Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the chocolate-covered strawberry in the room. If you've been on social media at all in the past year, you've probably seen those ridiculously photogenic cups filled with fresh strawberries drowning in pistachio cream and melted chocolate. Yeah, those Dubai chocolate strawberry cups that have everyone losing their minds.
I'll be honest, when I first saw these things trending on
TikTok, I rolled my eyes. Another viral food trend that would probably taste
like disappointment wrapped in Instagram hype. But then I tried one at a little
spot in City Walk, and I get it now. I really, really get it.
The thing is, finding good chocolate strawberries and
strawberry cups in Dubai isn't as simple as it looks online. Some places are
riding the trend with mediocre knockoffs, while others are creating genuinely
incredible versions that justify the hype. After spending way too much money
and probably gaining five pounds in the name of research, here's where you
actually want to go.
The OG Spot That Started It All
Let's start with the obvious one – FIX Dessert Chocolatier,
the place that literally created Dubai chocolate back in 2021. They've got
locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and while they're famous for their original
chocolate bars, they've expanded into the strawberry cup game too.
Their version comes in two sizes and features that signature
pistachio cream with crunchy kunafa topping. The strawberries are always fresh,
and the chocolate quality is what you'd expect from the place that started this
whole craze. Fair warning though – there's usually a line, especially on
weekends. The hype is real, but so is the wait.
What I love about FIX is they didn't just jump on their own
trend mindlessly. They actually put thought into making their strawberry cups
feel like a natural extension of what they're known for. The pistachio cream
has that perfect balance of nutty and sweet, and they don't skimp on the
kadayif that gives everything that amazing crunch.
Dubai Mall: The Tourist Trap That's Actually Worth It
Look, I usually avoid food trends at Dubai Mall because they
tend to be overpriced tourist magnets. But there are some solid options there,
including Cocoa Palace and Trove Restaurant at Fashion Avenue.
Trove surprised me the most. Their Dubai chocolate bar has
that decadent pistachio cream layered with kunafa topping, and their strawberry
cups are actually really well executed. The portion sizes are generous, the
strawberries are consistently good quality, and they've got the presentation
down to an art form.
Cocoa Palace is more expensive but they use premium ingredients
that you can actually taste. If you're trying to impress someone or want that
luxury experience, it's worth the extra dirhams. Plus, being in Dubai Mall
means you can satisfy your chocolate strawberry craving while doing the whole
tourist thing.
The downside of Mall locations? Crowds, obviously. And
prices that reflect the prime real estate. But if you're already there anyway,
don't sleep on these spots just because they're in a mall.
JBR: Beachside Indulgence Done Right
JBR has become a destination for dessert lovers, especially
those who want to enjoy their sweets with a sea breeze. There's something
magical about eating chocolate strawberries while watching the sunset over the
Arabian Gulf.
Gelato Paradise offers various flavors and has gotten into the
strawberry cup game, combining their gelato expertise with the viral trend.
Their version includes a scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato at the bottom of
the cup, which honestly makes it even better on hot days.
Crepe on the Beach also does a unique take with crepes
filled with Nutella and strawberries, then topped with the signature pistachio
cream and chocolate drizzle. It's not traditional, but it works surprisingly
well.
JBR's advantage is the atmosphere. Yeah, you're paying for
the location, but there's something about enjoying these decadent treats while
watching the waves that makes the whole experience better. Just be prepared for
weekend crowds and limited seating during peak hours.
City Walk: The Local's Choice
City Walk has quietly become one of my favorite places to
hunt for good chocolate strawberries. It's easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed
Road and has this great mix of local favorites and trendy spots.
There's a small café there – I won't name it because I'm
selfish and don't want it to get too crowded – that does hands-down the best
chocolate strawberry cups I've found in Dubai. The owner is this Palestinian
guy who takes the whole thing seriously. He makes his own pistachio cream,
sources the strawberries from a specific farm, and actually cares about the
chocolate quality instead of just following a trend.
What makes City Walk great for dessert hunting is the
variety. You can walk around, try different places, and not feel like you're
trapped in a mall or paying beach resort prices. Plus, the parking situation is
way better than most other dessert destinations in Dubai.
Downtown Dubai: Beyond the Mall
Everyone focuses on Dubai Mall when they think Downtown, but
there are some hidden gems in the surrounding areas that are worth seeking out.
Susan's Baking Company in Downtown offers healthy options alongside indulgent
treats, and they've created a surprisingly good version of the chocolate
strawberry cup that doesn't leave you in a sugar coma.
The Downtown residential areas have small cafés that cater
more to locals than tourists, which means better prices and often better
quality. These places aren't trying to go viral – they're trying to build a
neighborhood clientele, which usually translates to caring more about taste
than appearance.
