The great kunafa chocolate caper: Dubai sweet conquers Hyderabad

If there’s one dessert that has taken Hyderabad by storm, it’s the Dubai kunafa chocolate bar. What started as an internet trend has now turned into an irresistible craving for chocolate lovers across the city. But what makes this Middle Eastern-inspired treat so special, and how did it become the latest viral sensation? Hyderabad Times breaks it down.

What is Dubai kunafa chocolate?
The Dubai kunafa chocolate bar is a fusion of the traditional Middle Eastern dessert kunafa (or knafeh) with rich, smooth chocolate. Kunafa, a beloved delicacy in Palestine, Syria, and Egypt, is typically made with kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough made from flour, water, and oil, and shredded into thin, delicate strands), layered with cheese or nuts, and soaked in sugar syrup. The Dubai version reinvents this classic by incorporating creamy chocolate, creating a textural contrast between the crispy kataifi and the chocolate filling.

How Hyderabadis are innovating it
The Dubai kunafa chocolate trend has sparked a wave of creativity among the city’s bakers and dessert makers. From kunafa-stuffed dates and kunafa cheesecakes to kunafa donuts, local confectioners are experimenting with new ways to incorporate the signature crispy kunafa and rich chocolate combination into their creations. Zuci Chocolates has created its version of the kunafa chocolate bar. Aparna Gorrepati, Director of the cafe, shares, “As a self-proclaimed dark chocolate addict, I found the kunafa chocolate bar pleasantly sweet. Our version is a crafted balance of sweetness, pistachio flavour, and crunch ensuring it appeals to a wide range of ages.” Even Karachi Bakery has embraced the craze. “We have introduced our take on the Dubai kunafa chocolate, focusing on ingredients that enhance its signature crunch and flavour. The combination of crispy kunafa, smooth chocolate, and nuts has become a crowd favourite,” shared a spokesperson for the bakery chain.

We introduced a pistachio kunafa French toast and strawberries with pistachio kunafa as part of our take on the trend. Our iftar platter also features a pistachio kunafa cake in a cup
– Anju Narang Agrawal, Et-Si Cafe

What makes the Dubai kunafa chocolate truly special is not just
the concept, but the ingredients used to elevate a simple dessert.The balance between the silky chocolate and the crispy, buttery kunafa is achieved with careful attention to detail, and it’s really thrilling to see how well the flavours come together
– Chef Asmeet Singh & team, Xocolatl

The Dubai kunafa chocolate bar is a masterfully balanced treat that harmonises sweetness with a rich, nutty profile, making it irresistibly tempting. Its unique blend of crispy kunafa, smooth chocolate, and indulgent flavours has made it a sought-after dessert not just in Hyderabad, but worldwide
– Chef Alisha, Director, 100 Folds Academy

Exploring the varieties
Hyderabad’s love for kunafa chocolate has led to multiple creative versions hitting the market. Here are some of the most popular flavours:

Dubai pistachio chocolate bar: A combination of rich milk chocolate and crunchy pistachios with a hint of kunafa, offering a balanced texture of smoothness and crunch.

Nutella kunafa chocolate bar: A fusion of silky chocolate, hazelnut spread, and crispy kunafa.

Lotus Biscoff chocolate bar: A unique pairing of smooth chocolate and the spiced sweetness of Biscoff cookies.

Hazelnut chocolate bar: A classic mix of creamy chocolate and bold hazelnut flavours.

Salted caramel chocolate bar: A sweet-and-salty indulgence featuring gooey caramel encased in premium chocolate.

- Sarmistha Ganguli