What Is the Green Stuff in Dubai Chocolate? Pistachio & Knafeh Filling Explained

Understanding the Green Filling in Dubai Chocolate

Introduction to Dubai Chocolate’s Green Filling

Dubai has become a global hotspot for luxury and gourmet desserts, and its latest viral sensation is the pistachio-filled chocolate bar. Known as the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar, this indulgent treat has gained widespread popularity on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with food lovers raving about its unique flavor and texture.

The chocolate bar is the creation of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a Dubai-based confectionery brand that specializes in modern twists on Middle Eastern flavors. The highlight of this chocolate is its vibrant green filling, which is made from pistachio cream, knafeh pastry strands, and tahini. This combination offers a rich, nutty taste with a crunchy texture, making it stand out from traditional chocolate bars.

What makes this chocolate particularly appealing is its balance of flavors—the sweetness of the chocolate, the nuttiness of the pistachio, the crispiness of knafeh, and the depth added by tahini. Unlike artificially colored confections, the green hue comes naturally from pistachios, enhancing its visual appeal and premium quality.

With limited availability and a luxurious presentation, this one-of-a-kind dessert has become a must-try for visitors in Dubai, further elevating the city’s reputation as a leader in innovative gourmet chocolates.


What Is the Green Stuff in Dubai Chocolate?

The green filling in Dubai’s famous chocolate bar is a combination of traditional Middle Eastern ingredients that provide both flavor and texture.

Pistachio Cream: The Star Ingredient

The dominant ingredient in the filling is pistachio cream, made from finely ground pistachios, sugar, and oil. Pistachios have a natural sweetness and buttery texture, making them a popular choice for Middle Eastern desserts. The paste adds richness and depth, giving the chocolate its signature smooth, creamy texture.

Knafeh Pastry Strands: The Crunch Factor

Knafeh is a famous Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded phyllo dough, also known as kataifi pastry. When toasted, these fine strands become golden and crispy, adding a crunchy contrast to the creamy pistachio filling.

Tahini (Sesame Paste): The Secret Ingredient

Tahini, a ground sesame seed paste, is a key component that enhances the earthy, nutty notes in the filling. It helps balance the sweetness while adding a rich, slightly savory depth to the chocolate bar.

Natural Green Color: No Artificial Additives

Unlike many mass-produced chocolates that use food coloring, the green color in this chocolate comes naturally from the pistachios and tahini. The chlorophyll in pistachios gives the filling its vibrant hue, making it both aesthetic and authentic.

This carefully crafted combination of ingredients makes Dubai’s pistachio-filled chocolate a luxurious, gourmet experience.


Traditional Middle Eastern Influence on Dubai Chocolate

Dubai’s gourmet chocolate industry often takes inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern desserts, incorporating classic flavors and textures into modern confections.

Knafeh: A Middle Eastern Classic

Knafeh is a beloved Arabic dessert made with shredded kataifi pastry, soaked in sweet syrup, and layered with cheese or nuts. The crispy, caramelized texture of knafeh is recreated in Dubai’s pistachio chocolate bar by incorporating toasted pastry strands into the filling.

Pistachios in Arabic Cuisine

Pistachios have been a staple in Middle Eastern sweets for centuries, commonly used in:

  • Baklava – layered filo pastry with honey and pistachios.
  • Ma’amoul – shortbread cookies filled with pistachios or dates.
  • Halva – a sesame-based confection often enriched with pistachios.

Tahini in Desserts

While tahini is commonly associated with savory dishes like hummus, it is also used in Arabic sweets to enhance texture and flavor. In Dubai’s pistachio chocolate, tahini acts as a binding agent, contributing to the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency of the filling.

By merging these traditional elements into a modern chocolate bar, Dubai has created a fusion dessert that resonates with both local and international audiences.

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The Science Behind the Green Color

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dubai’s pistachio chocolate bar is its natural green hue. Unlike artificially colored sweets, the green color in this chocolate is derived entirely from pistachios and tahini.

Why Are Pistachios Green?

Pistachios get their green color from chlorophyll, the same pigment found in green leafy vegetables. This natural compound gives pistachios their vibrant appearance and also provides antioxidant properties.

How Roasting Affects Color & Flavor

  • Lightly roasted pistachios retain a bright green hue.
  • Darker roasting results in a deeper, golden-green color and intensifies the nutty aroma.
  • The roasting process enhances sweetness and depth of flavor, making pistachio cream an ideal filling for chocolate.

Why No Artificial Coloring Is Needed

Unlike mass-produced chocolates that rely on synthetic food dyes, the natural oils and chlorophyll in pistachios give Dubai chocolate its signature green shade. The addition of tahini further deepens the earthy, nutty tones, creating a visually appealing and authentic gourmet treat.

The combination of natural ingredients, rich flavors, and a stunning presentation is what makes Dubai’s green-filled chocolate bar a standout in the global dessert scene.

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Variations, Popularity & FAQs

Different Variations of Dubai Chocolate’s Green Filling

While the classic pistachio and knafeh chocolate bar remains the most famous, several variations of the green filling have emerged, offering unique flavor profiles for different tastes.

Classic Pistachio & Knafeh

This is the original viral combination, where pistachio cream is blended with crunchy, buttery kataifi pastry (used in knafeh), offering a rich, nutty flavor with textural contrast.

