I Tried Ghirardelli’s New “Dubai Chocolates,” and I Really, REALLY Get the Hype

Alexandra FosterEditorial Assistant
Alexandra FosterEditorial Assistant
As the Editorial Assistant for The Kitchn, I cover groceries, news, trends, people, and culture. I have 5 years of experience in communications and an MA in Food Studies from NYU. I previously worked at Food Network, and for nonprofits advocating for food justice.
published Nov 16, 2025
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Ghiradelli Dubai Chocolates.
Credit: Alexandra Foster

Food trends come and go. The one that’s surprised me with its (seemingly everlasting) staying power is “Dubai chocolate.” The OG Can’t Get Knafeh Of It bar (widely known as the Dubai Chocolate Bar) was created by Dubai-based company FIX Dessert Chocolatier in 2022. It didn’t take off in the U.S. until 2023, when a video of content creator Maria Vehera trying the bar went viral on TikTok.  

Now, you’ll find Dubai chocolate in all kinds of desserts, including mousse and chocolate chip cookie bars. Costco even has a Dubai chocolate cake. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s have come out with less expensive versions of the OG bar, and just recently Ghirardelli entered the chat with its own Dubai-style chocolates. 

I was lucky enough to try some samples ahead of its official launch in stores. Here’s how it went. 

Credit: Alexandra Foster

What You Should Know About Ghirardelli Dubai-Style Chocolate

Unlike the classic bar, Ghirardelli’s Dubai-Style Chocolate takes the form of little individually wrapped truffle-shaped balls. They are filled with pistachio and shredded kataifi pastry in the center and covered in a creamy milk chocolate that’s studded with crispy wafer balls to add even more texture.  

While the standard 4-ounce bags of the chocolates aren’t available just yet, they will be rolling out in select Ghirardelli stores throughout the month of November for $13.95 per bag. (You can sign up for email updates here.) The company is selling a 50-piece chocolate gift box for $75, and even larger 260-piece bulk cases for $299.95 just in time for the holiday season. Both are available for purchase on Ghirardelli’s website now. 

Credit: Alexandra Foster

My Honest Review of Ghirardelli’s Dubai-Style Chocolate

I’ve tried the original Dubai chocolate bar and several variations of it before. I’ve also made Dubai chocolate brownies from scratch, so it’s safe to say that I get the hype. Ghirardelli’s new chocolates are equally as delicious. 

Credit: Alexandra Foster

The filling inside has a prominent pistachio flavor (no artificial notes here), and the shredded kataifi provides the iconic crunch that’s made the bar go so viral. And if that wasn’t enough, the wafer balls provide even more snap. 

I’m normally a dark chocolate girl, but the rich and creamy milk chocolate works so well with the two-bite chocolates. The standard Dubai chocolate bar can be quite rich, so these are great for those who want a taste of the trend without having the whole decadent bar. 

Find it in stores: Ghirardelli Dubai-Style Chocolate

This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: I Tried Ghirardelli’s New “Dubai Chocolates,” and I Totally Get Why Shoppers Are Buying Hundreds at a Time

Alexandra Foster

Editorial Assistant

For the past 5+ years, I've worked in communications and managed companies' social media accounts. Before joining The Kitchn, I served as the Culinary Editorial Fellow for Food Network. My work has been published in Food Network, Whetstone Magazine, and NYU’s Bite Magazine. While working in the nonprofit world, I decided to further my education at New York University where I earned my MA in Food Studies. My aim is to highlight diverse voices in the food world through my storytelling. I am also passionate about ensuring that all people have access to food and have worked for the nonprofits Just Food and West Side Campaign Against Hunger advocating for food justice and food security. In my free time, I love trying new plant-based foods, listening to music or podcasts, going to concerts, and being in nature. I’ve also loved baking since I was a kid and find it very therapeutic, so I will jump on any chance I get to whip up a sweet treat.

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