dubai chocolate bar

Introduction

As the warm desert wind swept through the gold-adorned corridors of Dubai Mall, I found myself drawn to a small, elegantly designed chocolatier tucked between luxury fashion houses. There, glistening behind pristine glass displays, was my first encounter with the famous Dubai chocolate bar – a confectionery masterpiece that has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years.

The Dubai chocolate bar represents so much more than just a sweet treat. It embodies the opulence, cultural fusion, and innovative spirit that has transformed Dubai from a humble pearl-diving settlement into a global icon of luxury. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur or simply curious about this exotic confection, this comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Dubai chocolate bar – from its fascinating origin story to where you can find the most authentic versions in the city and beyond.

For those unfamiliar, the Dubai chocolate bar is a premium confectionery creation that typically features the finest cocoa combined with distinctly Middle Eastern ingredients like dates, saffron, camel milk, rosewater, and premium nuts. Each bar is often adorned with edible gold leaf – a nod to Dubai’s reputation as the “City of Gold.” But there’s much more to discover about this luxurious treat, so let’s dive deeper into the world of Dubai chocolate.

What is the Dubai Chocolate Bar?

Definition and Characteristics

The Dubai chocolate bar is a premium chocolate confection that originated in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Dubai. Unlike ordinary chocolate bars, the Dubai chocolate bar is characterized by its luxurious ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and distinctive fusion of traditional Middle Eastern flavors with fine chocolate.

The original Dubai chocolate bar typically consists of:

• High-quality cocoa (usually 60-75% dark chocolate, though milk and white chocolate variations exist)
• Dates or date paste (often using premium Khalas or Medjool varieties)
• Nuts (commonly pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts)
• Spices (such as cardamom, saffron, or cinnamon)
• Edible gold leaf decoration

What truly sets the Dubai chocolate bar apart is its exquisite presentation. Each bar is often handcrafted and packaged in opulent, gift-worthy boxes that reflect Dubai’s reputation for luxury and extravagance.

Unique Characteristics

The Dubai chocolate bar stands apart from other chocolate confections in several distinctive ways:

1. Cultural Fusion: It represents a perfect marriage between European chocolate-making traditions and Middle Eastern flavors.
2. Premium Ingredients: Only the finest ingredients are used, often sourced locally (such as dates from nearby farms) or imported from specific regions known for quality.
3. Artistic Presentation: Many Dubai chocolate bars feature intricate designs inspired by Islamic geometric patterns or Dubai’s iconic skyline.
4. Gold Embellishment: Edible 24-karat gold is frequently used as decoration, symbolizing the luxury associated with Dubai.
5. Limited Production: Many Dubai chocolate bars are produced in small batches, emphasizing quality over quantity.

The History and Origins

The story of the Dubai chocolate bar is relatively recent, mirroring Dubai’s own rapid transformation into a global city of luxury and innovation.

The Birth of an Icon

The Dubai chocolate bar as we know it today emerged around 2012-2015, coinciding with Dubai’s growing reputation as a luxury tourism destination. While there isn’t a single inventor credited with its creation, several high-end chocolatiers in Dubai began experimenting with incorporating local flavors into premium chocolate products.

Al Nassma, the world’s first camel milk chocolate company established in Dubai in 2008, played a significant role in pioneering the concept of “Dubai chocolate” by introducing camel milk chocolate to the world. However, the Dubai chocolate bar with its specific combination of dates, nuts, and gold evolved through the creative efforts of multiple local chocolatiers.

Cultural Significance

The Dubai chocolate bar represents the emirate’s unique ability to blend tradition with modernity. The incorporation of dates – a fruit with deep cultural importance in Emirati heritage – alongside luxury ingredients like saffron and gold leaf symbolizes how Dubai honors its past while embracing contemporary luxury.

“The Dubai chocolate bar is not just a confection; it’s a cultural ambassador that tells the story of our city through taste.” – Renowned Dubai-based pastry chef Saeed Al Mahrouqi

Types and Flavors

The Dubai chocolate bar has evolved into numerous variations, each offering a unique taste experience. Here are the most popular types you’ll encounter:

Classic Dubai Chocolate Bar (Original)

The original Dubai chocolate bar features premium dark chocolate (typically 70% cocoa) infused with date paste and chopped pistachios, topped with a delicate sheet of edible gold leaf.

Ingredients:

• Premium dark chocolate
• Khalas date paste
• Roasted pistachios
• Cardamom
• Edible gold leaf

Flavor Profile: Rich cocoa notes balanced by the natural caramel sweetness of dates, with earthy pistachios and a hint of cardamom adding complexity.

