Dubai’s latest food trends are taking over social media with bold and creative treats like kunafa chocolate bars, karak-chai toast, crookies, Arctic-style ice cream, and pink matcha lattes—blending tradition, innovation, and visual appeal into irresistible culinary sensations.
Dubai's food scene has always been a fusion of innovation and indulgence—but in 2025, it’s reaching new creative heights. A wave of viral food trends is sweeping through the city, turning everyday treats into Instagram sensations and drawing foodies from across the region to try them firsthand.
From bold new dessert inventions to reimagined cultural staples, here are five of the most talked-about culinary trends currently taking over social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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Dubai’s dessert culture has taken a bold turn with the rise of Kunafa Chocolate Bars—a unique blend of the classic Arabic sweet and rich European-style chocolate. These bars offer a delightful contrast of textures: the crispy golden layers of kunafa pastry, the savory touch of cheese, and the sweetness of premium chocolate. The bars are beautifully packaged and photo-friendly, making them a social media staple. Locals and tourists alike are calling it “a dessert that bridges tradition and trend.”
The beloved karak chai is no longer just a cup of tea—it’s now a full-fledged food trend. Enter karak-chai toast, a combination that marries Dubai’s favorite spiced milk tea with crispy golden toast, often topped with caramel, condensed milk, or biscoff spread. This trend has quickly become a morning favorite among young professionals and students, offering comfort, nostalgia, and novelty all in one bite and sip. Instagram is filled with reels showcasing café-goers dipping toast into their karak in slow motion—an oddly satisfying sight that’s catching on fast.
One of the most indulgent treats to hit the city’s bakeries this year is the crookie, a decadent mashup between a croissant and a cookie. With its flaky, buttery croissant layers stuffed with molten cookie dough, it delivers the best of both worlds in every bite. Food bloggers are calling it the “Frankenstein of pastries,” and it’s currently one of the top-selling items at specialty bakeries across Dubai. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast item or dessert, the crookie’s oozy interior and flaky exterior have made it a viral must-try.
If you thought ice cream was just a summer treat, think again. Dubai’s dessert parlors are now serving what some are calling the "Arctic Ice Cream Experience." Using liquid nitrogen and dramatic vapor effects, this ice cream is served at ultra-low temperatures, often with glowing LED lights and smoky fog rolling across the table. It's a full visual performance that delights both kids and adults. Social media has exploded with videos of people trying this extreme dessert for the first time, reacting to the chill and spectacle alike.
Dubai’s health cafés are hopping on the pink matcha bandwagon, a drink that looks as good as it feels. Made with beetroot or dragon fruit powder instead of traditional green tea leaves, this caffeine-light alternative boasts natural antioxidants and a vibrant pink hue that’s made for Instagram. These lattes are especially popular among the city’s wellness influencers, who tout their health benefits and “feel-good vibes.” They’re more than just a drink—they’ve become a wellness statement.
Dubai continues to lead the region in culinary creativity, blending global influences with local flair to create food experiences that are as photogenic as they are flavorful. These trends not only reflect the city's multicultural makeup but also its love for bold experimentation and luxury dining.
As social media platforms continue to amplify these culinary creations, Dubai reaffirms its place as one of the world’s top food trendsetters—where every bite can become a viral moment.
source
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
