Dubai Chocolate Recipe
Dubai Chocolate Recipe is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Feelgoodfoodie on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min
Cost: $21.09 total, $2.64 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Chocolate (good quality dark or milk chocolate, broken into pieces)
- 100 g Katifi (shredded filo) (also called kataifi, shredded phyllo dough)
- 200 ml Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for frying, can use clarified butter)
- 50 g Pistachio Butter (unsweetened, smooth pistachio paste)
- 30 g Tahini (smooth sesame paste)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
Melt Chocolate
Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it gently in a double boiler or in 30‑second bursts in the microwave, stirring until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Mold
Pour half of the melted chocolate into the mold or loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Fry Katifi
Heat the oil in the frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Add the shredded katifi in small batches and fry until golden and crisp, about 2‑3 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Pistachio Butter and Tahini
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pistachio butter and tahini until a uniform paste forms.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Fried Katifi
Fold the fried katifi into the pistachio‑tahini paste, ensuring each strand is well‑coated.
Time: PT3M
Add Filling and Top Chocolate
Spread the katifi mixture over the first chocolate layer, then pour the remaining melted chocolate on top, smoothing the surface.
Time: PT5M
Set in Freezer
Place the filled mold in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
Time: PT30M
Unmold and Serve
Remove the bar from the freezer, briefly warm the underside of the mold with a warm towel, then invert to release the chocolate bar. Peel away the mold and slice as desired.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with dairy‑free chocolate and oil instead of butter
Allergens: Milk, Tree nuts, Sesame, Wheat (gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chocolate: Chocolate chips, Couverture chocolate
- Instead of Katifi (shredded filo): Shredded wheat cereal, Crispy rice cereal
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Ghee
- Instead of Pistachio Butter: Almond butter, Peanut butter
- Instead of Tahini: Sesame paste, Almond butter
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Double Boiler or Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Chocolate Mold or Loaf Pan
- Frying Pan or Deep Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Slotted Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Freezer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt chocolate completely without seizing
- Fry katifi to a golden crisp
- Evenly coat katifi with pistachio‑tahini mixture
- Set the bar in the freezer until firm
- Unmold without breaking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality couverture chocolate for a glossy finish.
- Toast the pistachio butter lightly before mixing for extra depth.
- Line the mold with parchment paper for easier unmolding.
Troubleshooting
Chocolate seizes or becomes grainy.
Return to low heat, add a teaspoon of neutral oil, and stir until smooth.
Katifi turns soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) and fry in small batches; drain thoroughly on paper towels.
Bar does not set firmly.
Ensure the chocolate is fully melted and the bar is placed in the freezer for the full 30 minutes; a thicker bar may need longer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw briefly before serving.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 1 day if kept in a cool, dry place.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chocolate layers and the katifi filling separately and store them in the fridge; assemble just before serving.
- The bar can be frozen after assembly and unwrapped when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dubai chocolate in United Arab Emirates cuisine?
Dubai chocolate bars are a popular street‑food treat in the UAE, blending the region’s love of rich, sweet chocolate with crunchy local pastries like kataifi. They reflect the Emirati tradition of combining nuts and sesame pastes with sweets, creating a snack that’s both indulgent and texturally exciting.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dubai chocolate in Middle Eastern cuisine?
In different Gulf states the bar may use roasted almonds instead of pistachios, or add dates and rose water for extra fragrance. Some versions replace kataifi with crispy phyllo strips, while others drizzle the finished bar with a thin layer of honey.
How is Dubai chocolate traditionally served in the United Arab Emirates?
It is typically served as a handheld bar, peeled from its chocolate coating and eaten on the go. Vendors often cut it into bite‑size pieces and serve it with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea for a sweet‑savory contrast.
On what occasions or celebrations is Dubai chocolate commonly enjoyed in Emirati culture?
Dubai chocolate is a popular snack during Ramadan evenings, festive gatherings, and at outdoor markets. Its portable nature makes it ideal for family picnics and celebrations such as Eid al‑Fitr.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Dubai chocolate bar versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include high‑quality dark or milk chocolate, kataifi (shredded phyllo), pistachio butter, and tahini. Substitutes can be shredded wheat for kataifi, almond butter for pistachio butter, or sesame paste for tahini, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with Dubai chocolate?
Pair it with Arabic coffee, cardamom‑spiced tea, or a light fruit salad featuring figs and pomegranate. It also complements savory mezze platters that include hummus and labneh, offering a sweet contrast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dubai chocolate at home?
Common errors include overheating the chocolate, which causes seizing; frying the kataifi at too low a temperature, resulting in soggy strands; and not allowing enough freezing time, which leads to a soft, crumbly bar. Follow the temperature guidelines and let the bar set fully.
Why does this Dubai chocolate recipe fry the kataifi instead of baking it?
Frying gives the kataifi an ultra‑light, airy crunch that baking cannot achieve. The rapid hot‑oil method creates a delicate, puffed texture that stays crisp even when encased in chocolate.
Can I make Dubai chocolate ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the bar up to the freezing step and keep it sealed in the freezer. Once set, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel Feelgoodfoodie specialize in?
Feelgoodfoodie focuses on approachable, comfort‑food recipes that blend global flavors with simple home‑cooking techniques, often highlighting sweet treats and snack‑style dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Feelgoodfoodie’s approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Feelgoodfoodie emphasizes quick, ingredient‑friendly adaptations of traditional Middle Eastern sweets, using everyday kitchen tools and minimal prep, whereas many other channels stick to more elaborate, authentic‑only methods.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
