Viral food trends to try in the UAE, from cracking coffee to flat croissants

Coming hot from TikTok, these treats will tickle your taste buds.

The UAE is no stranger to social media food trends. To make sure you don’t miss out on the Insta-worthy fun, we’ve compiled a list of the latest viral food trends in the region. From Korean tissue bread to ribbon croissants, here’s where you can grab the latest viral food trends in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Brownie Cup

Break by Mara in Abu Dhabi offers the ultimate chocolate indulgence with their Brownie Cup. This dessert features chunks of rich, fudgy brownie mixed with chocolate chunks, all served in a cup. It’s a chocolate overload in the best possible way, perfect for satisfying even the most intense chocolate cravings.

Bunafa 

Kunafa lovers, prepare to be amazed by the Bunafa. This viral treat is a kunafa served in a bun. Hot, soft, and perfectly cheesy, it’s a delightful twist on the traditional dessert. Pair it with their pistachio sauce for an extra bit of sweet indulgence. Available at Klava on Al Wasl, this is a must-try.

Coldest iced coffee

The Pods at Bluewaters Island redefine iced coffee by serving it in a block of ice, making it the coldest coffee in town. Perfect for beating the UAE’s summer heat, this unique presentation in a block of ice ensures your coffee stays chilled without getting watered down. This not only solves the problem of warm iced coffee but also adds an element of fun to your coffee routine.

Cracking coffee

You must be living under a rock if you haven’t spotted these on social media because the cracking coffee is all the rage on Instagram and TikTok these days. This coffee cup comes with a casing of chocolate — on the inside, of course — with your favourite caffeine fix taking the rest of the cup. The satisfying “crack” as you break through the chocolate is a must-try experience, available at Kawfee in Sharjah and Obeli in CityWalk.

Croissant ice cream

Flaky Pastry has reinvented the ice cream cone with its croissant ice cream. Instead of a regular cone, you get scoops of creamy ice cream served on a cone-shaped croissant. This dessert combines the best of both worlds and is sure to be a hit on your social media feed.

Crookie

Ever wondered what would happen if a croissant and a cookie had a baby? Enter the Crookie, available at Flaky Pastry in Dubai’s City Walk and Dubai Creek Harbour. Imagine biting into the flaky layers of a croissant, only to discover the chewy texture of a cookie. This baked goodness combines the best of both worlds, offering a unique treat that’s equal parts cookie and croissant.

Flat croissants

BRIX takes the croissant game to the next level with their flat croissants. These less flaky, easy-to-eat croissants come topped with chocolate and nuts, offering a delicious treat with less mess. The flat shape makes them perfect for on-the-go snacking, as you don’t have to worry about crumbs falling everywhere. Plus, the added toppings give them an extra layer of flavour and texture.

Fried chicken ice cream

Everyone loves fried chicken, but what if we told you that you can have fried chicken ice cream? Don’t be weirded out – it’s not actually chicken but just vanilla ice cream with a crusty coating made to resemble fried chicken. Available exclusively on Noon, this dessert is a fun and delicious way to surprise your friends.

Giant croissant and coffee

For those with a big appetite, Boho X on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is the place to be. Indulge in their giant croissant, perfect for satisfying your carb cravings, and pair it with an oversized cup of coffee. The giant croissant is flaky, buttery, and perfect for sharing (or not). And the massive cup of coffee ensures you have enough caffeine to kickstart your day.

Korean Tissue bread

Social media is currently obsessed with Korean Tissue Bread, and you can find this delightful treat at Break by Mara in Abu Dhabi’s Al Qana. This tiny loaf with thin, pull-apart slices is as fun to eat as it is delicious. The bread is light and fluffy, making it easy to tear apart and enjoy piece by piece. It’s a carb-lovers dream come true, providing a perfect balance of fun and flavour.

Kunafa chocolate 

In the UAE, kunafa is a beloved dessert, and Fix Dessert Chocolatier has taken it up a notch with their Kunafa Chocolate Bar. Combining gooey kunafa mixture with rich chocolate, this treat is a blend of chocolatey and cheesy goodness that you won’t want to miss. The kunafa’s sweetness pairs perfectly with the decadent chocolate, creating a blend of textures and flavours. Fun fact: These chocolates from the UAE have now become a global sensation.

Lotus burger

High Joint in Al Manara is bringing an unconventional yet delicious combination to the table with their Lotus Burger. Imagine a savoury burger paired with sweet lotus sauce and topped with a lotus biscuit. The juicy, savoury burger patty contrasts beautifully with the sweet notes of the lotus sauce, making it a combo that is perfect for those who love to experiment with flavours.

Matilda cake

If you’ve read Roald Dahl’s Matilda or watched the movie, chances are you’ve always imagined what it would be like to try the chocolate cake that Miss Trunchbull told Bruce Bogtrotter to eat. Now, you can step into that fictional world with the Matilda Cake at Parkers. This rich, chocolatey cake brings a beloved childhood story to life, making it a must-try.

Ribbon croissants

CAIA, located in Al Wasl, offers ribbon-shaped croissants that are perfect for your next Instagram post. These croissants, reminiscent of Minnie Mouse’s headgear, are ideal for pairing with your favourite iced coffee for a delightful treat. The ribbon croissants are not only visually appealing but also delicious, with the same flaky texture you love in a traditional croissant.

Sponge cake

When you hear the word sponge cake, you probably imagine a regular, moist sponge cake with frosting on top. But Erythrina in Sharjah’s Kalba takes it literally with their sponge cake shaped like an actual kitchen sponge. This playful dessert comes with a sauce that’s served in a miniature dishwashing detergent bottle, adding to the fun. The cake itself is light and fluffy, and the unique presentation makes it perfect for Instagram.

Pink matcha

If you love Matcha, you must have already tried the best matcha spots across the UAE. But Café Kitsuné brings a taste of Japan with a Parisian twist to Dubai with its Pink Matcha. Located in Al Wasl, you get to enjoy the Strawberry Matcha that brings a flavourful and pink touch to your sips.