LIST: Pistachio-Knafeh Desserts to Go Nuts for in Manila
The combo has far transcended its chocolate-bar roots, and can now be found in cakes, gelato + more.
(SPOT.ph) Who hasn't heard of the pistachio-knafeh trend? It all started with that ultra-luxurious chocolate bar from Dubai—the one that had chocolate lovers scrambling to get a bite last year, no matter how expensive the pasabuy rates were. Now that the hype has settled (and everyone has had their say, including us in our Taste Test), it’s time to explore the next wave of pistachio-knafeh creations. In Metro Manila alone, you'll find cakes and croissants inspired by the sweet trend combining nutty pistachios, crisp and crackly knafeh, and lush ol' chocolate.
Also read:
Dubai Knafeh Chocolate: Here's the Deal on the Viral Chocolate Bar
Taste Test: A Review of the Viral Knafeh Chocolate Bar From Dubai
Taste Test: A Review of Conti's New Pistachio-Knafeh Cake
Desserts inspired by the pistachio-knafeh trend
Starbucks: Chocolate Pistachio Dream Bar
If you're perpetually online and part of online communities that talk about food, then you know about the highly-coveted Chocolate Pistachio Dream Bar from Starbucks. Starbucks' version has a fudgy chocolate base, followed by a layer of creamy pistachio paste and toasted kataifi, and topped with a bark of dark chocolate studded with chopped pistachio.
JICYMI: Starbucks also launched a new kataifi dessert (sans the pistachio) for their Spring 2025 release. The Chocolate Chip Crunch Cheesecake (P295/slice, P3,360/whole) has a brownie base topped with velvety cheesecake, a thin layer of kataifi, and marbled dollops of chocolate and whipped cream.
How to order: Starbucks' Pistachio Dream Bar costs P155. See the list of Starbucks stores.
Conti's Bakeshop & Restaurant: Pistachio Crunch Cake
One of the latest pistachio-knafeh desserts that have been making rounds on social media (as of publishing) is Conti's Bakeshop and Dessert's Pistachio Crunch Cake. There's a moist chocolate sponge cake that holds up the entire dessert, followed by layers of chocolate mousse, pistachio mousse, and crunchy kataifi, and topped with a layer of chocolate and crushed pistachios. This is served with a sweet pistachio sauce and dried (but edible!) flowers on the side, meant to be poured over the cake for dramatic effect.
How to order: Conti's Bakeshop and Dessert's Pistachio Crunch Cake costs P235/slice and P1,350/whole cake. See a list of Conti's branches, or order it for delivery via Conti's website.
Czacza Cafe: Knafeh Chocolate Pistachio Cake
Need more options for a pistachio-kataifi cake? Czacza Cafe used to have Knafeh Donuts on their baked goods menu, but they've moved on to a new pistachio-knafeh application with the Knafeh Chocolate Pistachio Cake. This cake has layers of moist chocolate cake alternating with layers of pistachio and knafeh, then coated in chocolate ganache and decorated with crushed pistachio nuts.
How to order: Czacza Cafe's Knafeh Chocolate Pistachio Cake costs P320/slice and P2,400/whole cake. See the list of Czacza Cafe branches.
Leonisa's Kitchen: Belgian Chocolate Pistachio Kataifi Cream Puff
Leonisa's Kitchen has long been known for its cream puffs and this home-based bakeshop did not pass the opportunity to try the trend on their bestseller. The limited-edition Belgian Chocolate Pistachio Kataifi Cream Puff is a crispy choux pastry with a cookie crust filled with dark Belgian chocolate cream, crunchy kataifi pistachio, milk Belgian chocolate ganache, and decorated with milk Belgian chocolate and pistachio bits.
How to order: Leonisa's Kitchen;'s Belgian Chocolate Pistachio Kataifi Cream Puff costs P790/box of six. You can place an order by messaging Leonisa's Kitchen's Instagram.
Apéritif: Dubai Knafeh Croissants
Apéritif is the place to be when you want the full Parisian coffee experience—from the cups of joe, desserts, and the European-inspired, very Bridgerton-esque ambiance but now, there are Middle Eastern touches to it with their Dubai Knafeh Croissants. These are flaky, golden brown, buttery pastry drizzled with chocolate, sprinkled with crunchy knafeh and pistachios, topped with a chocolate coin embossed with "A" (for Aperitif)—and the best part? It's filled with luscious pistachio cream.
How to order: Apéritif's Dubai Knafeh Croissants cost (P845/box of three, P1,675/box of six). See the list of Apéritif branches—or order it for delivery via Apéritif's website. Note: There is a lead time of one day.
Manila Creamery: Pistachio Chocolate Knafeh Gelato
Manila Creamery, known for its adventurous flavors, hopped on the pistachio-knafeh trend with a new creation, the Pistachio Chocolate Knafeh gelato. This flavor features a smooth pistachio gelato blended with white chocolate pistachios, crispy kataifi, and luscious chocolate hazelnut ganache. The mix of nutty, creamy, and crunchy textures makes every bite a treat. Hopefully, this flavor will still be available when summer comes along in the country.
How to order: Manila Creamery's Pistachio Chocolate Knafeh Gelato costs P530. You can place an order via Manila Creamery's website.
Crosta: Kinky Kataifi
Crosta is a no-brainer when it comes to pizzerias in Metro Manila—but don't stop there, the menu has desserts too. Launched for Valentine's Day is the Kinky Kataifi, a chocolate-dipped soft serve filled with tahini and caramel, and coated in a chocolate shell and pistachio-kataifi strands. This was previously a Valentine's Day special but we're told it's coming back this weekend, February 22 and 23. We're crossing our fingers this dessert will keep returning to the menu.
How to order: Crosta's Kinky Kataifi costs P250. This is exclusively sold at their Salcedo branch, located at Salcedo Village, 104 HV Dela Costa, corner L.P. Leviste Street, Makati City.
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