Knafeh Pistachio Dubai Chocolate Bar

This innovative variation incorporates elements of the popular Middle Eastern dessert, knafeh.

Ingredients:

• Milk chocolate
• Pistachios
• Shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
• Cheese-flavored white chocolate filling
• Rosewater
• Edible gold dust

Flavor Profile: Creamy milk chocolate with a surprising crunchy texture from the phyllo, complemented by floral rosewater notes and the rich nuttiness of pistachios.

Saffron Dubai Chocolate Bar

Perhaps the most luxurious variation, featuring the world’s most expensive spice.

Ingredients:

• White chocolate
• Premium Iranian saffron
• Honey
• Crushed almonds
• Rosewater
• Edible gold flakes

Flavor Profile: Creamy white chocolate base with distinct floral saffron notes, sweetened with honey and given depth by the almonds.

Camel Milk Dubai Chocolate Bar

A truly authentic Emirati experience, using camel milk instead of cow’s milk.

Ingredients:

• Camel milk chocolate (35-40% cocoa)
• Dates
• Cardamom
• Crushed almonds
• Sea salt
• Edible silver or gold decorations

Flavor Profile: Milder and slightly saltier than traditional milk chocolate, with a distinctive earthy quality that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dates.

Arabic Coffee (Qahwa) Dubai Chocolate Bar

Perfect for coffee lovers, this variation captures the essence of traditional Arabic coffee.

Ingredients:

• Dark chocolate (75-85% cocoa)
• Arabic coffee
• Cardamom
• Saffron
• Date syrup
• Crushed pistachios

Flavor Profile: Intensely rich with pronounced coffee notes, aromatic cardamom, and just enough date sweetness to balance the bitterness.

Customer Review: “The Arabic Coffee Dubai Chocolate Bar transported me straight to a majlis in the desert. The combination of bitter coffee notes with sweet dates is absolutely divine.” – Sarah J., Chocolate Blogger

Where to Buy

Luxury Chocolatiers in Dubai

1. Mirzam Chocolate Makers

Location: Al Quoz, Dubai Website: www.mirzam.com Specialties: Bean-to-bar Dubai chocolate bars with local spice infusions Atmosphere: Industrial-chic space where you can watch the chocolate-making process

2. Forrey & Galland

Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai Website: www.forreyandgalland.com Specialties: Artisanal Dubai chocolate bars with gold leaf and custom designs Atmosphere: Elegant Parisian-style boutique with luxury gift packaging

3. Al Nassma Chocolate

Location: Dubai Mall and various locations Website: www.al-nassma.com Specialties: Camel milk Dubai chocolate bars Atmosphere: Modern boutique with Arabian design elements

4. The Chocolate Bar Dubai

Location: Jumeirah Website: www.thechocolatebardubai.com Specialties: Customizable Dubai chocolate bars with date and gold variations Atmosphere: Boutique chocolate workshop where visitors can create their own bars

5. BRIX Desserts

Location: Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Website: www.brixdessert.com Specialties: Contemporary Dubai chocolate bars with unique flavor combinations Atmosphere: Modern dessert bar with chocolate tasting options

Online Retailers

For those unable to visit Dubai, several online retailers ship Dubai chocolate bars internationally:

1. Dubai Duty Free Online: www.dubaidutyfree.com
2. Bateel Online: www.bateel.com
3. Amazon International: Search for “Dubai chocolate bar original”
4. Luxury Food Hampers: www.luxuryfoodhampers.com

DIY Recipe: Homemade Dubai Chocolate Bar

While nothing compares to the authentic experience, you can create your own version of the Dubai chocolate bar at home with this recipe:

Ingredients:

For the chocolate base:

• 300g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 50g cocoa butter (optional, for smoother texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Pinch of sea salt

For the date filling:

• 100g soft Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon rosewater (optional)
• Pinch of saffron threads (optional)

For decoration:

• 50g pistachios, finely chopped
• Edible gold leaf or gold dust (available at specialty baking stores)

Equipment:

