Name: Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded phyllo or kataifi (cut into small pieces); 1 tbsp coconut oil (for frying); 1.5 cups pistachio butter; 2 cups dark chocolate (dairy-free recommended); 1 tbsp coconut oil (for melting the chocolate); Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate; 1 tsp matcha powder (to color the white chocolate)

If you love the idea of rich, nutty flavors paired with crunchy textures, then you’re going to adore this Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe. It’s that perfect indulgence that combines creamy pistachio butter, dark chocolate, and crispy fried phyllo dough in one irresistible bar.

The image shows two pieces of dark brown chocolate bars with a green and white drizzle on top, resting on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the top smooth chocolate layer with green and white swirled drizzle, a middle layer of textured light brown nutty filling, and a bottom smooth dark chocolate layer. Next to the chocolate bars are scattered pistachio nuts with varied green and brown tones. In the upper part of the image are glass bowls, one with white cream and another with more pistachios. A white marbled surface underlies everything, and a small spoon with chocolate sauce sits in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tried a pistachio chocolate bar inspired by Dubai’s famous street treat and instantly knew I had to recreate it at home. This version nails that crunchy yet creamy combo, and the addition of vibrant matcha drizzle makes it feel extra special.

Crunchy meets creamy: Fried shredded phyllo dough gives a satisfying crisp contrast to smooth pistachio butter.
Vibrant and beautiful: The matcha-colored white chocolate drizzle isn’t just pretty—it adds a subtle earthy note.
Vegan and dairy-free friendly: With dairy-free dark chocolate, this treat fits nicely into a plant-based diet.
Simple but impressive: The process feels gourmet, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering ingredients, look for high-quality pistachio butter and dairy-free chocolate for the best flavor and texture. Also, kataifi or shredded phyllo dough is the key for that classic crunchy base—something easily found in most Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores.

Flat lay of a small pile of shredded golden kataifi dough pieces, a few whole green pistachios with shells removed showing their vibrant green nuts, a smooth dollop of creamy pistachio butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy melted dark chocolate, another small white ceramic bowl holding shiny melted white chocolate tinted light green with matcha powder sprinkled beside it, a small white ceramic bowl with melted coconut oil, and two whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shredded phyllo or kataifi: Provides that light, crispy texture upon frying, forming the crunchy base you'll love.
Coconut oil (for frying): Adds a subtle tropical note and helps fry the kataifi evenly without overpowering flavors.
Pistachio butter: Rich and nutty, this creamy spread is what makes the filling decadent and uniquely flavorful.
Dark chocolate: Using dairy-free chocolate ensures a silky coating that's intense yet smooth, perfect for sealing the bars.
Coconut oil (for melting chocolate): Helps melt the chocolate evenly and gives the coating a glossy finish.
White chocolate (optional): Useful for making the signature matcha drizzle and adding visual contrast.
Matcha powder: Colors the white chocolate a vibrant green and adds a delicate earthy note that balances the sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar recipe is how easily you can tailor it to fit your tastes and pantry. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — after all, the best treats come from a little creativity in the kitchen!

Nutty Swap: If you want to experiment beyond pistachio butter, almond or cashew butter can bring a different but equally lovely twist. When I tried almond butter, the flavor was a bit milder but still paired beautifully with the crispy kataifi.
Dairy-Free or Decadent: Using dairy-free dark chocolate keeps the bars vegan and light, but if you prefer a richer taste, feel free to choose your favorite high-quality milk chocolate instead.
Matcha Magic: If you’re not a fan of matcha or can’t find any, simply skip the green drizzle or use plain white chocolate for a classic look. I’ve done both, and they each have their own charm!
Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or even sesame seeds into the kataifi-pistachio filling for an added texture boost and a little more nutty flavor.
Seasonal Touch: Around the holidays, I love adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling. It’s subtle but adds a warm aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and pistachios.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe

A white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface holds a thick, greenish paste with a rough texture from small fibrous strands mixed through it. A dark spoon is partially buried in the paste, resting against the inside edge of the bowl. The green mixture clings unevenly to the sides of the bowl, showing its dense and sticky consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cut and Prepare Your Kataifi Dough

Start by cutting your shredded phyllo (kataifi) into small, manageable pieces—either by hand or with a knife. This will help the kataifi fry evenly and get that perfect golden crispiness we're after. Having smaller strands means every bite gets that wonderful crunch that’s signature to this viral treat.

Step 2: Fry the Kataifi Until Golden and Crispy

Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your shredded kataifi and keep tossing it continuously for about 5 minutes. Keep your eyes on it—kataifi browns fast and can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. When you see a gorgeous golden brown color and smell that heavenly toasted aroma, scoop it out immediately onto a bowl to cool. This crunchy base is what makes the bar so uniquely addictive.

