The impact of TikTok trends has been observed across industries, and after its major influence on the publishing industry, boosted by BookTok, it is also shaping global agricultural economies. The green gold taking over the world of food trends — pistachios — have become a key ingredient of confectionery items, fuelled primarily by the viral Dubai chocolate craze. With a surge in demand for pistachios, the price of pistachio kernels has also seen a significant rise. As the green nut continues to highlight decadent confectionery items, here are some of the most luxurious and expensive pistachio desserts that are a must-try.
Compared to other popular nuts like almonds, pistachios are considered relatively more environmentally friendly since they require significantly less water to grow and produce less waste. However, the increasing demand for pistachios has led to a global shortage. According to the reports, in merely a year, the prices have surged from USD 7.65 to USD 10.30 a pound. Moreover, pistachios were already becoming scarce following a poor harvesting season in the US, which has been the world’s leading exporter of the nut.
The Dubai chocolate story
The popularity of the Dubai chocolate is almost fitting for a case study on the impressive power of social media. The original, called Can’t Get Knafeh of It, by FIX Chocolatier, has been sold exclusively in the UAE since 2022, but following its recent popularity on social media, it is known to sell out within minutes. It was a viral video by TikTok user Maria Vehera from 2023 that resulted in the Knafeh chocolate bar becoming one of the most sought-after items. The highlight of the chocolate bar has been that it goes beyond just featuring pistachio flavour but comes with crispy kataifi, pistachio and tahini paste, wrapped up in a casing of milk chocolate, costing almost USD 18.50 for a single bar.
Naturally, after TikTok made Vehera’s Knafeh chocolate bar go viral, several versions of it are now being served across countries, making the “Dubai chocolate” phenomenon a big success. The extensive usage of pistachio cream has been dominating food trends, especially the sweet treats, and hence, we take a look at some of the most luxurious pistachio desserts.
After Dubai Chocolate, try these most luxurious pistachio desserts
Infiniment Pistache
The amazing contributions of renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé have made headlines in the past, too, but if you’re looking for a dessert that celebrates the distinct flavour profile of pistachios, look no further. Infinite Pistache is a beautiful pistachio shortbread pastry consisting of pistachio praline, pistachio smooth cream and Chantilly cream. The gourmet dessert has contrasting textures and mainly highlights the green nut through its crunchy consistency as well as its persistent, buttery, rich flavour. These beautiful flavours are further enhanced with the dessert’s inviting and decadent look. The gorgeous green pastry is priced at approximately USD 14 per piece.
Meringue Impériale Pistache
No food trip in Paris is complete without a sweet tooth indulgence, and with Christophe Michalak being one of the most recognised French pastry chefs, a trip to Michalak pâtisserie is inevitable. Among a splendid variety of artisanal desserts — for pistachio lovers — the Meringue Impériale Pistache is a must-try item. The French meringue boasts of a sumptuous Iranian pistachio praline along with lightly whipped pistachio ganache. Amid the current pistachio craze, this tempting dessert goes a step ahead of Michalak’s already popular Imperial Chocolate Hazelnut Meringue. With a promising play on textures offering crunch and fondant, this dessert is yet another winning display of the earthy green nut. The pastries are priced at USD 58 and are available in individual and sharing formats.
Cedric Grolet’s Pistachio tart
In the world of social media, Cedric Grolet is a big name given that the French pastry chef has gained significant internet popularity for his visually appealing desserts, particularly his stunning ability to create desserts that resemble the fruits from which they’re made. With over 12 million followers on Instagram, Grolet’s artistic reels allow users to experience firsthand his beautiful dessert creations. Among the many popular offerings, fans of pistachio can find a beautiful pistachio tart on the menu, and beyond the sweet pastry’s rich pistachio cream, it’s the design itself which resembles a pistachio nut that predominantly grabs attention. The exquisite dessert is a masterful combination of flavour and elegance, and the extravagant pastry is priced at USD 50 per piece.
Also, bookmark the best places to try viral Dubai chocolate in KL and Selangor.
Pistachio Lover
Pistachio Lover by Yann Couvreur is one of the most luxurious pistachio desserts to devour, with its highlight being the pistachio praline that truly brings out the distinct flavour of the roasted nuts. The French pastry chef surely knows how to celebrate the sweet yet nutty flavour profile of pistachio in a delectable pastry. The Pistachio Lover consists of an orange blossom ganache encrusted with pistachio praline that beautifully rests on a pistachio biscuit and a sweet pastry. Additionally, pistachio powder is also sprinkled, and whole pistachios are also incorporated in the pastry to provide a textural variety and bring out the strong, earthy flavour of the green nuts. The rich flavours of the praline and ganache perfectly complement the name of the dessert, given that it would fittingly appeal to any pistachio lover. Four portions of the Pistachio Lover cost upwards of USD 45.
Pistachio Chocolate Tart
Maison Aleph is famously known to combine Middle Eastern ingredients with French techniques, with chef Myriam Sabet at the helm. A popular dessert that celebrates pistachios front and centre is the Pistachio Chocolate Tart, available at Sabet’s Paris-based pâtisserie. The tart is generously filled with Iranian pistachio praline with a hint of bitter orange and a dark chocolate ganache from Venezuela by chocolatier Nicolas Berger. Roasted Iranian pistachios are also sprinkled on the tart to further enhance the flavour. Notably, the usage of Iranian pistachios for this dessert makes it a premium dessert, given that Iranian pistachios are considered superior because of their unique flavour and rich taste. Approximately five portions of the tart can cost up to USD 40.
Pistachio Praliné, Grand Marnier Bavarois
At one of the world’s best restaurants and New York’s fanciest places to eat — Le Bernardin, one pistachio-themed dessert has drawn foodies ever since it first appeared on their menu. The Pistachio Praliné, Grand Marnier Bavarois teams up the gorgeously rich flavour of the nuts with its praline. The combination of pistachios and white chocolate further makes this dessert by pastry chef Orlando Soto a dreamy dessert. Beyond its delectable taste, the presentation of the dish also brings a luxurious look with the incorporation of edible gold and silver leaves that dazzle over the earthy green coloured dessert. While the dessert is not priced individually, it is a part of the Chef’s Tasting Menu at Le Bernardin that costs USD 325 per person, or USD 495 with wine pairing.
(Main and featured images: Le Bernardin)
This story first appeared here.
