Ever heard of a Dubai Chocolate Milkshake? I hadn’t—until my teenager came home raving about it like it was the best thing on earth. Turns out, this viral shake isn’t just another chocolate drink. It’s a creamy, crunchy, pistachio-kissed masterpiece built on a Middle Eastern favorite: crispy kunafa pastry.
My first attempt? A total flop—I couldn’t even find kunafa in our usual grocery store. But the day I walked into our local Middle Eastern market, things changed. The buttery smell of toasting those delicate strands filled my kitchen, and I knew we were on to something. Blended with vanilla ice cream, melted chocolate, and pistachio cream, the result was pure weekend magic. My kids still cheer when they hear the blender start up.
So, grab your blender, because I’m going to show you how this crunchy-meets-creamy milkshake can become your new family tradition too.
Table of Contents
What Is a Dubai Chocolate Milkshake?
If you’re wondering what makes a Dubai Chocolate Milkshake different from the one you’d grab at a diner, the answer is in the layers. This isn’t just ice cream, milk, and chocolate tossed into a blender. Nope—this shake brings Middle Eastern pastry and flavor traditions into the glass.
The star? Kunafa (or kataifi)—a paper-thin shredded pastry that’s toasted until golden and buttery, then folded into the shake for that addictive crunch. Add in pistachio cream, and suddenly you’ve got richness that regular chocolate milkshakes just can’t compete with.
Why the Dubai Chocolate Craze Is Everywhere
From TikTok feeds to food blogs, people can’t stop talking about this shake. It looks indulgent, it sounds exotic, and most importantly—it delivers big on flavor. That crispy kunafa layered into a creamy base gives every sip a surprising bite. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience.
How Crispy Kunafa & Pistachio Cream Became Viral Milkshake Magic
Kunafa has been around for centuries in Middle Eastern kitchens, usually baked into gooey, syrup-soaked desserts. Pistachio cream? A royal favorite. When someone thought to toss both into a milkshake with chocolate, it became a trend that no one saw coming—and yet, now it’s everywhere.
What Makes Dubai Chocolate So Special?
So, why is everyone suddenly obsessed with Dubai chocolate? It’s not just about sweetness—it’s about the way flavors and textures collide. Dubai’s twist on chocolate desserts often layers luxury ingredients (think pistachios, saffron, and rosewater) with comforting classics like pastry and cream. That’s why the milkshake version feels like something extra special—it’s a little fancy, but still fun enough for kids to slurp up.
The Crunchy, Creamy Combo: Pistachio + Kadayif
At the heart of the Dubai chocolate craze is the marriage of crunchy kunafa pastry (also called kadayif) and rich pistachio butter or cream. Chocolate alone is good—but when you add that nutty depth and crispy texture, suddenly every sip feels layered, almost like you’re biting into dessert and drinking it at the same time.
From TikTok Trend to Frozen Treat: Shake Shack’s Spin on It
The buzz really took off when Shake Shack Dubai launched its own version: a chocolate shake with pistachio custard, crispy kataifi, and a chocolate shell. It cracked open (literally!) on social media, and people all over the world wanted in. That mix of indulgent ice cream with crunchy pastry bits made it an instant hit. And the best part? You can make your own version at home without hopping on a plane.
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Dubai Chocolate Milkshake Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, crunchy Dubai Chocolate Milkshake with toasted kunafa, pistachio cream, and rich chocolate.
Ingredients
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup cold milk
1/3 cup dark chocolate (melted)
1/2 cup kunafa (toasted until golden)
2 tbsp pistachio cream or butter
1 tbsp butter (for toasting kunafa)
Extra melted chocolate + kunafa for garnish
Instructions
Toast kunafa strands in butter until golden brown and crispy.
Melt chocolate until smooth and set aside.
In a blender, add vanilla ice cream, cold milk, melted chocolate, pistachio cream, and toasted kunafa.
Blend until smooth but still flecked with crispy bits.
Pour into tall glasses, drizzle with extra chocolate, and sprinkle toasted kunafa on top.
Notes
Tip: Toast extra kunafa ahead of time and store in a jar—it keeps your shakes crunchy and ready in minutes.
Variation: Swap pistachio butter for hazelnut spread, or add a splash of rosewater for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Shake Shack’s Dubai Chocolate Shake – What’s in It?
When Shake Shack Dubai dropped their limited-edition Dubai Chocolate Shake, foodies everywhere lost their minds. It wasn’t just another chocolate milkshake—it was a layered dessert in a cup, complete with textures that made every sip feel like a bite of pastry.
Pistachio Frozen Custard, Toasted Kataifi, and Chocolate Shell
The official Shake Shack version is built on pistachio frozen custard—smooth, nutty, and rich. They fold in toasted kataifi (kunafa strands) for that signature crunch, then top it off with a crackable chocolate shell. Imagine breaking through that shell with your straw—it’s like dessert theater right in your hands.