Pistachio & White Chocolate

For those who prefer a sweeter, creamier version, pistachio cream is paired with white chocolate, enhancing the buttery smoothness while keeping the signature nutty flavor intact.

Pistachio & Rose Water

This version incorporates rose water, a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern sweets, adding a light floral essence that complements the earthy nuttiness of pistachios.

Matcha & Pistachio Fusion

Inspired by Asian-Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, this variation blends Japanese matcha green tea with pistachio cream, resulting in a subtly earthy, umami-rich filling with a deeper green hue.

Vegan & Dairy-Free Versions

For those avoiding dairy, coconut oil replaces butter, and dairy-free white or dark chocolate is used. The result is a creamy, plant-based indulgence with the same nutty and crunchy texture.

These variations showcase how pistachio-filled chocolate continues to evolve, making it a luxury dessert with endless creative possibilities.


Why the Green Pistachio Chocolate Bar Went Viral

Dubai’s pistachio-filled chocolate bar became a social media sensation, capturing the attention of foodies, influencers, and luxury dessert lovers worldwide. Here’s why it went viral:

1. Social Media Hype (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube)

  • The bright green filling, gold accents, and luxurious presentation made it instantly shareable on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
  • Influencers posted “first-bite reactions”, generating millions of views.

2. Luxury Appeal

  • The chocolate bar represents Dubai’s culture of indulgence, featuring handcrafted quality and premium ingredients like gold flakes, saffron, and artisanal pistachio cream.
  • Limited availability added an exclusivity factor, increasing its desirability.

3. Limited Availability

  • The original chocolate bar is only sold in Dubai and is not available for international shipping, making it a “must-try” for visitors.
  • Food tourists flock to Fix Dessert Chocolatier to experience the viral treat firsthand.

4. Middle Eastern Flavors in Modern Chocolate Making

  • The combination of knafeh, pistachio, and tahini introduces traditional Arabic dessert elements in a modern gourmet chocolate bar.

This viral success highlights Dubai’s innovation in the luxury dessert industry, combining visual appeal, exclusivity, and rich flavors.


Where to Buy or Make Your Own Pistachio Chocolate

If you’re looking to try or recreate the famous green pistachio chocolate bar, here’s where to find it:

Where to Buy in Dubai

  1. Fix Dessert Chocolatier (Original Creators)
    • The creators of the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar, located in Dubai.
    • Currently not available for international shipping.
  2. High-End Confectionery Shops
    • Stores in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Walk often sell pistachio-infused gourmet chocolates.
  3. Luxury Chocolate Boutiques
    • Brands like Mirzam and Vivel Patisserie offer pistachio-based chocolates with Arabic influences.

How to Make It at Home

Key Ingredients to Buy:

  • Pistachio paste (or homemade ground pistachios).
  • Kataifi pastry strands (shredded phyllo dough).
  • Tahini (sesame paste).
  • Dark, milk, or white chocolate for coating.
  • Coconut oil (for a smooth chocolate texture).

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Toast kataifi pastry in butter until golden brown.
  2. Mix pistachio paste, tahini, and a pinch of sea salt.
  3. Fold in the toasted kataifi for a crunchy filling.
  4. Melt chocolate and coat silicone molds.
  5. Fill with pistachio mixture and seal with more chocolate.
  6. Chill for 1 hour, then unmold and enjoy!

By making it at home, you can customize the sweetness and flavors while experiencing a taste of Dubai’s viral chocolate trend.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the green filling in Dubai chocolate made of?

The green filling consists of pistachios, knafeh pastry, and tahini, blended into a creamy yet crunchy texture.

2. Does Dubai chocolate use artificial coloring?

No! The green color is completely natural, derived from pistachios’ chlorophyll content and tahini’s earthy hue.

3. Can I make pistachio-filled chocolate at home?

Yes! You need:

  • Pistachio paste or finely ground pistachios.
  • Toasted kataifi pastry for crunch.
  • Tahini for a rich, nutty depth.
  • High-quality chocolate for coating.
    Follow the step-by-step guide above for an authentic recreation.

4. Where can I buy the original Dubai chocolate bar?

The “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar is only sold in Dubai at Fix Dessert Chocolatier and not available for international shipping.

5. Is pistachio chocolate healthy?

Yes! Pistachios are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutrient-dense alternative to sugary fillings.

6. What makes Dubai chocolate unique?

  • Luxury ingredients like gold flakes, saffron, and pistachios.
  • Middle Eastern-inspired flavors combined with European techniques.
  • Handcrafted quality and limited availability, making it highly sought-after.

7. Can I use almond or cashew cream instead of pistachio?

Yes! While pistachio is the traditional choice, you can experiment with almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter for a different nutty flavor.


Conclusion

Dubai’s green pistachio-filled chocolate is more than just a viral trend—it’s a culinary masterpiece that blends Middle Eastern heritage with modern gourmet chocolate making. With its rich pistachio cream, crispy knafeh pastry, and nutty tahini, it delivers an unparalleled taste experience.

The limited availability and luxury appeal of this chocolate bar have only increased its global demand, making it a must-try treat for visitors to Dubai. Whether you buy it from Fix Dessert Chocolatier or make it at home, this iconic chocolate remains a symbol of Dubai’s innovation in luxury desserts. 🍫✨

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