Craving that pistachio‑packed, crunchy‑creamy chocolate that went viral? Good news—you can absolutely find Dubai‑style treats across Toronto and the GTA. From small‑batch local makers to shops importing brands from the UAE, here’s exactly how to get your hands on them—plus smart tips so you buy the right bar, at the right price. 🍫✨
Key takeaways for travelers and locals
- You’ll find both authentic UAE brands and “Dubai‑style” Canadian creations in Toronto—know the difference before you buy. 💡
- Specialty cheesemongers, chocolatiers, and Middle Eastern grocers are your best bets; several offer same‑day pickup or GTA delivery. 🚚
- Expect typical prices from about $12–$25 per bar; artisan or gift‑boxed options can cost more.
- Allergens are common (pistachio, wheat/kataifi, sesame/tahini)—always read labels. ⚠️
What “Dubai chocolate” actually is
Originally popularized by Dubai’s boutique chocolatiers, the signature bar pairs a glossy chocolate shell with a lush green pistachio cream, a hint of tahini, and a crunchy layer of knafeh/kataifi (shredded phyllo). That texture contrast—snap, creaminess, and delicate crunch—is what made it a social‑media star. Some Toronto shops import UAE brands; others craft their own Dubai‑inspired versions.
Best places in Toronto to buy Dubai‑style chocolate
1) Specialty chocolatiers and gourmet shops
- Dubaïmo Chocolates (St. Clair West) — A Dubai‑inspired micro‑maker with rich pistachio‑kunafa bars and convenient in‑store pickup. Great for gifting when you want the full “glossy bar” experience. 😍 ([dubaimo.com](https://dubaimo.com/products/signature-dark-chocolate-kunafa-dubai-chocolate?utm_source=openai))
- Good Cheese (Riverside) — This indie cheesemonger stocks both a Dubai pistachio kunafa bar and Mirzam from the UAE (e.g., 62% dark with dates & fennel)—perfect if you’re seeking an authentic Dubai brand on a Toronto shelf. 🧀🍫 ([goodcheese.ca](https://goodcheese.ca/products/chocolat-dubai-pistachio-kunafa?utm_source=openai))
- Toronto Chocolate (online, local maker) — Their knafeh chocolate bar is a Toronto‑made take on the trend and ships across the city. ([torontochocolate.ca](https://www.torontochocolate.ca/products/knafeh-chocolate-bar?utm_source=openai))
- White Snow Chocolate (Toronto delivery) — Sells “Premium Dubai Chocolate – Pistachio Knafeh,” individually wrapped and designed for gifting. 🎁 ([whitesnow.ca](https://whitesnow.ca/product/dubai-pistachio-kunafa-chocolate-150g/?utm_source=openai))
- Sugar Bliss Bakery — If you want the flavor in cookie form, their viral “Dubai Chocolate” cookie layers pistachio‑kataifi inside a fudgy cookie. 🍪 ([sugarblissbakery.ca](https://sugarblissbakery.ca/products/dubai-chocolate?utm_source=openai))
2) Middle Eastern grocers to check
- Arz Fine Foods (Scarborough + Mississauga) — A go‑to for Levantine/Middle Eastern sweets, nuts, and imports; look for pistachio‑forward bars and seasonal knafeh‑inspired chocolates. Tip: call ahead to ask about current stock. 📍 ([arzfinefoods.com](https://arzfinefoods.com/contact-us/?utm_source=openai))
- Marché Adonis (Mississauga) — Large Middle Eastern supermarket with a wide sweets aisle; you may find knafeh‑style bars and giftable chocolate assortments. ([adonisgroup.ca](https://www.adonisgroup.ca/en/find-us/marche-adonis-dundas?utm_source=openai))
3) GTA and nearby options with delivery to Toronto
- Palm Bites (Mississauga) — Known for stuffed dates and a pistachio knafeh chocolate bar; offers pickup, cafés in Mississauga, and shipping across Canada/U.S. 🕌🍫 ([palmbitesusa.com](https://palmbitesusa.com/pages/cafe-palm-bites?utm_source=openai))
- Fruit and Nut Co. (Barrie) — Carries Dubai‑inspired bars with Canada‑wide delivery—handy if downtown shops sell out. ([fruitandnutco.ca](https://fruitandnutco.ca/collections/dubai-chocolate-near-me-luxury-pistachio-premium-flavors-in-canada?utm_source=openai))
How to choose: authentic UAE brands vs. “Dubai‑style” dupes
Authentic Dubai/UAE brands are made in the Emirates (for example, Mirzam), often spotlighting dates, cardamom, saffron, or regional stories on the wrapper. If you see Mirzam on a Toronto shelf, you’re looking at a genuine UAE maker. 🌴 ([goodcheese.ca](https://goodcheese.ca/products/dark-chocolate-with-dates-fennel-62?utm_source=openai))
Dubai‑style Canadian creations mimic the texture and flavors—pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi—but are produced locally (great for freshness and price). Shops like Dubaïmo, Good Cheese’s house selection, and Palm Bites all offer excellent interpretations. ([dubaimo.com](https://dubaimo.com/products/signature-dark-chocolate-kunafa-dubai-chocolate?utm_source=openai))
Price guide and what to expect