Why Every Part—From the Shell to the Tiny Pastry Bits—Matters
This isn’t a shake you gulp down in two minutes. The chocolate shell adds drama, the kunafa strands add texture, and the pistachio custard adds depth. Together, they transform a simple milkshake into something layered, surprising, and yes—totally Instagram-worthy. No wonder it sparked a global craving. For another sweet idea, you can try my protein-packed desserts.
How to Make Your Own Dubai Chocolate Milkshake at Home
The best part about the Dubai Chocolate Milkshake trend? You don’t need a Shake Shack in your neighborhood to taste the magic. With a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can make this creamy-crunchy treat right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Toast the Kunafa Strands Until Golden
Here’s where the magic begins. Take your shredded kunafa (or kataifi) and toast it gently in a pan with a little butter. You’ll know it’s ready when the strands turn golden brown and the smell reminds you of buttery heaven. This step is crucial—it keeps the kunafa crispy in the shake and stops it from turning soggy.
Clara’s Tip: Toast a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight jar. That way, you’re always ready for milkshake emergencies (yes, that’s a thing).
Step 2: Blend Ice Cream, Milk, Chocolate, Kunafa & Pistachio
Now the fun part! Into the blender goes:
- Vanilla ice cream for the creamy base
- Cold milk to thin it just right
- Melted dark chocolate for rich flavor
- A spoonful of pistachio butter or cream for nuttiness
- Your toasted kunafa for crunch
Blend on high until smooth, but not too long—you still want tiny flecks of kunafa peeking through. Pour into a tall glass, add an extra swirl of melted chocolate on top, and finish with a sprinkle of kunafa crumbs for garnish.
Warning: Your blender may sound like it’s working overtime, but trust me, it’s worth it. For other refreshing ideas, check out my smoothie-style drinks
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Shake (Clara’s Kitchen Wisdom)
Making the perfect Dubai Chocolate Milkshake is all about balance. Too much kunafa, and your shake feels chunky. Not enough, and you miss that signature crunch. Here’s how to nail it every time—and a few tasty twists to keep things exciting.
How to Keep the Kunafa Crispy (No Soggy Shakes Here!)
The trick is simple: toast until golden and only fold it into your shake right before serving. If the kunafa sits in the blender too long, it absorbs liquid and turns chewy instead of crispy. Keep a little extra toasted kunafa on the side for sprinkling on top—it’s like the cherry on a sundae, only crunchier.
Kid-Approved Tweaks & Easy Variations
- Nut Swap: Not a pistachio fan? Try almond butter or hazelnut spread for a different twist.
- Healthier Hack: Replace ice cream with frozen bananas for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Extra Indulgence: Drizzle chocolate syrup down the sides of your glass before pouring—hello, restaurant vibes!
- Make It Fancy: Add a pinch of cardamom or a drop of rosewater to bring out Middle Eastern flavors.
Clara’s Note: My kids go wild when I swirl a little chocolate syrup inside the glass—it feels like a “fancy café treat” without leaving the house. If you’re into lighter drink options, this hack is for you
FAQs About the Dubai Chocolate Milkshake
What is a Dubai chocolate shake, anyway?
A Dubai chocolate shake is a milkshake with a twist—made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and the Middle Eastern pastry kunafa, plus pistachio cream for richness. It’s creamy, crunchy, and unlike any milkshake you’ve had before.
What is so special about Dubai chocolate Milkshake?
Dubai-style chocolate desserts often go beyond just “sweet.” They combine luxury flavors (like pistachio, saffron, and rosewater) with comforting classics like pastry and cream. That mix of texture + richness makes the chocolate stand out.
What is the Dubai Chocolate Shake Shack shake?
It’s Shake Shack’s viral version of the trend, featuring pistachio frozen custard, crispy kataifi (kunafa strands), and a crackable chocolate shell. It went viral because every sip felt like a dessert experience, not just a shake.
What’s in a Dubai shake?
The homemade version usually includes ice cream, milk, chocolate, pistachio cream or butter, and toasted kunafa. Some people add extra flavors like cardamom or rosewater for an even more authentic Middle Eastern touch.
Try this creamy Dubai Chocolate Milkshake for a sweet treat. Find more recipes on Pinterest or read step-by-step guides on Medium.
Conclusion: A Milkshake Worth Every Sip
There you have it—your very own Dubai Chocolate Milkshake made right at home. With its buttery toasted kunafa, rich pistachio cream, and velvety chocolate swirl, this isn’t just a drink—it’s a treat that feels both comforting and exciting.
What started as a viral trend is now one of my family’s weekend traditions. The sound of the blender whirring, the smell of golden kunafa, and the wide-eyed excitement of my kids waiting for their glasses—it all turns an ordinary day into something special.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet but different, skip the plain milkshake and try this crunchy, creamy masterpiece.
Lightened up, but never short on flavor! Tag me if you try it—I cheer for every kitchen win!