The Jumeirah Strip: Luxury with a Side of Strawberries
The Hundred Wellness Centre in Jumeirah 1 offers healthy
dishes and vegan options, including a plant-based version of the chocolate
strawberry cup that's actually really good. If you're trying to be somewhat
healthy while still indulging in this trend, that's your spot.
The area near Sunset Mall in Jumeirah 3 has some great
chocolate fondue spots that have adapted to include the strawberry cup trend.
These places tend to be more intimate and less Instagram-focused, which I
personally prefer.
The Jumeirah Beach Road strip has this relaxed vibe that
makes dessert hunting feel less frantic. You can actually sit, enjoy your food,
and have a conversation without feeling like you need to snap fifty photos
first.
What Makes a Good Chocolate Strawberry Cup
After trying way too many of these things, here's what
separates the good from the overhyped:
The strawberries matter more than you think. Fresh, ripe
strawberries that actually taste like something are crucial. Too many places
use those sad, flavorless strawberries that look good but taste like water.
The pistachio cream consistency is everything. It should be
rich and nutty, not just sweet paste with green food coloring. Good places make
their own or source from suppliers who actually care about flavor.
The chocolate quality shows. You can taste the difference
between real chocolate and the cheap stuff melted down. It affects the entire
experience.
The kadayif or kunafa needs to be crispy. Soggy pastry ruins
the textural contrast that makes these cups special in the first place.
Portion balance is key. Too much chocolate overwhelms
everything else. Too little and you're just eating expensive strawberries.
Price Reality Check
Let's talk money because these things aren't cheap. Expect
to pay anywhere from 25-60 AED per cup depending on location and quality. In
other cities, these cups are going for around $13.50 USD, so Dubai prices are
definitely on the higher end.
Mall locations and beachfront spots charge premium prices.
Neighborhood cafés and less touristy areas offer better value. The question is
whether the Instagram potential and atmosphere are worth the extra cost to you.
Don't expect these to be filling meals. They're desserts,
and rich ones at that. Two people can easily share one cup unless you're really
committed to the sugar rush.
Timing Your Visit
Weekends are brutal everywhere. If you want to actually
enjoy your dessert without fighting crowds, weekday afternoons are ideal. Early
evening works too, especially at beachfront locations where you get the sunset
bonus.
Ramadan changes everything. Many places adjust their hours
or close during daylight hours. Plan accordingly if you're visiting during this
period.
Summer heat makes outdoor locations less appealing during
midday. The JBR and beachfront spots are better in the evening when
temperatures drop.
The Verdict
Are chocolate strawberry cups worth the hype? Honestly, when
done well, yes. They're indulgent, photogenic, and the combination of flavors
actually works really well together. The problem is finding places that execute
them properly instead of just jumping on the trend.
The whole Dubai chocolate phenomenon started with
entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda at Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2021, inspired by
pregnancy cravings, and it's evolved into this massive trend that shows no
signs of slowing down.
My advice? Try the original at FIX first to understand what
the fuss is about, then explore the variations at other spots. Don't just go to
the most Instagram-famous place – some of the best versions are at smaller
cafés that care more about taste than trends.
And here's the thing nobody talks about – these cups are
rich. Really rich. Unless you have an iron stomach and a serious sweet tooth,
plan to share or save room for nothing else that day.
Places to Avoid
I won't name specific places, but avoid anywhere that:
- Uses
obviously frozen strawberries
- Has
kunafa that looks like it's been sitting out for hours
- Charges
more than 60 AED for a basic cup
- Can't
tell you what's actually in their pistachio cream
- Has
more Instagram decorations than actual flavor
The viral nature of this trend means lots of places are
trying to cash in without understanding what makes these desserts actually
good. Don't be afraid to ask questions or walk away if something doesn't look
right.
Read Also: Dubai-Style Kunafa Chocolate Bar (From Scratch!)
Final Thoughts on
Dubai's chocolate strawberry and strawberry cup scene
reflects what the city does best – taking global trends and doing them with
style, quality, and just enough luxury to make them feel special. Whether
you're a tourist trying to understand the hype or a local looking for your new
favorite indulgence, there are genuinely great options here.
Just remember that half the experience is about where and
how you eat these things. A mediocre strawberry cup with friends at sunset on
JBR Beach might be more memorable than a perfect one rushed between mall
errands. Choose your spot as carefully as you choose your dessert.
The trend will probably fade eventually, but for now, enjoy
the fact that Dubai has become an unexpected destination for one of the
internet's favorite desserts. And when you find a place that does them right,
keep it to yourself for a while. Us locals appreciate it.
How to make Kataifi for Dubai Chocolate at
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