Dubai’s dessert scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, offering everything from traditional Emirati sweets to luxurious, innovative treats from around the world. From artisanal pastries in high-end cafes to the indulgent, gold-adorned desserts at fine dining establishments, Dubai has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. The city’s cosmopolitan character shines through in its dessert offerings, with influences from the Middle East and beyond, making it a true paradise for dessert lovers.
1. The Dubai Viral Chocolate
You have probably come across the viral Dubai chocolate on TikTok. The viral, pistachio (kunafa) filling dessert has been taking the world by storm. What initially started as a pregnancy craving, says Sarah Hamouda, the founder of FIX Chocolatier, has quickly attracted the attention that it’s almost difficult to keep up with the demand.
“FIX was never meant to be just another chocolate bar,” she insists. Her vision was to craft a nostalgic, artisanal experience inspired by family traditions and cherished memories, especially the flavors of kunafa and pistachio that she craved deeply during her second pregnancy. This exclusive chocolate experience is a must-try as it’s only available in Dubai.
Viral Kanafeh Chocolate, photo credits to TimeOut Dubai
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2. Kunafa
The most popular chocolate in Dubai is the Kunafa-flavored chocolate, but what is Kunafa? Kunafa originates from the city of Nablus and is made with layers of thin, noodle-like pastry filled with sweetened cheese or cream and topped with pistachio, it’s baked to golden perfection and soaked in rich sugar syrup. Its crispy exterior and gooey, creamy interior make Kunafa an enduring favorite among both locals and visitors.
3. Luqaimat
Luqaimat is a beloved Emirati dessert often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals, especially during Ramadan. These sweet, golden dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Made from a simple batter of flour, yeast, sugar, and sometimes saffron and cardamom for a unique flavor, they’re deep-fried until golden brown and then generously drizzled with date syrup or honey, making them sticky and deliciously sweet. These little treats are popular among locals and tourists alike, and they pair wonderfully with Arabic coffee or Karak tea.
4. Umm Ali
Umm Ali, meaning “Mother of Ali” in Arabic, is a classic Middle Eastern dessert with Egyptian origins that has become widely loved across the UAE and the broader Gulf region. This rich, comforting dessert is similar to bread pudding, made from layers of flaky pastry or bread, milk, sugar, and cream, often topped with nuts and raisins. After baking, it becomes golden and bubbly, with a creamy, custard-like texture and a warm, sweet flavor.
5. Mahalabiya
Mahalabiya is a smooth and creamy Middle Eastern dessert similar to a milk pudding, cherished for its light and delicate flavor. This dessert is typically made from a simple blend of milk, sugar, and cornstarch or rice flour, which gives it a velvety, custard-like consistency. It’s often flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, adding a subtle floral note that enhances its elegance. Mahalabiya is usually chilled and served in individual cups, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor.
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6. Arabic Ice Cream
Arabic ice cream, known as bouza in Arabic, is a unique take on traditional ice cream, distinguished by its creamy, chewy texture and rich flavors. Originating from the Levant, especially Syria and Lebanon, this ice cream is traditionally made with mastic, a resin from the mastic tree, which adds a subtle pine-like flavor and a signature stretchy consistency. Another key ingredient is sahlab (salep), a type of flour made from orchid tubers, which enhances its thick, chewy texture. Typically, Arabic ice cream is flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, giving it a delicate floral aroma, and it’s often studded with pistachios for added crunch and flavor contrast.
7. Basbousa
Basbousa is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert made from a semolina-based batter, creating a moist, tender, and slightly grainy cake that’s soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup after baking. Known for its simplicity and rich flavor, basbousa is traditionally flavored with coconut, rose water, or orange blossom water, which infuses it with a delicate aroma. This dessert is enjoyed widely across the Arab world, from Egypt to the Gulf, and has many regional variations.
