Food and Drinks

Dubai Chocolate Meets Starbucks

Lena Lee, Writer • January 21, 2026

A picture of Lena’s order: a Grande-sized Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha

Dubai chocolate is one of the latest internet crazes: crunchy, pistachio, kataifi filling encased in milk chocolate. This nutty, sweet amalgamation became a household name by means of social media platforms like TikTok and has found its place in superstores and cafes.

Starbucks has finally incorporated this viral sensation into its menu by introducing two new drinks: Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha.

Available for a limited time, the Starbucks Chocolate Mocha puts its own spin on Dubai chocolate by “[combining] Starbucks® Espresso Roast with…chocolate mocha sauce, finished with nutty pistachio cream cold foam and a salted brown-buttery topping and served over ice” (Starbucks Corporation).

I recently tried these famous new drinks at my local Starbucks for $6.25–although, prices may vary according to tax and location.

The Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha preserves the sweet, creamy taste of a normal mocha, but adds hints of pistachio syrup and buttery cold foam. I felt it lacked the classic Dubai chocolate flavor of kataifi and pistachio. For the chocolate aspect, this drink hits the spot, however I would not consider the Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha an accurate representation of Dubai chocolate.

For the Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha, Starbucks notes that it is “[inspired] by matcha lovers and the Dubai chocolate dessert, [combining] vibrant iced matcha latte with the nutty sweetness of pistachio sauce, silky chocolate cream cold foam and a salted brown-buttery topping.” Unlike their mocha drink, I noticed that the matcha drink was immersed with flaky, decadent, golden-brown sprinkles that heightened my drinking experience. My first sip of the Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha left a smooth, delicious aftertaste in my mouth. I loved how this drink perfectly embodied the crunchy filling that Dubai chocolate is known for. Unlike the Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha drink, I can see myself reordering Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha because not only does it perfectly incorporate Dubai chocolate’s staple crunchiness, it brings the trend to another level by combining Starbucks’ sweet, milky matcha with the decadent, melting Dubai chocolate feel.

Overall, I can definitely see myself coming back to Starbucks for these two newly trending drinks!

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About the Contributor

Lena Lee, Social Media/Editor

Hi! I’m Lena, I’m a senior, and I’ll be one of the Editor-in-Chiefs and Social Media managers this year! Some things about me are that I currently work in a special needs ministry, I manage the social media of several clubs, and I enjoy writing. After high school, I’ll be majoring in English and hopefully going to law school after. I’m so excited to work with The Caledonian this year!