Essential Ingredients
Discover the key components that make Dubai Chocolate special
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Let's be honest, Dubai chocolates aren't cheap. In the UK, you'll often find bars priced anywhere between £20 to £30, and that's sometimes for chocolate that doesn't even taste exceptional.
That's one of the reasons I turned to making it myself. I genuinely enjoy the process of baking and experimenting at home, and I think you might too, especially when the result is something this delicious.
Of course, to make truly great Dubai-inspired chocolate at home, you need great ingredients. Over time, I've tested several options, balancing quality and affordability. Below, I've put together a list of ingredients I've found to work really well, ones that offer a solid balance between premium quality and price.
Most of the products are available on Amazon, simply because it's the most convenient place to find everything in one go, from pistachio paste to chocolate molds. I've also added a few personal tips and alternative suggestions to help you choose the right items for your own version of the recipe.
Dark Chocolate (or Chocolate Chips)
The foundation of any great Dubai chocolate is high-quality dark chocolate. Aim for at least 60% cocoa for a rich, balanced flavor. While you'll find plenty of chocolate chips online, I personally prefer using chocolate bars. Not only do they often taste better, but they can also be more affordable, and you get to choose a chocolate you genuinely love.
Whether you go for chips or bars, take a moment to compare options. Don't just rely on links. Pick what suits your taste best. That's what will truly elevate your homemade Dubai chocolate.
Shop Dark Chocolate Chips
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a small but important ingredient. It helps melt the chocolate more smoothly and gives the final bars a beautiful, glossy finish. You only need a little, but using a refined, neutral-flavor coconut oil is best so it doesn't overpower the chocolate.
Shop Coconut Oil
Tahini Paste
Tahini might seem like a subtle ingredient, but it plays a big role in giving Dubai chocolate its unique, Middle Eastern character. It adds a gentle nuttiness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the chocolate and pistachio.
Look for pure, unsweetened tahini with a smooth texture. A good tahini shouldn't taste bitter or grainy, and the better the quality, the more elegant the flavor contrast in your final bars.
Shop Tahini Paste
Pistachio Paste (or Pistachio Butter)
This is the heart of Dubai chocolate, the flavor that makes it instantly stand out. A rich, creamy pistachio paste brings that vibrant nuttiness and luxurious texture, so it's worth getting this one right.
Ideally, you want a pure pistachio paste made with nothing more than pistachios. But beyond purity, taste preferences matter: some pastes are slightly sweet, others more roasted or even tangy.
It's okay to experiment. The "best" paste is the one you fall in love with. That said, the one I've linked is my personal favorite for its balance of quality and affordability.
Shop Pistachio ButterAlternative Pistachio Butter
Kataifi Pastry
When I first set out to make Dubai chocolate, finding kataifi pastry was surprisingly difficult. It was during the height of the Dubai chocolate craze, and everyone was trying to get their hands on it.
Kataifi is what gives the chocolate its distinctive crunch and a subtle nod to its Middle Eastern roots. It's light, crisp, and unique, and without it, the texture just isn't the same.
The option I've linked is reliable, accessible, and works beautifully in this recipe.
Shop Kataifi Pastry
Butter
As someone French, I have to say, butter matters. It may only play a small role in this recipe, but don't underestimate the impact it can have on the final flavor and texture.
Use a good-quality, unsalted butter, something a bit richer and creamier than the bargain brands. It's one of those little details that can quietly elevate your homemade chocolate from good to exceptional.
Decorative Toppings
Let's face it, Dubai chocolate is about the bling. It shouldn't just taste amazing, it needs to look amazing, too.
You've got plenty of options:
- A drizzle of white, pink, or green chocolate
- A sprinkle of crushed pistachios
- A few dried rose petals
- Or go full luxury with edible gold leaf
Decorating your chocolate makes it feel like a true treat, and trust me, it'll impress anyone you share it with (even if it's just yourself).
Shop Food ColoringShop Gold Leaf
Honey (Sweetener)
Honey adds a gentle sweetness and depth to Dubai chocolate, complementing the pistachio and tahini beautifully.
For an authentic Middle Eastern touch, consider using Sidr honey, known for its rich, slightly herbal flavor and common use in Arabian desserts.
If that's hard to find, any high-quality, mild honey works well. Choose something you enjoy, because the flavor will subtly carry through in the final result.
Shop Honey
Chocolate Mold
If you're making your own chocolate at home, a good mold is essential. It's what gives your bars that clean, professional look, and makes the final product feel like a real treat.
The mold I've linked is simple, affordable, and delivers a sleek finish that works perfectly for this recipe. Want to go smaller? A truffle or bonbon mold is a great option for bite-sized treats, perfect for gifts or party platters.
Whatever shape you choose, silicone is best, easy to work with, and no fuss when unmolding.
Shop Chocolate MoldTips for Selecting Ingredients
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor
- Look for organic coconut oil for a cleaner taste
- Select tahini with a smooth, pourable consistency
- Use fresh pistachio butter for optimal flavor
- Store kataifi in the freezer until ready to use