Originally introduced by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, the Dubai Bar has rapidly gained global popularity, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Thanks to Connecticut-based Knipschildt Chocolatier, this viral treat is now available for U.S. consumers. The oversized, 1.2-pound chocolate bar is crafted with homemade pistachio cream, white chocolate ganache, and a custom-blended milk chocolate shell. It retails for $50 on Goldbelly, bringing this Middle Eastern delicacy to the American market.
The Birth of a Social Media Sensation
What sets the Dubai Bar apart is not only its taste but also its visual appeal. The satisfying crunch, creamy filling, and indulgent texture made it an instant hit on social media, where food influencers enthusiastically shared videos of themselves breaking the bar apart for dramatic effect. This contributed to the Dubai Bar’s swift rise in popularity, leading to increased mainstream demand and prompting American chocolatiers to create their own variations.
Knipschildt’s Take on the Dubai Bar
The American version of the Dubai Bar, now available on Goldbelly, features a 1.2-pound pistachio paste encased in rich chocolate. Knipschildt Chocolatier, known for its luxury chocolates, crafted the bar with both dark and milk chocolate options. The brand, led by Danish chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt, is famous for its high-quality confections and is available both online and in stores like Anthropologie.
Fritz Knipschildt, who helms the Connecticut-based chocolatier, explained that the Dubai Bar was created to deliver a “wow factor” to chocolate lovers. “In our Dubai Chocolate Bar, we make our own pistachio cream and then mix it with white chocolate ganache,” Knipschildt said. “The ganache is made with fresh cream, fresh butter, and premium white chocolate. I also mixed in 40 percent milk chocolate for the chocolate shell to give it a richer, smoother taste than overly sweet milk chocolate.”
The Origins of the Dubai Bar
The Dubai Bar’s journey to global fame began with Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a brand based in Dubai, founded by entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda in 2021. The original “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” chocolate bar, which combines pistachio cream and katafeh, became an instant hit, sparking the viral trend. As food influencers began showcasing the dessert’s unique crunch and filling, the bar gained traction across social media platforms.
Hamouda’s creation was propelled to viral status, thanks to its ideal visual appeal for social media. The crunchy exterior and creamy pistachio filling became the perfect backdrop for viral videos, similar to past trends like the “feta pasta” and “pesto eggs.” As Hamouda described, “We went from three orders a week to hundreds a second. We started seeing people making the bars at home in different countries. It was amazing.”
The Dubai Bar Trend Expands Globally
As the Dubai Bar became more popular, copycat versions appeared on the market, further fueling the dessert’s rise in popularity. However, Fix Dessert Chocolatier warns customers that their original “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” bar is only available locally in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Despite this, the global demand for the dessert continued to grow, prompting U.S. stores like the Nut Factory in New York City to sell their own interpretations of the Dubai Bar.
National Retailers and New Variations
The Dubai Bar’s influence has extended beyond boutique chocolatiers. Major retailers have begun offering their own takes on the pistachio-flavored treat. Warehouse retailer Costco, for instance, recently launched frozen ice cream bars covered in a crunchy pistachio filling. Similarly, Shake Shack introduced a cream-filled ice cream featuring pistachio flavor at select locations earlier this spring. In the U.K., Aldi’s frozen section features pistachio-flavored products, with hopes that shipments will soon make their way to the U.S.
Supermarkets like Hy-Vee are also selling pistachio-flavored chocolate bars for as much as $20 each. While Knipschildt’s version retails for $50, buying in bulk may offer a more cost-effective option for those who want to indulge in this luxurious treat.
The Future of the Dubai Bar
As the Dubai Bar continues to captivate chocolate lovers worldwide, it remains uncertain whether this indulgent dessert will achieve long-term success or fade into the annals of food trends. Will it become a mainstream part of snack culture, or will it be remembered like the cronut craze of the 2010s? Only time will tell, but for now, the Dubai Bar’s status as a viral sensation shows no signs of slowing down.
The Dubai Bar, once a local delicacy available only in Dubai, has now become a global phenomenon thanks to social media and the efforts of chocolatiers like Knipschildt. With its unique combination of pistachio cream, chocolate ganache, and milk chocolate shell, it continues to capture the attention of food lovers around the world. Whether it remains a fleeting trend or becomes a staple in the world of luxury desserts, its success story is undeniable.
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