Growing up, I was always the odd one out at ice cream night. While my friends loaded up on cookies and cream and chocolate peanut butter, I’d order pistachio in a waffle cone – every single time. They’d laugh, call it an “old person flavor” and ask if I could give them a hint for seven across. But thanks to a viral dessert from Dubai that’s taken over social feeds, pistachio is finally having its moment – and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Recently, pistachio has become a star in coffee culture. Even Starbucks jumped on the trend. One standout? The Dubai Chocolate Crackle Latte from Cafe Soul Cups in Cary, North Carolina has flooded my feed with its glossy pistachio-green color and indulgent chocolate exterior. Inspired by the rich Dubai chocolate bar, it’s proof that pistachio is no longer just for crossword-loving contrarians.
Need a refresh on Dubai chocolate history?
Dubai has long been known for its extravagant food culture, and its luxury chocolate scene is no exception. Brands like Fix Dessert Choclatier rose to fame for turning traditional Middle Eastern flavors – like pistachio, tahini, and crispy kataifi – into decadent, couture-style candy bars. Their most viral creation, the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar, gained global attention on TikTok in early 2024 thanks to its ASMR-worthy crunch and luxe packaging.
With bars costing over $350 per box, U.S. creators began recreating the experience at home, spawning a wave of Fix-inspired desserts and drinks. That trend has spread across the U.S. to places like Cafe Soul Cups.
What is the Dubai Chocolate Crackle Latte from North Carolina?
At this Korean cafe in Cary, North Carolina, the viral chocolate trend doesn’t just stop at candy bars – it’s been transformed into a drink as rich and textured as the dessert it’s inspired by. The magic of Cafe Soul Cups’ Dubai Chocolate Crackle Latte starts before the first sip.
Each of the Dubai Chocolate Latte drinks is crafted in a clear plastic cup carefully coated inside with a thin layer of glossy chocolate. From there, the pistachio base is added, followed by a handful of ice and espresso – your choice of caffeinated or decaf. Then, comes your milk of choice (yes, oat girlies, they’ve got you), blending everything into a nutty, velvety latte. The final touch? A sprinkle of real roasted pistachios on top adds texture and a savory depth that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Consumers are obsessed with the drinking experience. TikTok creator @_shophiee showed off how she cracked the chocolate lining of the cup with a gentle squeeze, which mimics the crunchy texture of the viral chocolate bar. “The bottom part is delicious, you just gotta shake it up a little bit.”
Help, I can’t get to North Carolina.
If you’re from out-of-state like me (shout out to my Jersey girls), don’t panic – making a pistachio latte like the one from Cafe Soul Cups at home is easier than you think.
You can start by making your crackle cup. All you have to do is spread melted chocolate inside a plastic cup and let it cool, forming a thin, sweet chocolate coating along the sides. Don’t have a single-use plastic cup lying around? No worries – just reuse a cup from a previous drink, wash it out, and avoid buying a new pack of disposable cups.
Next, mix a shot or two of espresso (or the equivalent of strongly brewed coffee) with two tablespoons of pistachio syrup or butter. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tahini (toasted ground sesame seeds.) Once your pistachio espresso base is ready, steam or heat about ¾ cup of your preferred milk or froth up some coffee creamer in a flavor that complements the pistachio.
Add your desired amount of ice to your chocolate-lined cup, pour the pistachio espresso base over it, and top with the milk (or alternative) from before. Finally, finish your homemade latte by sprinkling crushed roasted pistachios on top for a satisfying crunch.
If everything goes according to plan, you should have a crunchy, indulgent treat you can enjoy without the road trip!