TikTok creates trends like our dog Lambo creates chaos: at all times and in all ways.
Some of the most fun trends to follow on TikTok involve food and snacks. TikTokers typically favor over-the-top, aesthetic and delicious treats like the recent viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cup: a cup of melted Belgian chocolate, pistachios, pistachio cream, strawberries and crispy, crunchy pastry shreds known as kataifi.
I had seen this chalice of decadence online, but I hadn’t thought about getting one myself until I found out they were being served up right here in Lewis Center.
That’s when I figured I should probably try one since it perfectly hits my blog’s sweet spot of 1. Local LC happenings, 2. International flavors and 3. Sweets made with nuts.
First, my daughter came home from the mall one day and raved about “a cup of strawberries and chocolate” she got there. I wondered if this could be the famous viral dessert I’ve seen on TikTok?
Next, I heard a lot of buzz about a new local coffee shop, Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. in Lewis Center on S. Old State Road just north of Polaris. It’s super close to us and I heard they have yummy unique desserts – including the viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cup. That’s when I knew I had to check it out!
Walking into Qamaria, the first thing that catches your eye is how spacious the place is. It’s billed as “Ohio’s biggest coffee house” and I believe it. There’s room to spread out, find a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a beverage or snack with friends. I love that!
The next thing that caught my eye was the dessert case. They have soooo many awesome, delicious-looking desserts! I saw several that I wanted to try – including several different varieties of my favorite, Tres leches cake – but I was a woman on a mission. I didn’t see any sign of the famous Dubai chocolate strawberry cups, but when I asked at the counter, the young woman smiled and said they do have them.
I read online that at one time, during the peak of this viral craze, people had to wait hours to get a Dubai chocolate strawberry cup. I am pleased to report that it only took a few minutes to make mine. She rang me up ($14.99), I was handed a buzzer and I waited for it to go off. When I returned to the counter, she handed me a cup overflowing with melted chocolate and pistachio cream!
My mouth immediately watered. It smelled and looked incredible – and it was HUGE. I took a few photos, then walked back out to my car to taste this chalice of heaven in private. The combination of warm, melted chocolate, cool pistachio cream, salty pistachios and crunchy, flaky kataifi pastry sheds is absolutely mind-blowing. I honestly cannot believe something this delicious is allowed by law.
I have no notes on the ingredients – they were perfection. I will say that I wish they had smaller serving sizes available. This came in an extra-large cup and I could only take a few mouthfuls before I was full and my sweet tooth more than satiated. The rest went into my fridge and was enjoyed later on after dinner. Truly, though, a much smaller serving would be appreciated and I’d be more likely to go back and buy it again if it came in a size small!
I can see why this treat went viral: it is a feast for the eyes, taste buds and all of the senses. It is over-the-top and quite spectacular. I’d love to get a couple of these Dubai chocolate strawberry cups and then serve them – in more manageable portion sizes – for dessert the next time I have friends over!
Have you tried the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup or any other TikTok food trend lately? This would be a great idea for a fun date out with the teens in your life, as I’m sure they’ve heard of this viral confection. You could even make them at home!
I’d love to hear your ideas of foods and treats to review in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram. I’m always looking for my next culinary adventure!
