Introduction to Dubai Chocolate
At the upcoming State Fair of Texas, confectioner Stephen El Gidi will offer up his own Dubai chocolate-inspired dessert — a base of rich Belgian chocolate and a pistachio spread layered like a sweet lasagna over cheesecake in a cup. It’s definitely a departure from the typical corn dogs and cotton candy. From the West Coast to Middle America, dessert creators at state fairs are hawking their own confections based on Dubai chocolate, a milk chocolate shell filled with creamy pistachio, tahini and crispy kataifi, a Middle Eastern pastry.
The Origins of Dubai Chocolate
The offerings derive inspiration from the original Dubai Chocolate, a bar created in 2021 by Sarah Hamouda, the founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, an online confectionary shop in Dubai. The bar quickly went viral, with influencers touting its gooey, crunchy goodness and Hamouda saying she was selling 100 bars per minute. Now, Dubai chocolate-inspired desserts have hit the masses and are popping up at a handful of state fairs for the first time this year.
Dubai Chocolate at State Fairs
The Minnesota State Fair will offer a Dubai chocolate strawberry cup in late August. Wisconsin just featured its version of the Dubai chocolate bar. And the Orange County Fair in Southern California debuted a Dubai chocolate brownie last month. In May, the L.A. County Fair also sold a Dubai chocolate strawberry cup. El Gidi, who owns Drizzle Cheesecakes based in a Dallas suburb, is originally from Libya and moved to the U.S. in 2021 in hopes of becoming a business owner. He said he aims to sell between 15,000 and 20,000 cups this year at the state fair.
The Business of Dubai Chocolate
Stores like Trader Joe’s, Costco and even mall kiosks have featured their own versions of the chocolate bars for prices of around $3.99 and up. There’s even a Dubai chocolate pistachio shake at some Shake Shack locations featuring pistachio frozen custard with kataifi and a dark chocolate shell for $11.04. Currently, people in Dubai can order Hamouda’s bar, which she calls “Can’t get knafeh of it,” from her online shop or through a delivery service. It costs a little over $18 per bar. Additionally, chocolate aficionados can find the bar at Dubai International Airport’s duty-free store in Terminal 3.
The Authenticity of Dubai Chocolate
The versions of Dubai chocolate people are buying in the U.S. are more a replication of the flavor profile than the real thing, says Kristie Hang, a food journalist based in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley. These products are more wallet-friendly, selling for around $15 at grocery stores, and they’re made using standard ingredients like milk chocolate, strawberries and nut butters. True Dubai chocolate, Hang says, is an artisanal dessert that’s made in small batches. The pistachios are imported from Turkey and the chocolate is special chocolate with edible gold.
Cultural Significance and Criticism
There’s an element of luxury and craftsmanship to authentic Dubai chocolate, Hang added, noting a Dubai chocolate-covered strawberry confection would have only the finest, perfectly shaped strawberries dipped in high-quality Belgian or dark chocolate, paired with kataifi bits and pistachio cream from finely ground pistachios. Texas-based food reviewer Zain Mohammed said he’s not a fan of the Dubai chocolate trend. Mohammed, who was born in Chicago, raised in Saudi Arabia and now reviews restaurants in Houston, said he thinks the proliferation of the dessert is glossing over the culture and the important role food plays in family.
Consumer Response
Bianca Tamondong, a college student who tried the Dubai brownie dessert from the Mom’s Bakeshoppe stand at the OC Fair, said she thought it was a winning combo. “I’ve tried so many other Dubai chocolate desserts before, such as the actual chocolate bar, ice cream variations and Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries. Ten dollars honestly seemed like such a steal since many other Dubai chocolate desserts cost $15.” Confection connoisseur Dominic Palmieri sells a Dubai chocolate strawberry cup at the OC Fair. “It has all the components of the Dubai chocolate. However, we’re putting chocolate on top of the strawberries, and it’s got silky cream chocolate that doesn’t harden,” said Palmieri.
Conclusion
Dubai chocolate has become a popular trend in the U.S., with many state fairs and stores offering their own versions of the dessert. While some people enjoy the unique flavor profile, others criticize the trend for cultural appropriation and glossing over the importance of food in Arab culture. Regardless, Dubai chocolate has become a fan favorite, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
FAQs
Q: What is Dubai chocolate?
A: Dubai chocolate is a milk chocolate shell filled with creamy pistachio, tahini and crispy kataifi, a Middle Eastern pastry.
Q: Where did Dubai chocolate originate?
A: Dubai chocolate originated in Dubai, created by Sarah Hamouda, the founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, an online confectionary shop.
Q: What is the difference between authentic Dubai chocolate and the versions sold in the U.S.?
A: Authentic Dubai chocolate is an artisanal dessert made in small batches, using high-quality ingredients like imported pistachios and special chocolate with edible gold. The versions sold in the U.S. are more wallet-friendly, made using standard ingredients like milk chocolate, strawberries and nut butters.
Q: Is Dubai chocolate a cultural phenomenon?
A: Yes, Dubai chocolate has become a cultural phenomenon, with many people enjoying the unique flavor profile. However, some critics argue that the trend is glossing over the importance of food in Arab culture and appropriating cultural traditions.
Q: Where can I buy Dubai chocolate?
A: Dubai chocolate is available at many state fairs, stores like Trader Joe’s and Costco, and online shops. Authentic Dubai chocolate can be ordered from Sarah Hamouda’s online shop or found at Dubai International Airport’s duty-free store.
