I feel like it wasn’t that long ago that I first saw a video about the Dubai chocolate bar on social media. The stuffed chocolate bar — which has gone viral — features a combo of pistachio cream and crunchy filo pastry filling.
While I have yet to try the actual Dubai chocolate bar — which is said to be not only aesthetically pleasing, but a mouthwatering combo of textures and flavors — various shops around Oʻahu have launched their own renditions of the trendy dessert.
Feast your eyes on these creative concoctions:
Aloha Mamacita
Aloha Mamacita (500 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 4A) recently launched a new line-up of Dubai chocolate bar-inspired desserts. These new treats came soon after the biz introduced Dubai chocolate lattes and Dubai matcha lattes.
These desserts are a mix of chocolate, strawberry and pistachio. Take your pick from tiramisu with pistachio cream and kataifi ($9.95); cheesecake cups with layers of fresh strawberries, cheesecake, pistachio sauce and dark chocolate ($9.95); cream puffs ($7); and puffies ($7). Puffies feature a pistachio pastry cream with strawberry puree and are topped with chocolate ganache, pistachio cream, pistachios and kataifi.
Of the different treats, the puffies and cheesecake cups were my favorites. The cheesecake cups are fun to eat because of its layers, and the puffies boast that signature flaky exterior and a generous amount of filling.
Call 808-650-0029 or follow the biz on Instagram (@aloha.mamacita).
Dipped by Dee
Due to popular demand, Dipped by Dee (99-080 Kauhale St. B1) only features Dubai strawberry drip cups on Fridays to Sundays during store hours (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays). These drip cups have a cult-like following; don’t be surprised to see a line outside of the shop during weekends.
Drip cups start at $9 each and include milk or white chocolate plus strawberries. To get Dubai drip cups, add pistachio drizzle (an additional $3) and kataifi (an additional $3) for that extra creaminess and texture.
Drip cups are recommended to be enjoyed immediately, and are sold without lids.
Dipped by Dee’s Dubai apples ($16) are available daily. They come with a caramel dip and pistachio dip, and are rolled in kataifi and drizzled in milk chocolate.
Call 808-913-8083 or visit dippedbydee.com.
Via Gelato
Via Gelato’s (1142 11th Ave.) Dubai chocolate strawberry sundae is a monthly special. It features layers of Fierce Chocolate gelato, pistachio gelato, fudge, strawberry drizzle and crispy golden knafeh crunch.
The knafeh features thin strands of pastry that’s soaked in clarified butter then baked until crispy. The texture gives the sundae a nice, crispy element that contrasts nicely with the creamy gelato.
Choose from grande ($20) or minuto ($14.57) sizes.
Call 808-732-2800 or visit viagelatohawaii.com.
Walking Bean Café
Located on Kapahulu Avenue, Walking Bean Café is featuring Dubai chocolate bar-inspired desserts as part of its featured April specials.
Its Dubai chocolate lava cheesecake ($15.50) comprises velvety cheesecake topped with ice cream, hot fudge, pistachio cream and kataifi. It’s truly indulgent, thanks to the ice cream.
Meanwhile, the café’s Dubai chocolate strawberry cups ($15.50) include chopped strawberries topped with chocolate sauce, crispy kataifi, creamy pistachio sauce and a petite macaron.
Call 808-745-9377 or follow the biz on Instagram (@walkingbeanhawaii).
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
