Dubai chocolate, the luxurious confection filled with pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy knafeh pastry, gained massive popularity on social media. Now, this viral dessert has sparked South Korea's newest culinary obsession: the Dubai chewy cookie.

What is the Dubai chewy cookie?

Despite its name, the Dubai chewy cookie is no ordinary cookie. It boasts a texture more akin to a rice cake, enveloping pistachio cream and knafeh shreds within a glossy chocolate marshmallow shell. Dense and sticky, it offers a unique bite that has captivated the nation.

The frenzy began in September when Jang Won-young of K-pop girl group Ive shared a photo of the dessert on Instagram. Since then, demand has skyrocketed. Bakeries are selling out hundreds of cookies within minutes, and even establishments like sushi bars and cold-noodle shops are rushing to include it on their menus, as reported by BBC.

Currently priced between 5,000 won (Dh12.55) and 10,000 won (Dh25.10), the cost is expected to rise due to surging ingredient prices. Convenience store chain CU alone has sold a staggering 1.8 million Dubai chewy rice cakes since launching its version in October.

Reports indicate that the obsession is so intense that fans have created a real-time map to track shops with available stock, transforming dessert hunting into a GPS-guided treasure hunt. Some stores have imposed purchase limits per customer, and there are jokes online suggesting that even hardware stores should start selling the cookie.

The phenomenon has even had a social impact, as mentioned in Korea Times. The Korean Red Cross used Dubai chewy cookies as donation incentives to address winter blood shortages, resulting in donation rates doubling or even tripling at some centers.

Where to buy Dubai chewy cookie in Dubai?

As of now, there have been no reports or viral social media posts about the Dubai chewy cookie being available in Dubai stores. However, if you're eager to taste these decadent treats, the Korea pavilion at Global Village could be a good place to start.

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