5 Spins on the Dubai Chocolate Craze in Vancouver

The original Dubai chocolate bar was created by Sarah Hamouda of FIX Dessert Chocolatier in 2022. Looking for a way to satisfy her pregnancy cravings, Hamouda combined pistachio cream, tahini, knafeh (shredded filo dough, which becomes crispy when fried) and milk chocolate to produce a bar full of rich texture and flavour. She called her creation “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It”. 

That name has become truly appropriate, as this trend became a global sensation. When Vancouver’s trendy and innovative food scene caught wind, many businesses tried to replicate the food combination with locally-available ingredient. These are the Dubai chocolate prototypes that have stuck even after the craze’s peak has passed

Purdy’s Chocolatier Dubai Chocolate Bark

This renowned Canadian chocolatier formulated their own decadent product to mimic the original chocolate bar, using kattafi and pistachio cream between layers of milk chocolate. In stores they make a smooth and shiny bark with Purdy’s Ps all over, which you pay for a cut of. In their online store, Purdy’s sells 200 gram bars with a stippled appearance. Because of its popularity, the bark is not in stock at every Purdy’s location. They recommend calling to determine availability. 

Hype Chocolate Dubai Strawberry Cup

Hype chocolate is a collaboration between two Vancouver creatives that combines sneaker culture with snack culture. Their whole concept is creating viral and indulgent chocolate, ice cream and coffee creations. Their take on the Dubai chocolate trend is a strawberry cup topped with pistachio knafeh, milk chocolate drizzle and pistachio crumbles. “Indulgent, fresh, and bursting with big Pistachio Knafeh energy—a must-try, only at the truck & our flagship location… Also coming soon to the Fairmont Waterfront” says the Hype website. Make sure to visit the brick and mortar store at 855 E Hastings Street during open hours to try out the perfected cup.

Cafe W Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

Located at 3646 W Broadway, Cafe W is a paradise of confections. In addition to their own Dubai chocolate strawberry cup– loaded with chocolate and pistachio cream kattafi– Cafe W has created a cheesecake inspired by the chocolate bars. Despite how rich and over the top this sounds (and looks), reviewers describe it as not overly sweet. Cafe W decorates their cheesecake slices with similar bright colours to the original  Dubai chocolate bar.

Praguery Cafe and Ice Cream Dubai-Inspired Desserts

Located in Coquitlam, Praguery is famous for ice cream served in chimney cake cones. The dessert shop recently revealed a whole suite of “Dubai inspired” items including a chimney cake ice cream cone with vanilla soft serve, pistachio sauce, baked kunafa, dark chocolate and roasted pistachio nuts. They too have a pistachio and kunafa-crust cheesecake, which comes with a layer of chocolate on top. Lastly, they’re carrying two drinks: an affogato with soft serve, espresso and kunafa, and a matcha latte with whipped cream, pistachio drizzle and kunafa crunch.

Ricardo’s Candy Korner Imported Chocolate Bars

With two BC locations including one in Downtown Vancouver, Ricardo’s is know for candy imports from around the world. They’re carrying one or two versions of the Dubai chocolate bar (which don’t appear to be from FIX, but are made in Dubai). Ricardo’s is on top of many of the online trends in candy and sweet snacks. Check out their Instagram to see the latest offerings and new releases.

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