In terms of my Starbucks preferences, I tend to stick to the basics. My usual go-to is an iced coffee with vanilla syrup and milk, except for special occasions where I might opt for a seasonal drink or redeem a free birthday treat. However, I’ve always been intrigued by Starbucks’ “secret menu” offering unique and creative beverages. I must admit, indulging in a Cotton Candy Frappuccino can be a delightful indulgence when you’re not in need of a caffeine boost.
The latest buzz around the secret menu revolves around a viral dessert that has everyone buzzing: Dubai Chocolate.
The Dubai Chocolate sensation first gained attention on TikTok in late 2023, when user Maria Vehera shared a video devouring the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar from the Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Filled with a creamy blend of pistachio, tahini, and crispy knafeh, this chocolate quickly became a favorite flavor of 2024.
Despite its popularity, Dubai Chocolate has yet to hit mainstream availability in the U.S. However, the introduction of the Bouchard Dubai Chocolates at Costco may change that. In the meantime, many have turned to Starbucks to recreate the pistachio and chocolate experience.
Social media has been abuzz with users sharing their secret menu order inspired by Dubai Chocolate at Starbucks, describing it as a “dessert in a cup.”
The trending order involves starting with an Iced Matcha Latte, then adding Starbucks’ limited-time Pistachio Sauce from their returning Pistachio Latte, and topping it off with Chocolate Cream Cold Foam. The pistachio sauce mimics the creamy green filling, while the chocolate foam adds a decadent touch—though the matcha latte base seems to serve mainly for aesthetics. Some enthusiasts are even incorporating Starbucks’ White Chocolate Mocha sauce for an extra chocolatey kick.
With so much hype surrounding the Dubai Chocolate secret menu drink, I decided to try it out for myself. Here’s my honest review:
I opted for an Iced Coffee with Pistachio Sauce and Chocolate Cream Cold Foam, as I’m not a huge matcha fan. In the coffee, the pistachio flavor was subtle, overshadowed by the strong coffee and rich chocolate foam. On the other hand, in the matcha version, the pistachio came through more prominently with floral notes, though my colleague felt the pistachio clashed with the malty, cocoa-like foam.
One key element missing from the drink was the distinctive texture of Dubai Chocolate. Without the crunchy bits, it felt more like a nutty chocolate bar. Much like other Dubai Chocolate imitations, this Starbucks order seemed to focus more on the chocolate and pistachio visual rather than the actual taste. My colleague and I agreed that a true “Dubai Chocolate” drink would
I love indulging in the latest Starbucks sensation that has taken the internet by storm. However, I’ve decided to hold off on sampling any imitations until Dubai Chocolate becomes more accessible in the United States. Check out the full article on ALLRECIPES for more details.
