Cherylynn N.
Yelp
I try to not fall for viral foods.
Ok, who am I kidding...
I ALWAYS fall for viral foods because I have issues.
I'm like that nosy auntie who needs to see what that long line is ALL about.
This time tho, this actually sounded promising....
The Dubai Chocolate Bar.
You've seen it all over socials...
A knafeh-inspired milk chocolate bar that when split in half...has an oozy filling of pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi (shredded phyllo dough).
Hearing the chocolate bar's ASMR crunch on TikTok gave me all the feels. Yes, I'm weird.
From the owner of Baklava Oasis (Sunnyvale), comes LeVant Dessert specializing in Middle Eastern desserts. Currently, they're the only place in the bay where you can buy the Dubai Chocolate Bar. Otherwise, you'll have to go to SoCal or buy it on Etsy. Or, make it yourself. (7/25 Update: It can also be found at Hanna's in Pleasanton.)
LeVant Dessert was previously located inside Sultana Mediterranean Restaurant and opened their brick and mortar in January 2024. They offer takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and dog-friendly outdoor dining.
M E N U
Puddings, baklava, knafeh (crispy shredded phyllo & sweet cheese soaked in sugar syrup), halawet jibin (sweet cheese rolls), petit fours, baklava ice cream, etc. They also sell Tripoli sandwiches with housemade sesame flat bun bread. Vegan and sugar-free friendly.
Tea and coffee available with non-dairy alternatives (almond and oat). Self-serve water.
F Y I / T I P S
* Although their website says, they accept pre-orders and to call ahead to check product availability ("to avoid disappointment")...their phone line went directly to v-mail. On my first visit, they were sold out of the chocolate bars. I was coming from SF again so I wanted to pre-order. I left a v-mail, sent a text, and emailed...and no response. I'm sure they've been flooded with messages so just an FYI.
* Available for pick-up/dine-in only and per staff, the chocolate bars sell out within hour(s) of opening so you gotta come before/at opening time to secure one.
* Beware of line cutters. We arrived 15 minutes before opening and was first in line. Two dudes thought it was ok to just cut those in line when the doors opened.
* Limit of 1 bar PER family (it was initially 2 bars per family but they changed it after we ordered).
* If you're not eating it ASAP, bring an insulated bag with an ice pack.
D U B A I C H O C O L A T E B A R
(Note: Last month, it was $8, last week it was $10, and now it's $15.)
Cross-section: https://tinyurl.com/zpr4z2d5
LeVant's rendition is a thin shell of dark chocolate filled with a sweet pistachio cream, tahini, and shredded phyllo. As the chocolate melts in your mouth, you get a nice ASMR crunch from the toasted phyllo (kinda reminds me of a KitKat). The sweet filling is balanced by the subtle bitterness of the dark chocolate and savoriness of the tahini.
The base shell was too thin tho - when picked up, the chocolate bar bent down on the ends. Also, the chocolate melted pretty quickly (tried it outside).
Worth the hype?
It was good but for $15 (before tax + tip), I was hoping for a thicker chocolate shell with more filling but everyone has their own preferences.
S E R V I C E
The young staff was overwhelmed but did the best they could so kudos to them!
The Dubai Chocolate Bars are made off-site and delivered. It was delayed so we had to wait 25 minutes for them.
A M B I A N C E
Casual elegance, thoughtfully designed café down to the calming mini waterfalls. There's about eight tables indoors and two café tables outside.
Restroom available.
P A R K I N G
Street and lot parking in back.
Overall, glad I tried LeVant's Dubai Chocolate Bar once (wouldn't pay $15 for it again). After the hype dies down, I'll need to return for their knafeh cuz cheese p-u-l-l-s!