Starbucks, MilkShake Factory, Kilwins and More Offer Pistachio-Packed Dubai Chocolate Creations
Like many modern food trends, Dubai chocolate exploded in popularity the moment it hit TikTok. Originally launched by Nouel Catis Omamalin and Sarah Hamouda at the Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2021, one ultra-crunchy, pistachio-green, chocolate-oozing video from Ukrainian food influencer Maria Vehera sent the treat viral, amassing millions of views since its December 2023 debut.
The star of the Dubai chocolate trend — the cheekily named “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” — is a modern remix of a Middle Eastern classic. Inspired by knafeh, the centuries-old dessert made with crisp kataifi pastry, melted cheese or nuts and fragrant syrup, Dubai chocolate reimagines tradition as a handheld, hyper-indulgent treat.
Below, check out franchise brands putting their own spin on the TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate trend.
Meet the Franchises Embracing the Dubai Chocolate Trend
Frutta Bowls
Futta Bowls, a healthy restaurant franchise serving a variety of acai bowls, fresh fruit smoothies, protein bites and more, has gone all in on the viral Dubai chocolate trend. Highlights of the brand’s new Dubai chocolate menu include the Dubai Chocolate Smoothie, Dubai Chocolate Bowl, Dubai Chocolate Mocha and Dubai Chocolate Protein Bites.
Kilwins
Kilwins, a premium dessert franchise known for its hand-crafted chocolates, fudge, ice cream and more, is taking indulgence to new heights with its new Dubai-inspired chocolate creations. The brand’s Dubai Chocolate Truffles (above) blend pistachio and kataifi with smooth, Fair Trade Certified Heritage Chocolate for a rich, luxurious bite. The Dubai Chocolate Buckeyes offer a reimagined take on the classic Midwestern treat, replacing the traditional peanut butter filling with pistachio and crispy kataifi. Even Kilwins’ signature pistachio ice cream gets an elevated twist — drizzled with hot fudge, sprinkled with kataifi, and topped with whipped cream and roasted salted pistachios.
Marble Slab Creamery
Marble Slab Creamery, a franchise known for its fresh homemade ice cream, ice cream cakes and shakes, currently features the Dubai Chocolate Sundae on its menu. This indulgent dessert is made with Sweet Cream ice cream served in a chocolate-dipped, pistachio-dusted waffle bowl or cone, topped with rich chocolate, pistachio butter, crunchy broken waffle pieces and finished with a final dusting of ground pistachios.
MilkShake Factory
MilkShake Factory — the neighborhood dessert spot loved for its hand-spun milkshakes and small-batch, premium chocolates — has added the Dubai-Style Chocolate Bar to its decadent menu. This indulgent creation layers pistachio crème and crispy, toasted kataifi inside rich milk chocolate, offering a flavor-forward tribute to the confections of Dubai.
Starbucks
Never one to miss a trend, Starbucks has announced the rollout of its new Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha. Fans will have to wait until Jan. 6 to try them.
What’s Next for Dubai Chocolate?
From shakes and truffles to chocolate bars and brownies, franchise brands have gotten creative with their Dubai chocolate-inspired limited-time options this year. Many have already come and gone, but will likely return to restaurant menus. Our favorites: IHOP’s Original Dubai Chocolate Pancakes, 16 Handles’ Dubai chocolate frozen yogurt flavor and Paris Baguette’s Dubai Chocolate Matcha Latte. With so much creativity on the menu, who knows what decadent Dubai-style treats brands will dream up next?
