If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media accounts on food lately, you’ve probably seen it: a glossy, pistachio-stuffed chocolate shell, oozing with creamy filling and crunchy pastry.
Now, the viral chocolate that’s been tantalising tastebuds across the globe has officially landed in Australia—thanks to Swiss chocolate giant Lindt. But with a $20 price tag and a swirl of online opinions, is this decadent treat worth the hype?
The origins of ‘Dubai Style Chocolate’ trace back to 2021, when Sarah Hamouda, the creative mind behind Fix Dessert Chocolatier, first crafted her now-famous treat.
The treat features a large milk chocolate shell generously filled with pistachio cream and shredded Kadayif pastry—a nod to Middle Eastern desserts.
While it quietly delighted dessert lovers for a while, it wasn’t until a viral social media post in 2023 that the chocolate exploded in popularity, with foodies everywhere clamouring to try it.
Sensing an opportunity, Lindt has now released its take on the treat, which is available exclusively in Australian stores. Their version boasts a 45 per cent pistachio filling, Kadayif pastry, nut brittle, and their signature smooth milk chocolate.
But unlike the chunky, homemade versions you might have seen online, Lindt’s is notably thinner—something that has divided opinion among early tasters.
Popular food creator Nectorious Papi quickly praised Lindt’s version, calling it ‘absolutely perfect’.
‘It’s not as thick as the other ones you’ve been seeing online,’ he told his followers. ‘The perfect balance between the milk chocolate and the pistachio, because I feel like the other ones can be a little bit sickening.’
But not everyone was convinced. A social media personality, who rushed to her local Lindt store to beat the crowds, admitted she was a little underwhelmed.
‘The fact that I was craving this for so long, and I feel like it doesn’t taste how I imagined it to taste,’ she said. ‘It’s a bit disappointing. It’s not bad, but I wouldn’t buy it again for $20.’
You’re not alone if you’ve noticed pistachio-flavoured everything popping up lately. From gelato to croissants, the humble pistachio has become the flavour of the moment.
But this popularity comes at a cost. According to Giles Hacking of global nut trader CG Hacking, global pistachio prices have surged in the past year, with kernels jumping from $12 to $16 a pound.
‘The pistachio world is basically tapped out at the moment,’ he said.
Fortunately, Australia has largely dodged the shortage, with Coles and Woolworths reporting strong supplies and a growing range of pistachio products to meet demand.
‘We have seen a noticeable trend in customers seeking pistachio-flavoured food items, and we are committed to offering a wide range of products in this flavour for everyone to enjoy,’ a Coles spokesperson said.
Have you tried Lindt’s Dubai Style Chocolate, or made your version at home? What’s your verdict—worth the hype, or just another passing trend? Share your thoughts and chocolate recommendations in the comments below!
Also read: Nostalgic chocolate block returns—and it’s joined by new treats