• Chocolate molds (rectangular bar shapes)
• Double boiler or heatproof bowl and saucepan
• Food processor
• Thermometer (optional, but helpful)
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the date filling:
   • Place pitted dates in a food processor with water, rosewater, and saffron if using.
   • Blend until smooth, adding a tiny bit more water if needed to form a thick paste.
   • Set aside.
2. Temper the chocolate:
   • Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water).
   • Add 2/3 of the chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until melted (around 45-50°C or 113-122°F).
   • Remove from heat and add remaining 1/3 of chocolate, stirring until melted and temperature drops to about 31-32°C (88-90°F) for dark chocolate.
   • Stir in cardamom powder and sea salt.
3. Assemble the bars:
   • Pour a thin layer of tempered chocolate into each mold.
   • Allow to set slightly but not completely (about 2 minutes).
   • Add a thin layer of date paste in the center, leaving space around the edges.
   • Pour remaining chocolate over the top to fill the molds.
   • Tap molds gently to remove air bubbles.
4. Decorate:
   • While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
   • Allow to set completely (about 2 hours at room temperature or 30 minutes in refrigerator).
   • Once set, carefully unmold the chocolate bars.
   • Using a clean, dry brush, apply small pieces of edible gold leaf or dust to the top of each bar.
5. Store:
   • Wrap in foil or parchment paper and store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Reviews and Comparisons

Having sampled Dubai chocolate bars from various chocolatiers around the city, here’s my unbiased assessment of the top contenders:

Mirzam’s Original Dubai Chocolate Bar

Rating: ★★★★★ Pros: Bean-to-bar process ensures exceptional quality; subtle spicing that doesn’t overwhelm the chocolate Cons: Less ornate than some competitors; limited availability outside Dubai Verdict: The purist’s choice with the most balanced flavor profile

Al Nassma’s Camel Milk Dubai Chocolate Bar

Rating: ★★★★☆ Pros: Truly unique flavor experience; authentic Emirati ingredients Cons: The distinctive camel milk flavor may not appeal to everyone Verdict: Most authentic cultural experience; conversation starter

Forrey & Galland’s Gold-Dusted Dubai Chocolate Bar

Rating: ★★★★☆ Pros: Stunningly beautiful presentation; excellent gift option Cons: Price point is highest among competitors; somewhat style over substance Verdict: Best for gifts and special occasions; most visually impressive

BRIX’s Date & Saffron Dubai Chocolate Bar

Rating: ★★★★☆ Pros: Most innovative flavor combinations; contemporary twist on tradition Cons: Less traditional; limited edition availability Verdict: Best for adventurous palates seeking new interpretations

The Chocolate Bar Dubai’s Custom Creation

Rating: ★★★★★ Pros: Fully customizable experience; freshest ingredients Cons: Inconsistent experience depending on your choices Verdict: Most fun experience; best for those who want to participate in creation

Nutritional Information

The nutritional content of Dubai chocolate bars varies significantly depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used. However, here’s a general guideline for a standard 50g Dubai chocolate bar with dates and nuts:

Note: Bars containing higher percentages of cocoa typically have more antioxidants but also more calories. Camel milk variations may have slightly different nutritional profiles.

Latest Trends and Updates

The Dubai chocolate bar continues to evolve, with several exciting new developments in recent months:

What’s New

1. Sustainable Sourcing: Several Dubai chocolatiers have committed to ethically sourced cocoa and local ingredients, with Mirzam leading the charge with their single-origin sustainable chocolate bars.
2. Limited Edition Skyline Series: A new collection featuring Dubai’s iconic buildings molded into chocolate bars has been launched, perfect for tourists seeking memorable souvenirs.
3. Wellness-Focused Variations: Lower-sugar Dubai chocolate bars made with date sugar instead of refined sugar have emerged, catering to health-conscious consumers.
4. Virtual Chocolate Tasting: Several chocolatiers now offer online tasting sessions where participants receive Dubai chocolate bar tasting kits delivered to their homes before joining a virtual guided tasting.
5. Collaboration with Emirati Artists: Chocolate packaging featuring works by local artists has become a trend, turning these treats into collectible art pieces.

Conclusion

The Dubai chocolate bar represents everything that makes Dubai itself so fascinating – a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, luxury and authenticity. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a coveted gourmet treat, this unique confection tells the story of a city that transforms everything it touches into gold – sometimes literally!

Whether you’re planning a trip to Dubai and want to sample the original creations, looking to order these luxurious treats online, or ambitious enough to try making your own at home, I hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to appreciate the artistry behind the Dubai chocolate bar.

Have you tried a Dubai chocolate bar? Which flavor variation sounds most appealing to you? I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions in the comments below!

Share Your Creation!

I’d love to see how your dubai chocolate bar turns out! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. You can also share your creation by tagging me on pinterest @bake_iteasy with the hashtag #dubai chocolate bar.