- Everyday artisan bars: typically around $12–$20 for 100–200 g, depending on ingredients and packaging. Example prices in Toronto include ~$14 for a pistachio‑kunafa bar and ~$18 for a specialty UAE bar. 💵 ([goodcheese.ca](https://goodcheese.ca/products/chocolat-dubai-pistachio-kunafa?utm_source=openai))
- Premium/boxed gifts: expect $20–$35+ for larger formats, especially when the bar is hand‑decorated or bundled as a gift set. ([palmbites.ca](https://palmbites.ca/products/knafeh-chocolate-bar?utm_source=openai))
Pro tips to shop smarter
- Check the crunch factor. If you love that signature “crackle,” look for kataifi/knafeh or “shredded phyllo” in the ingredients. 🥢 ([goodcheese.ca](https://goodcheese.ca/products/chocolat-dubai-pistachio-kunafa?utm_source=openai))
- Mind the allergens. Pistachios, wheat (kataifi), and sometimes tahini (sesame) are common. Read labels carefully—there was even a 2025 recall related to incorrect wheat labeling on a “Dubai‑style” product. ⚠️ ([eatingwell.com](https://www.eatingwell.com/costco-dubai-chocolate-recall-11806630?utm_source=openai))
- Call before you go. Small shops rotate stock or sell out after weekend rushes. A quick call can save you a trip. 📞
- For gifts, ask about wrapping. Many boutiques offer individual wrapping or luxury boxes—perfect for special occasions. 🎁 ([whitesnow.ca](https://whitesnow.ca/product/dubai-pistachio-kunafa-chocolate-150g/?utm_source=openai))
If stores are sold out: easy alternatives
- Try another format. Can’t find bars? A cookie or bar from a local bakery delivers similar flavors: dark chocolate + pistachio cream + kataifi. 🍪 ([sugarblissbakery.ca](https://sugarblissbakery.ca/products/dubai-chocolate?utm_source=openai))
- Go authentic with dates. UAE‑style flavors shine in date‑based confections, widely available at Palm Bites and Middle Eastern grocers. 🌴 ([palmbitesusa.com](https://palmbitesusa.com/pages/cafe-palm-bites?utm_source=openai))
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where can I buy Dubai‑style chocolate bars in Toronto right now?
Check specialty makers and gourmet shops first: Dubaïmo (St. Clair West), Good Cheese (Riverside), and Toronto Chocolate online. For broader availability, look at Arz Fine Foods or Marché Adonis, and consider Palm Bites in Mississauga for pickup or delivery. ([dubaimo.com](https://dubaimo.com/products/signature-dark-chocolate-kunafa-dubai-chocolate?utm_source=openai))
Can I find authentic UAE chocolate brands in Toronto?
Yes—Good Cheese has carried Mirzam, a Dubai‑based maker known for bars featuring dates and regional spices. Stock rotates, so call ahead. ([goodcheese.ca](https://goodcheese.ca/products/dark-chocolate-with-dates-fennel-62?utm_source=openai))
Are Dubai‑inspired bars in Toronto halal?
Many are suitable for halal diets, but always verify. Ingredients differ (some use gelatin‑free recipes, others include dairy, wheat, or sesame). When in doubt, ask the shop or check for halal labeling.
What’s the typical price for a Dubai‑style chocolate bar in Toronto?
Most artisan bars range from about $12–$25, depending on size and maker. Imported or gift‑boxed items can cost more. ([goodcheese.ca](https://goodcheese.ca/products/chocolat-dubai-pistachio-kunafa?utm_source=openai))
Is there a big taste difference between authentic Dubai brands and local versions?
Flavor profiles are similar—pistachio cream, kataifi crunch, silky chocolate. Authentic UAE brands may spotlight regional ingredients (dates, cardamom, saffron), while local versions often focus on the core pistachio‑knafeh combo and freshness. ([goodcheese.ca](https://goodcheese.ca/products/dark-chocolate-with-dates-fennel-62?utm_source=openai))
Any allergy or safety notes when buying Dubai‑style chocolate in Toronto?
Common allergens include pistachios, wheat (kataifi), milk, and sesame/tahini. Read labels carefully; there was a 2025 recall tied to mislabeling of wheat on a Dubai‑style product sold at a big‑box store. ([eatingwell.com](https://www.eatingwell.com/costco-dubai-chocolate-recall-11806630?utm_source=openai))
Where can I get Dubai‑style chocolate delivered within the GTA?
Dubaïmo offers Toronto pickup/delivery; Palm Bites ships Canada‑wide and operates cafés in Mississauga; Fruit and Nut Co. ships Canada‑wide from Barrie; several Toronto makers deliver locally. 🚚 ([dubaimo.com](https://dubaimo.com/products/signature-dark-chocolate-kunafa-dubai-chocolate?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
From glossy, gift‑ready bars to locally made riffs that nail the crunch, Toronto is a fantastic city to hunt down Dubai‑style chocolate. Start with a nearby specialty shop, grab a UAE brand if you spot it, and don’t forget to check allergens before you indulge. Happy chocolate treasure‑hunting—and enjoy that irresistible snap, cream, and crunch! 😋🍫
