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MANILA, Philippines – Move over, regular chocolate bars! Knafeh bars are taking over, and they’ve been raising the bar for dessert lovers in the Philippines over the past months.
These bars with a rich chocolate shell and layers of crunchy pistachio kataifi and creamy pistachio filling inside are inspired by the Middle Eastern dessert, with kataifi (crunchy, shredded phyllo dough) as its main ingredient. Kaitafi’s origins trace back to Greece and Turkey.
Local brands haven’t just been recreating the viral chocolate bar popularized by Dubai-based Fix Desserts — SMEs and chains like Conti’s have been getting creative with pistachio knafeh flavors, incorporating them into cakes, donuts, and other sweet treats.
Here’s where you can get your hands on different iterations of the sweet-and-savory, creamy-and-crunchy sensation!
Armenia’s Bakeshop
What started as a woman’s passion for baking has grown into multiple branches serving a variety of cakes, breads, and pastries! Armenia’s Bakeshop’s take on the viral Middle Eastern chocolate bar comes in the form of the Knachio — a Pistachio Knafeh cake with layers of chocolate and pistachio, topped with crunchy pistachio nuts.
Trying Armenia’s decadent take on the trend was not disappointing — the chocolate cake was moist and soft, complemented by an addictive layer of crispy kataifi. The pistachio flavor was present but not overpowering, making each bite feel balanced and cohesive.
Armenia’s first and main branch is located in Guagua, Pampanga, and has since expanded with three more branches across the province. They’ve also set up shop in Angeles City, Tarlac, and Bulacan, with their newest branch in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
For customers outside these areas, Armenia’s Bakeshop still accommodates delivery orders; just be sure to book your own courier. To place an order, visit their Facebook page.
Mama Lou’s
Established in 2010, Mama Lou’s take on the viral pistachio chocolate bar comes in the form of the new Dolchi Pistachio — a sophisticated layered cake featuring a Dulcey chocolate glaze, creamy pistachio filling, and chocolate sponge cake, finished with a delicate cocoa tuile on top.
While it doesn’t have the signature kataifi crunch, the pistachio flavor shines enough. This version offers a multi-textural experience — a soft but slightly dense cake, a light, fluffy mousse, and a crisp chocolate shell, all melting together in a balanced, not-too-sweet bite.
The Dolchi Pistachio is part of Mama Lou’s newest limited-edition cake series, available in-store at their branches in Las Piñas, Makati, Parañaque, Pasig, and Quezon City. You can also order online at order.mamalous.com.
Czaczacza Café
Czaczacza Café previously released Knafeh Donuts in 2024, but now they have a pretty Knafeh Chocolate Pistachio Cake version, made with layers of compact chocolate cake and traditional knafeh filling, coated in chocolate mousse and adorned with pistachio nuts and dried flower petals.
What began as a creative outlet during the pandemic for the owner has since escalated into a full-blown business. Czaczacza Café now has kiosks in SM North EDSA, SM San Mateo, SM Masinag, SM Marikina, and SM Grand Central. You can order via Facebook or Instagram.
Gourmet Cravings
Local bakery Gourmet Cravings, owned by chef Anniel Prats, offers both a pistachio chocolate bar-inspired cake and donut sandwiches.
Her homemade take on the Dubai treat features layers of Belgian chocolate mousse, the signature crispy kataifi filling, and Valrhona chocolate cake, and is sold at P790 per acrylic box. It’s a good price to pay for the premium quality of the chocolate she uses — everything is silky, smooth, and rich.
The Dubai Berry Donuts introduces local Baguio strawberries into the mix, with each fluffy brioche donut filled with fresh, whole strawberries, strawberry jelly, pistachio kataifi spread, and finished off with a drizzle of Belgian chocolate cremeaux. The donuts are limited-edition and cost P590 per box of three.
Gourmet Cravings is located in Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City. For orders, you can message them on Facebook.
M Bakery
M Bakery, famous for its banana pudding, has announced a new Pistachio Kadayif Chocolate Pudding Parfait, made with layers of pistachio and chocolate pudding, chocolate cake, roasted kataifi, and topped off with pistachio nuts and chocolate shavings.
M Bakery’s take on the trend is baked without preservatives and is meant to be enjoyed right away.
M Bakery has branches in One Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Rockwell, SM Megamall, Mitsukoshi BGC, and Opus Mall, and are open 8 am to 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 8 am to 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Wacko Waffles
Pasig City-based Wacko Waffles has come up with two decadent iterations of the viral Dubai dessert that both use its best-selling waffles into the mix!
The Wacko Kataifi uses the brand’s signature liege waffles, wrapped in chocolate, pistachio, and kataifi, and is sold at P225 per piece and P1200 per box.
Also available is the Wacko Kataifi Cup, that combines mini waffle bites, pistachio and chocolate cream, and crushed pistachio nuts on top, all in one cup at P350. They also have a waffle parfait cup that combines the pistachio-choco treat with cookies n’ cream for P250.
Wacko Waffles is located at Valiente Street, Pasig City, with a a pop-up at Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons from March 21 to 23. You can also place your orders through the website or Instagram. – Rappler.com
