DUBAI CHOCOLATES

So, what exactly is it? The Dubai Chocolate Bar is a layered confection of rich milk chocolate, chopped phyllo dough and a creamy pistachio filling. This decadent, sweet, crunchy and nutty treat combines Middle Eastern flavors with a luxurious presentation that has made it a social media star.

Here in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley, and specifically Beaverton, a handful of artisan chocolatiers and dessert shops craft their own versions, making the craze both accessible and affordable.

• Arz Cafe (Beaverton)
  Arz Cafe (map it) specializes in handcrafted Middle Eastern sweets and is one of the local go-to spots for Dubai Chocolate Bars. Their Pistachio Kunafah Dubai Chocolate Bar layers shredded phyllo, pistachio cream and smooth chocolate. The café also serves a decadent Dubai Chocolate Cake, built with pistachios and milk chocolate cream ganache.
• Verdun Fine Chocolates (Beaverton)
  Known for their Lebanese confections, Verdun Fine Chocolates (map it) imports many of its sweets from Lebanon. However, its Dubai Chocolate Bars are made in-house using premium Lebanese chocolate. The result is a luxurious bar that reflects Verdun’s heritage and craftsmanship.
• DotSugar PDX (Beaverton)
  With roots in Jordan and several shops across the Middle East, DotSugar (map it) has brought its viral desserts to Tualatin Valley, its only US store. Enjoy a Dubai Strawberry Chocolate Cup layered with cake, pistachios, chocolate cream and fresh berries. For something whimsical, the Dubai Chocolate Labubu takes the form of the playful, toothy plush characters that have taken Instagram by storm.
• Blynn’s Candies (Forest Grove)
  Family-owned Blynn’s Candies (map it), run by the self-titled “Granny B,” offers handmade Dubai Chocolate Bars as well as truffles inspired by the same flavors. These small-batch creations bring a homespun twist to a global trend.

Dubai Chocolate Bars are an irresistible example of how global food trends can take root locally. With so many artisan versions to try right here in Tualatin Valley, this is one sweet trend worth sinking your teeth into.