Time Out Dubai showcased the “Dubai chewy cookie,” now available in the city, in a TikTok post. Captured from TikTok
A dessert that has taken Korea by storm, the “Dubai chewy cookie,” has landed in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city, its namesake, drawing enthusiastic reactions from local food lovers.
The chewy cookie, which gained massive popularity in Korea through social media posts by K-pop stars and influencers, has already become familiar to many Dubai-based netizens. Online users reacted with comments such as “Finally!” and “It’s here at last,” as news spread that the dessert had arrived in the city where its name originated.
Time Out Dubai introduced the Korean dessert in an article published on Jan. 21 titled “9 food trends that will take off in Dubai this 2026.” The publication said that the Dubai chewy cookie has recently caused overwhelming demand and frequent sellouts in Korea. It described the cookie as a small but intensely chewy treat made with pistachio spread, white chocolate, butter-fried kunafa — a Middle Eastern dessert — marshmallows and cocoa powder.
Time Out Dubai, a local media outlet, features Korea’s “Dubai chewy cookie” in an article, predicting that the dessert will soon gain popularity in the city. Captured from the Time Out Dubai’s website
Time Out Dubai also predicted that the dessert would soon gain popularity in Dubai. The publication said Dubai residents have a strong preference for pistachio-based desserts and added that the cookie craze is likely to spread locally in the near future.
Cafes in Dubai have already begun selling the dessert. Time Out Dubai posted a video on Instagram on Jan. 23 featuring the Dubai chewy cookie at Gato Cake Studio, a cafe located in the Al Mina district.
Local netizens responded with excitement, leaving comments such as “I can’t believe it’s finally here” and “I want to try it as soon as possible.” One user said it was amusing that the dessert was called a Dubai cookie in Seoul, only to be introduced in Dubai later.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
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