No dessert trend has come close to matching the popularity of the Dubai chocolate bar since the Cronut emerged in the 2010s.
The delightful blend of pistachio cream, kataifi pastry, and tahini wrapped in milk chocolate has sent everybody into a frenzy—whether it’s strawberries or ice cream, they all end up coated in this treat.
Almost every store now offers its own take on the Dubai chocolate bar, ranging from local shops like Mullingar’s Sugar Plum Sweetery to major retailers such as Aldi and Lidl.
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I subjected all three to testing to determine which one stands as the premier Dubai chocolate bar in Ireland, and the victor is quite evident.
Aldi
I noticed that Aldi were creating their take on the Dubai chocolate bar following a post on social media.
This version differs slightly as it includes both a cake or brownie base, topped with the crunchy pistachio mixture.
I noticed that some individuals did not appreciate it and found the taste unenjoyable, but I was agreeably astonished.
This isn't your typical Dubai chocolate bar, but it offers an enjoyable and innovative twist. The sweetness level isn't very high, so it doesn't overwhelm; plus, the bar itself is rather petite.
When I watched the video, I wasn't aware of just how small the bar was, but you could easily finish it with four large mouthfuls.
This version is much less moist compared to your typical Dubai chocolate bar; however, the cake layer provides sufficient dampness so you won’t feel dehydrated.
The cost of €4.99 for this chocolate bar seems quite steep considering its size. A more reasonable price point might be around €2.99, or perhaps up to €3.50 at most.
I'm pleased I had the chance to test it, but I wouldn't hurry to purchase another one.
Lidl
Lidl Has an alternative edition of the Dubai chocolate bar, priced at €4.99.
The slender design and build of the bar brought to mind a Lindt chocolate bar—flat and easy to break into pieces. It features a slim coating over its filling. Additionally, this bar differs from typical Dubai chocolates; it appears even more delicate compared to what I expected based on images.
Initially, I enjoyed it—the pistachio fix was super smooth, packed with tiny crunchy bits.
Nevertheless, after sampling the other bars, I decided to try more of the Lidl bar, but it truly failed to measure up.
Upon trying it again, the pistachio flavor proved to be quite dominant. This made it hard to continue eating and left me rather parched.
I believe this is the kind of chocolate bar where you usually take just a couple of bites at a time, saving the rest for later.
The Lid's Dubai chocolate bar costs the same as an Aldi equivalent, but it is significantly larger. Despite their differing shapes and fillings, I believe the €4.99 price tag suits this product better.
Sugar Plum Sweetery
Numerous individuals will connect with the Westmeath Shop using the Dubai Chocolate Bar, which stands out as one of the most favored variants in Ireland. I initially sampled it last November and since then, I've placed orders at the shop thrice altogether.
This bar is excellent as it includes all three key components of a Dubai chocolate bar – pistachios, kataifi pastry, and tahini.
It appears that tahini is frequently overlooked when individuals create their own versions of the bar, as it can be difficult to locate; however, it is essential for achieving a well-balanced flavor profile.
Every time I've ordered from Sugar Plum Sweetery, I've received top-notch bars that have remained consistent in taste and perfection.
My favorite aspect is the superior quality of the chocolate, which is rich, consistently layered, and not too sugary. Often, folks might compromise on the chocolate quality since consumers tend to focus more on the bar’s fillings; however, this is certainly not true for these products.
I got my initial order within just a few days, however, due to the bar’s rising fame, delivery times have extended up to 20 business days nowadays. It might get annoying when you're eager for one of their products and prefer not waiting so long, yet personally I felt it was absolutely worthwhile despite the delay.
A couple of days following my latest delivery, I found myself close to their store in Mullingar. As it was later in the day, they still had some Dubai chocolate bars available. So, should you find yourself in the area, it could be more convenient to drop by and grab one directly from there.
I've come across some folks who have griped about the €9.95 price point and the smaller size of the bar, but after sampling various Dubai chocolates, most seem pricier compared to regular ones. This particular variety stands out for its superior quality over what you'd typically find in supermarkets, making it well worth purchasing at least once—maybe just to try with others.