The original Dubai chocolate bar has a name that struck every chord in this pun-lover’s heart: Can’t Get Knafeh Of It. This, because the alluring, tahini-pistachio filling is packed with kataifi, the shredded phyllo that’s a signature of cheesy, syrupy knafeh (aka, kunafa, künefe and other variations; a Middle Eastern dessert some of you have likely heard me coo over in past columns). The Moon Festival’s signature snack is out of this world Its creator, Dubai-based entrepreneur Sara Hamouda, who founded FIX Dessert Chocolatier in 2021, told CNN she was getting six or seven orders a day back then.
In June, that was up to 100 orders per minute . This, because of a TikTok video, featuring fetching food influencer Maria Vehera enjoying a bar in her car , went super-viral. At press time, views were approaching 60 million.
These hefty handmade bars, which sell for roughly $19 apiece, are in high demand. And, for the time being, available only in Dubai, as Fix embarks on what I imagine is about to be an impressive upscale. But that hasn’t stopped enterprising chocolatiers — and others — from spinning up their own takes.
“All of our crew are always watching out for new and interesting things and one of them brought this to us and said, ‘This is going to be the next big thing,'” Kevin Wray tells me. “And man, were they right!” Wray, co-owner of Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park (300 S. Park Ave.
in Winter Park), got to work with his team, though figuring out the recipe for that filling was a challenge. At the time, there wasn’t as much information available. They tested several pistachio creams, but none hit the mark.
“We decided to make our own, which in the end gave us a much higher quality product, and it’s just such an exciting bar. Crispy. Creamy.
Nutty. Sweet.” The filling was where Shipley Do-Nuts partner and general manager Jennifer Evgenis started her process, too.
“I have Middle Eastern roots, so creating a knafeh-inspired dessert is right up my alley,” she says. “I’m very familiar with those flavors — pistachio, rose, the shredded phyllo dough — these are things I grew up eating. When I saw the viral chocolate bar, my first thought was, ‘How can I translate this into a donut?'” The result is the aptly named Viral Dubai Chocolate Do-Nut ($8), which they’ll be selling every weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) through the end of the month at their location (255 S.
Semoran Blvd. in Orlando; 407-270-8707). Pre-ordering via phone is the best way to secure yours, as they’ve been steadily selling out.
Follow them on Instagram ( @shipleydonutsorlando ) to find out when to do so. “The response has been amazing,” she says. The pistachio-packed poufs, their chocolatey tops marbled in green and laden with gold foil for an upmarket, Dubai-representative look, “have been selling out about two days in advance once we open pre-orders.
Evgenis, who makes them herself and has created similar wow-factor treats, including a banana pudding do-nut inspired by New York City’s Magnolia Bakery, says it’s something she might be able to keep on menu long-term, but thus far, it’s still limited-run. “We barely have any available for walk-ins, but I try to accommodate everyone, especially those who drive long distances.” They’ve had guests from as far as Miami and Jacksonville since making the do-nuts available.
The gang at Peterbrooke, too, had sell-out issues at the start but have since ramped up production. What started with their smaller version ($7.50, basically the size of an average chocolate bar) has since grown into their Extra Large ($30), which weighs over a pound and mimics the FIX version, offering that impressive break as the decadent, crunchy-creamy filling makes its appearance.
Bars come in milk and dark chocolate versions. “They sell very well,” he says. “It’s a fantastic bar we think it will be really big at Christmas this year for gifts.
It’s a beautiful format we’re thrilled to be able to offer. We hope people will come in and try it.” Orlando Nuts Down in South Orlando, this parks-convenient dessert shop offers myriad Middle Eastern treats, including baklava, Turkish delight and massive amounts of (you guessed it) nuts and candy.
Even the kunafa that inspired the viral chocolate bar, plus their own version of the bar, as well, in traditional and unique shapes. Definitely worth a visit, no matter what your sweet tooth is craving. (11977 S.
Apopka Vineland Road in Orlando, 407-778-1334; instagram.com/orlandonuts23) Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie .
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