Dubai Chocolate Recipe
The Dubai Chocolate Recipe is a decadent, Middle Eastern-inspired treat that brings together crisp kataifi pastry, creamy pistachio paste, and luscious chocolate in every bite. Imagine the delicate crunch of toasted pastry, the nutty richness of pistachios, and the silky hug of dark or milk chocolate—all wrapped up in a stunning, elegant bar. Whether you’re serving these at a festive gathering or indulging in a quiet moment with coffee, this chocolate recipe instantly transports you to the heart of Dubai’s vibrant dessert scene.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dubai Chocolate Recipe is in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one has a starring role—whether it’s for adding texture, depth of flavor, or a burst of color that makes your chocolate bars truly unforgettable.
- Kataifi Pastry (5 ounces): These fine shreds of phyllo pastry toast up beautifully, giving a delightful crunch and a golden hue to every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (2 ounces): Butter is the magic that transforms kataifi into a crisp, aromatic base for the filling.
- Pistachio Paste (12 ounces): Rich, nutty, and vibrant green, this brings authentic Middle Eastern flavor and a creamy core to your chocolate bars.
- Tahini (0.8 ounces): Just a hint of this sesame paste adds a subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and pistachios.
- Pinch of Salt: Never skip the salt—it sharpens and elevates all the other flavors in this Dubai Chocolate Recipe.
- Dark or Milk Chocolate, Melted (1 pound): Choose your favorite; dark chocolate adds intensity while milk chocolate lends a creamy sweetness to your finished bars.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Kataifi
Start by melting the butter in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Toss in the kataifi pastry, gently breaking up any clumps as you go. Keep stirring and toasting for about 10 minutes until it turns evenly golden and crisp. This step is key—the toasty aroma will fill your kitchen and promise a perfectly crunchy texture inside your bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Pistachio Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the pistachio paste, tahini, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Add the toasted kataifi and mix thoroughly so every strand of pastry is coated in that creamy, nutty filling. Set this aside—you’ve just created the heart of your Dubai Chocolate Recipe.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Set up two large chocolate bar molds on a tray for easy handling. Melt half of your chocolate—whether dark or milk—until it’s completely smooth and glossy. Melting the chocolate gently is crucial to avoid burning and to get that flawless shine on your finished bars.
Step 4: Create the Chocolate Shell
If you want extra flair, drizzle a little colored melted chocolate on the bottom of your molds now. Then pour half of your melted chocolate into each mold, tilting and swirling to coat the sides and bottom evenly. Pour out the excess, leaving behind a thin, even chocolate shell. Pop the molds into the fridge and let them set for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Fill the Chocolate Shells
Once your shells have set, melt the remaining chocolate. Spoon the kataifi-pistachio filling into each chocolate shell, pressing it gently so it’s evenly distributed but not packed too tightly. This combination is what gives the Dubai Chocolate Recipe its luxurious texture and unforgettable flavor.
Step 6: Seal and Chill
Pour the rest of your melted chocolate over the filled molds to seal everything inside. Smooth the tops and scrape away any excess for a neat, professional finish. Place the molds back in the fridge for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
Step 7: Unmold and Serve
Once the chocolate has hardened completely, carefully unmold the bars. They should pop out easily with a gentle tap, revealing shiny, beautiful chocolate bars with an irresistible filling. Now you’re ready to share—or savor—your homemade creation!
How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes
For an elegant and authentic touch, sprinkle your bars with chopped pistachios, a dusting of edible gold leaf, or even a few rose petals. These simple garnishes highlight the luxurious flavors and give your Dubai Chocolate Recipe an eye-catching finish worthy of a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair these chocolate bars with strong Arabic coffee for a classic Middle Eastern experience, or serve alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness. They also make a decadent addition to a dessert tray with other treats like baklava or dates.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chocolate bars into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing, wrap them in parchment and ribbon for beautiful edible gifts, or stack them on a cake stand for a dazzling dessert centerpiece. However you serve it, the Dubai Chocolate Recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the fridge to ensure the chocolate stays perfectly firm and the filling remains fresh.
Freezing
These chocolate bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them come to room temperature for the best texture before serving.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary for the Dubai Chocolate Recipe, but if you want to enjoy them slightly softened, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating. This will enhance the flavors and make the filling extra luscious.
FAQs
Can I use regular phyllo instead of kataifi?
Kataifi gives a unique, airy crunch that’s hard to replicate with regular phyllo. If you must substitute, try to shred the phyllo as finely as possible, but expect a slightly different texture in the final product.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate for this recipe?
The safest method is to melt chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. This ensures smooth, glossy chocolate for the shells and prevents scorching.
Is it possible to make the Dubai Chocolate Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate, and check that your pistachio paste and kataifi are vegan-friendly. The flavors remain just as rich and satisfying.
Can I use white chocolate instead of dark or milk?
Yes, white chocolate adds a sweeter, creamier profile and looks gorgeous against the green pistachio filling. Just be sure to watch the sweetness level, as white chocolate is much sweeter than dark or milk.
How do I find kataifi pastry?
Kataifi can usually be found in the freezer section of Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores. If you’re having trouble, ask for shredded phyllo dough—it’s the same thing!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends or treat yourself to something truly special, you can’t go wrong with the Dubai Chocolate Recipe. Give it a try and let yourself be transported by every rich, crunchy, chocolatey bite—your dessert game will never be the same!
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Dubai Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dubai Chocolate Recipe combines crispy kataifi pastry, rich pistachio paste, and smooth tahini, all coated in a luxurious chocolate shell. This delightful Middle Eastern inspired treat offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, ideal for serving as an indulgent dessert or a special snack.
Ingredients
Kataifi Pastry & Butter
- 5 ounces kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo), chopped and separated
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
Filling
- 12 ounces pistachio paste
- ¾ ounce tahini (approximately 0.8 oz)
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Shell
- 1 pound dark or milk chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Toast Kataifi: In a large, high-sided skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the kataifi pastry, breaking it up as you go. Toast it thoroughly, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until evenly golden and crunchy.
- Prepare Pistachio Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pistachio paste, tahini, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and uniform. Add the toasted kataifi and stir gently to evenly blend all ingredients. Set this mixture aside.
- Melt Chocolate: Prepare two large chocolate bar molds on a tray. Melt half of the chocolate until smooth and fluid, suitable for coating the molds.
- Create Chocolate Shell: Optionally drizzle some melted colored chocolate on the bottom of the molds for decoration. Spoon half of the melted chocolate into each mold, tilting carefully to fully coat the sides and bottoms. Pour out any excess chocolate so that a thin, even shell remains. Refrigerate for approximately 10 minutes until the shells are firm.
- Fill Chocolate Shells: Melt the remaining chocolate. Fill each chocolate shell with the kataifi-pistachio mixture, pressing it gently and evenly to fill all spaces inside the mold.
- Seal and Chill: Spoon the final layer of melted chocolate over the filling to seal it in. Smooth the surface and remove any excess chocolate for a clean finish. Place the molds back into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until completely set.
- Unmold and Serve: Carefully remove the hardened chocolate bars from the molds. They should release easily once fully set. Serve as a decadent dessert or treat.
Notes
- Ensure the kataifi pastry is chopped and separated well before toasting for even crispiness.
- Use high-quality dark or milk chocolate for best flavor results.
- If preferred, add a drizzle of colored chocolate on the shells for decorative effect.
- Press the filling firmly to avoid air pockets in the final product.
- Store finished bars in a cool place or refrigeration to maintain texture.
- This recipe is not suitable for people with nut allergies due to pistachios and tahini.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Toasting, mixing, molding, chilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 70 grams)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg