Dubai Chocolate: A Taste of Luxury and Tradition
The Dubai chocolate was created in 2021 by Sarah Hamouda of FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. It was branded as Can’t Get Knafeh of It. Popularity began in 2024 by social media influencers.
Dubai is a place of luxury, innovation, and a chocolate capital. Chocolates in Dubai are a mélange of Middle Eastern traditions and modern flair. Exotic flavors like saffron, rose, dates, and pistachios make up the traditional Dubai chocolate experience for chocolate lovers, offering something unique and luxurious.
If you’re searching for a way to recreate the spirit of Dubai chocolate according to natural processing, here is a traditional recipe for just that, with a lot of emphasis placed on traditional ingredients with less focus on processing.
Dubai-Style Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients:
- 100g cacao nibs (preferably organic and raw)
- 50g raw cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 20g cocoa butter (cold-pressed for natural richness)
- 1 tbsp date syrup (for authentic sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp rosewater (optional for a floral aroma)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios (unsalted)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional, for a luxurious touch)

Process:
- Roast the Cacao Nibs (Optional):
- Roast the cocoa nibs, dried dates, and cardamom in a pan over low heat. This enhances flavor; you may skip the roasting job if you’d rather have a full raw treat.
- Grind the Cacao:
- Use a stone grinder or a high-power food processor to grind the cacao nibs into a smooth paste. This may take some time but is essential for natural processing.
- Melt the Cocoa Butter:
- In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl placed over simmering water, gently melt the cocoa butter. Avoid direct heat to preserve nutrients.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the ground cacao paste to the melted cocoa butter. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the raw sugar, date syrup, and ground cardamom. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Add Flavorings:
- Stir in the rosewater and saffron strands, if using. These add a quintessential Dubai-inspired touch.
- Temper the Chocolate:
- To achieve a glossy finish and perfect snap, pour the mixture onto a marble slab and spread it back and forth with a spatula until it cools slightly.
- Mold the Chocolate:
- Pour the tempered chocolate into silicone molds or a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for added texture and flavor.
- Set and Enjoy:
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results. Once hardened, remove from molds or cut into pieces.
Tips for Natural Processing:
- Use unrefined and minimally processed ingredients to retain the nutritional benefits of cacao.
- Grinding cacao nibs manually with a stone grinder may take time but delivers an authentic texture and taste.
- Experiment with other Middle Eastern flavors like tahini or dried figs for variation.
Savor this homemade, Dubai-inspired chocolate with Arabic coffee or as an indulgent treat!

The caloric content of this recipe for Dubai chocolate is thought to be around 738 calories. Vary slightly depending on the particular brands and quantities that you use.
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