Food trends come and go, often fading as quickly as they appear. Yet, some cravings refuse to disappear, evolving into enduring favourites. One such phenomenon is the chocolate pistachio kunafa craze—a delicious fusion that has reached globally. So, what’s the status of this irresistible dessert sensation now?
The Rise of Dubai’s Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa
The story of Dubai’s chocolate pistachio kunafa began in 2021 when Sarah Hamouda, a home baker inspired by her Middle Eastern roots and pregnancy cravings, created a unique dessert.
Combining the crunchy texture of toasted kataifi pastry with creamy pistachio paste, all wrapped in smooth chocolate, she launched Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s signature bar, “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It.” This innovative treat quickly gained popularity locally and then globally, especially after a viral TikTok video in late 2023 introduced it to millions worldwide.
Since then, demand has exploded. Although FIX has kept the original bar exclusive to the UAE, imitators have popped up across the globe, with luxury brands and indie makers alike racing to recreate the magic. From supermarket shelves in Europe to secret menu drinks at Starbucks, “Dubai chocolate” has taken on a life of its own.
What Makes This Chocolate So Good
Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa stands out for its mix of crunchy and creamy textures. The toasted kataifi pastry gives a crisp first bite, followed by a smooth pistachio filling wrapped in rich chocolate. The contrast of flavours and textures is what makes it so moreish—sweet, nutty, and a little different from your usual chocolate bar.
It also gained massive attention online. TikTok and Instagram videos showing the bar being snapped open, revealing its bright green filling, helped spark the global craze. The mix of satisfying crunch sounds and eye-catching layers made it perfect for sharing. That social media buzz, combined with the unique flavour, helped turn it into one of the most talked-about treats around.
How Is The Food Craze Going Now?
The appeal of chocolate pistachio kunafa shows no signs of slowing down. While the original Can’t Get Knafeh of It bar by FIX Dessert Chocolatier remains exclusive to the UAE, its influence has gone global. Inspired by its success, international brands and local chocolatiers have flooded the market with imitations, now found everywhere from supermarket shelves to artisanal dessert shops.
But the trend has moved beyond copycat bars. The chocolate-pistachio-kunafa flavour profile is now being reimagined across a wide range of desserts. Shake Shack has turned it into a milkshake flavour, Inside Scoop launched a kunafa-inspired ice cream bar, and Dunkin’ Donuts recently debuted a chocolate pistachio kunafa doughnut. Suffice it to say, the craze is going strong.
Where to Find It
With all the buzz around chocolate pistachio kunafa, you might be wondering where to get your hands on the actual bar. While ordering online is an option, there are also local spots worth checking out, especially if you’d prefer to skip the shipping fees. One standout is Kunafa Fingers, a dessert shop offering a wide range of kunafa-based treats, including chocolate bars in different flavours, with pistachio kunafa being one of the most popular.
If you’re only after the bar itself, several chocolate stores now stock versions of it. One brand to look out for is Alfredo, known for its premium chocolates made with real cocoa butter. Whether you’re in the mood to try a range of kunafa-inspired sweets or just want a simple taste of the viral treat, there are plenty of options to explore locally.
