The Dubai chocolate bar became a viral sensation on social media, showcasing a modern twist on traditional Emirati sweets that often feature nuts, tahini, and phyllo‑like pastries. While not a historic dish, it reflects the region’s love for rich, layered desserts and the growing influence of Instagram‑driven food trends in the UAE.

Emirati desserts traditionally use ingredients like dates, saffron, rose water, and nuts. Chocolate versions often replace dates with melted chocolate, adding pistachio or almond pastes, and sometimes incorporate kadifi or shredded phyllo for texture, creating a fusion between classic flavors and modern confectionery.

When served in the UAE, the bar is usually presented on a decorative platter, sliced into bite‑size pieces, and enjoyed with Arabic coffee or tea. It’s often offered during gatherings, celebrations, or as a luxurious treat for guests.

While the bar itself is a modern creation, its rich flavors make it popular for festive occasions such as Eid, weddings, and family gatherings, where sweets play a central role in hospitality.

Its uniqueness lies in the combination of a glossy tempered chocolate shell, a crunchy kadifi‑pistachio filling, and vibrant candy‑melt designs, merging traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with contemporary confectionery techniques.

Common errors include overheating the chocolate (causing it to seize), under‑toasting the kadifi (resulting in a soggy texture), and filling the shell before the first chocolate layer is firm, which can cause leakage.

Tempering aligns the cocoa butter crystals, giving the shell a glossy finish, a firm snap, and resistance to melting at room temperature—qualities essential for a professional‑looking bar.

Yes. Prepare the chocolate shells and filling up to step 9, then refrigerate. Add the filling and top layer later, or store the completed bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to two months.

The shell should be smooth, glossy, and have a firm snap when broken. The interior filling should be creamy yet slightly crunchy from the toasted kadifi, and the colored candy‑melt designs should be vivid and well‑defined.

The YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt focuses on easy‑to‑follow, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic comfort foods with trending viral dishes, often emphasizing clear visual instructions and practical kitchen tips.

Matt combines straightforward, everyday kitchen tools with authentic Middle Eastern flavors, avoiding overly complex techniques while still delivering authentic taste. He often adapts traditional recipes for the home cook, unlike channels that rely on specialty equipment.