina
We're always here for a fudgy chocolate cake with a crunchy element, and Czaczacza's Knafeh Chocolate Pistachio Cake offers exactly that. This decadent cake has alternating layers of gooey chocolate cake and creamy-crunchy pistachio-kataifi, which is then covered in a milk chocolate ganache and topped with pistachio nuts plus edible flowers that make it look extra lovely. It's the perfect cake if you're in need of a show-stopping dessert at a party or potluck—or if you just want to make someone's day extra special.
For more information, check out Czaczacza Cafe's Instagram.
The DUBAI from CLOUD Soft Treats
Location: CLOUD Soft Treats has multiple branches around Metro Manila
Kataifi goes so well with anything creamy, thanks to its crunchy texture, so it's no surprise that The DUBAI from fro-yo purveyor CLOUD Soft Treats just works. Their take on the viral dessert combo has crispy golden shredded pastry, a dark chocolate sauce, and, of course, a nutty pistachio sauce all over CLOUD’s signature tart frozen yogurt. Get every element in one spoonful so you can fully appreciate the contrast in textures and flavors.
For more information, check out CLOUD Soft Treats' Instagram.
Pistachio Dream Bar from Starbucks
Location: Starbucks has multiple branches around Metro Manila
The Pistachio Dream Bar from Starbucks definitely lives up to its name. With layers of gooey brownie, a rich pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi, and fudgy dark chocolate, this bar is like if a pistachio-knafeh bar and a brownie had a baby. With how sweet and indulgent it is, we think this bar pairs perfectly with an Iced Americano or a creamy latte.
For more information, check out Starbucks' Instagram.
