I Spent £10 on the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar and it Was Worth Every Penny

My biggest vice and greatest pleasure? My sweet tooth.

Despite my dentist’s ongoing warnings, I have an awful habit of craving and devouring all things sugary. Just a few fillings away from completing my dental plan, my TikTok For You page decided to throw me a curveball.

Suddenly, it was flooded with videos of what can only be described as the most delicious chocolate bar I had ever seen.

Enter the Dubai Chocolate. Created in 2021 by Fix Dessert Chocolatier under the name ‘Can’t Get Knafeh of It’, this dessert sensation consists of three drool-worthy ingredients: Sweet pistachio cream, finely shredded kataifi (a delicate Greek pastry), Tahini paste – all wrapped in silky smooth milk chocolate.

The island’s version of the ‘Dubai Chocolate’ which is available at Gourmet Shakes on Strand Street.

This delicacy took over my thoughts. I found myself lying awake at night, lamenting the fact that I was born on a wind-swept island in the Irish Sea rather than in Dubai, where pistachio-filled chocolate bars surely flow freely. In 2024, influencers caught onto the craze, and suddenly I was hooked on something I hadn’t even tasted.

Watching videos of this chocolate was like being love-bombed by a Hinge match—heart-breaking yet utterly addictive.

Why do we willingly indulge in behaviours we know are terrible for us?

The selection of flavours at Gourmet Shakes Isle of Man.

Eventually, my obsession began to fade. That is, until yesterday.

I was doom-scrolling (as you do), justified by the fact that, as a journalist, it’s vital I keep up with every platform. That’s how I explain my shocking screen time, anyway. Then Gourmet Shakes Isle of Man appeared on my Facebook feed. Normally, they showcase milkshakes or brownies, nothing to make my heart race.

But then I saw it.

“All Back In Stock! – White Dubai Pistachio. Milk Dubai Pistachio. White Dubai Bueno. Milk Dubai Bueno. Milk Dubai Biscoff… Have you tried it yet?”

Cue the heavenly choir. Could it be? The mythical Dubai Chocolate had made its way to the Isle of Man! Gourmet Shakes on Strand Street had it in stock.

Before I could blink, my motor skills kicked in. My card details were authenticated, £10 had vanished from my bank account, and I had secured the goods.

But as the excitement faded, so did my confidence. Had I just made a ridiculous adult decision, spending £10 on a single chocolate bar? For context, Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, and even Guylian—my definition of ‘posh chocolate’ – all come in under that price tag.

The creamy pistachio filling oozing out of the chocolate bar.

Back at home, I gathered my family for a tasting session. I carefully divided the chocolate bar into equal pieces. Expectations were high. The fear of disappointment loomed large.

I took my first bite—and suddenly, I was in pistachio heaven. The texture was perfect: a delicate crunch balanced by creamy, nutty pistachio and a smooth chocolate coating. I looked over at my mum, silently seeking approval for my indulgent purchase.

“That’s worth every penny,” she declared.

My youngest sister wasn’t so convinced. But she’s only 16, and her taste buds are clearly not as refined as mine at the wise old age of 23.

Writing this has brought the whole experience flooding back. I can say without hesitation that I would buy this chocolate bar again. And again. And again. I may need a second job to fund my habit, but it’s worth it.

So, to the wonderful team at Gourmet Shakes, thank you for bringing this masterpiece to our little island. Expect to see me back soon, ready to try the other flavours—once my bank account has recovered, of course.