The five best Dubai chocolates

The craze for “Dubai chocolate” began with one woman’s pregnancy craving, caused a social-media sensation and has culminated in a global pistachio shortage. Inspired by a traditional Middle Eastern dessert called knafeh or kunafa, the viral confection is typically filled with creamy pistachio and shredded filo pastry strands known as kadayif, or kataifi, and is accredited to Fix Dessert Chocolatier, which first started selling the bar in 2022. The original monolith is only available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For those after their fix outside the UAE, these are the best takes on the trend.

Läderach FrischSchoggi Dubai Milk chocolate slab

Swiss chocolatier Läderach’s slab is filled with creamy pistachio and almond gianduja with crispy baked kadayif threads. The result is finely balanced and very moreish. Buy it by weight in store or have it delivered to more than 50 countries. £32 for 300g

Rococo Pistachio and Kadayif Milk Chocolate Truffle Box

White chocolate ganache and smooth Sicilian pistachio paste bring a delightful depth to Rococo’s velvety rich truffles. The kadayif adds a punctuating crunch. The west London chocolatier has recently launched bar versions too. From £22.50 for nine

Pierre Marcolini Pistachio Petits Bonheurs “Dubai”

Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini’s pistachio pralines, made exclusively for Selfridges, have an umami flavour thanks to blond sesame and nutty kinako. The textural crunch is elevated by Quimper lace biscuit and pistachio pieces. £31 for a box of 16, exclusively at Selfridges

Godiva Crispy Kadayif Chocolate Tablet

Godiva’s milk chocolate ingot’s appeal is its thick layer of Antep pistachio cream and kadayif filling. Ideal for those looking to satisfy their craving for something green, sweet and crunchy. £25

Charbonnel et Walker Dubai Style Pistachio Truffles

Molten pistachio paste, perfectly crisp pastry strands and a hint of sea salt encased in a generous milk-chocolate shell – Britain’s oldest luxury chocolatier knows how to make a beautifully fresh truffle. £25 for eight

Maison Samadi Kunafa (Knafeh) & Pistachio Milk Chocolate bar

Family-run chocolatier Maison Samadi offers a range of stuffed chocolates inspired by the founder’s Lebanese grandfather’s traditional baklava and kunafa. The pistachio and kunafa bar stands out for its buttery-smooth texture and lighter crunch. £16.75 for 110g