Step 3: Gently Melt Your Chocolates

Place the dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each until the chocolate is silky smooth. Separately, melt the white chocolate (if using), then stir in the matcha powder for that vibrant green swirl—an authentic nod to the original Dubai bar’s beautiful design. Watching the colors come alive in the white chocolate drizzle always feels like a little kitchen magic.

Step 4: Layer Your Chocolate Base and Freeze

Drizzle the matcha-infused white chocolate into your mold for that delicate pop of color, then pour over the dark chocolate and spread into an even thin layer. Pop the mold into the freezer for 10 minutes until the chocolate base firms up nicely. This step sets the stage for building those luscious layers.

Step 5: Mix the Cooled Kataifi with Pistachio Butter

Once your kataifi has cooled completely, mix it with 1.5 cups of pistachio butter. It’s best if the pistachio butter is at room temperature—makes combining so much easier and ensures every shredded piece is coated lovingly in that creamy, nutty paste. This mixture is the heart of our Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar, delivering that irresistible texture and flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Bars with Love

Take the chocolate mold out of the freezer and carefully fill it with your kataifi-pistachio mixture, packing it gently but firmly. Spoon more melted dark chocolate on top to seal the filling inside, then smooth the surface for a neat finish. This little layer of chocolate topcoat locks in all the deliciousness and makes sure every bar is a neat, elegant bite.

Step 7: Freeze Until Firm and Enjoy!

Place the filled mold back into the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, giving the bars plenty of time to set completely. When they’re firm, pop them out, crack them open, and savor that perfect combination of crunchy kataifi, creamy pistachio, and luscious chocolate. Trust me, every bite is pure bliss!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect texture and flavor in your Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe, ensuring each bite is as irresistible as the original treat.

Fry Kataifi Perfectly: Keep the heat at medium and constantly toss the shredded phyllo dough to get an even golden crisp without burning. I learned the hard way that kataifi browns fast, so don’t walk away!
Room Temperature Pistachio Butter: Let your pistachio butter soften before mixing with the fried kataifi. This helps the filling blend smoothly, making assembly easier and the texture more uniform.
Chocolate Melting Method: Melting chocolate in short microwave bursts, stirring in between, ensures a silky smooth coating without seizing—this technique transformed my chocolate finish completely.
Freeze with Patience: Allowing the bars to freeze for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to an hour, guarantees they hold together beautifully and crack with that satisfying snap.

How to Serve Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a chocolate bar broken in half showing two layers; the top layer is dark brown chocolate with a smooth texture and the bottom layer is dark brown chocolate mixed with green and white swirls creating a marble effect. Inside the bar, there is a filling of light brown shredded flakes with a slightly rough texture, packed densely. In the background on a white marbled surface, there is a white bowl with green contents, a white bowl with a white creamy substance, and scattered pistachio nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your bars with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for extra crunch and color. A light dusting of edible gold dust or a delicate drizzle of extra matcha white chocolate also adds a festive and authentic touch.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside lightly brewed mint tea or cardamom-spiced coffee to balance the richness of the chocolate. A side of fresh berries or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream can also complement the nutty, chocolatey flavor beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bars in an airtight container in the freezer. This keeps them fresh and maintains the crisp texture for up to 1 week.

Freezing

Freeze the bars after assembly by sealing the top with additional melted dark chocolate, then place in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour until completely firm. They freeze beautifully and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer whenever you need a tasty pick-me-up.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed chilled or frozen for that crunchy, crackable texture. If you prefer a softer bite, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate unevenly and soften the crispy kataifi too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular butter instead of pistachio butter?

Pistachio butter is key to achieving the authentic nutty flavor of this bar, but you can substitute with almond or cashew butter if needed. Regular butter won’t give the same depth or keep it vegan.

Is the dark chocolate choice important?

Yes! Using dairy-free dark chocolate keeps the recipe vegan and mirrors the original bar’s richness. It also complements the pistachio’s flavor beautifully.

What if I don’t have matcha powder?

No worries! You can skip the matcha and drizzle plain white chocolate for a lovely visual contrast while still keeping it delicious.

How long can I freeze the bars?

The bars keep best for up to 1 week in the freezer when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy within this timeframe.

Final Thoughts

Making the Viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—the combination of crunchy kataifi, creamy pistachio butter, and luscious chocolate brings a little taste of Dubai’s magic right to your kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this recipe embodies indulgence with a Middle Eastern twist. I hope you enjoy recreating this delicious tradition as much as I enjoy sharing it with you!