Dubai chocolate was invented in 2021 by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian engineer living in Dubai, inspired by her pregnancy cravings for knafeh, pistachio, and tahini flavors. She collaborated with Nouel Catis Omamalin, a Filipino culinary consultant and pastry chef, who formulated the recipe and helped create the chocolate bars under their brand Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Together, they developed the signature chocolate bar filled with pistachio- tahini cream and kadayif (chopped filo pastry), popularly known as "Dubai chocolate" or "Can't Get Knafeh of It".
While Sarah Hamouda conceived the idea based on her cravings, Nouel Catis Omamalin played a crucial role in creating the recipe and bringing it to life as a dessert chocolate bar. They are often described as co-creators, with Hamouda focusing on concept and branding, and Omamalin on culinary innovation.
Dubai chocolate gained worldwide popularity in 2024 thanks to social media influencers and its distinctive presentation, combining textures and nostalgic Middle Eastern flavors associated with knafeh.
