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South Korea's obsession drives Dubai chewy cookie sales to 1.8 million

Jan 14, 2026, 7:41 AM10
(Update: Jan 14, 2026, 7:41 AM)
most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai
country in East Asia

South Korea's obsession drives Dubai chewy cookie sales to 1.8 million

  • The Dubai chewy cookie trend began in South Korea after Jang Won-young posted about it on Instagram.
  • The cookies are made from chocolate marshmallow stuffed with pistachio cream and knafeh shreds, resembling rice cakes more than traditional cookies.
  • The strong demand has led to an increase in prices for key ingredients and has sparked a frenzy among consumers, with some stores limiting purchases.
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In South Korea, a new dessert trend has captivated the nation, inspired by the indulgent Dubai chocolate confection known for its unique ingredients such as pistachio cream and shreds of knafeh pastry. This dessert innovation, named the Dubai chewy cookie, has taken off remarkably since its introduction last September. The cookie's texture is described as resembling that of a rice cake, made by combining the flavors and textures of pistachio cream with chocolate marshmallows and knafeh. The surge in popularity has led to an overwhelming demand for the cookies, with local shops reportedly selling hundreds within minutes of opening. The viral popularity of the Dubai chewy cookie can be traced back to social media momentum, notably from the significant exposure provided by Jang Won-young of the girl band Ive. Her Instagram post featuring the chewy cookie served as a catalyst for the dessert's rise. Consequently, many establishments, including sushi bars and cold-noodle shops, began incorporating this dessert into their menus to capitalize on the trend. The innovative dessert has not only taken over specialty shops but has become a ubiquitous offering across diverse dining venues. With sales figures soaring, local convenience store chain CU launched its version of the treat in October. Reports reveal that CU has sold around 1.8 million pieces since the launch, indicating an insatiable appetite for the dessert in the market. This unprecedented demand has had direct impacts on the economy, notably causing a notable rise in ingredient prices. Local media noted a 20% increase in pistachio prices due to the soaring demand for the cookies. Such inflation highlights how food trends can have wider economic implications, affecting suppliers and consumers alike. This dessert craze has also inspired an online community response, where innovative enthusiasts created a real-time map tracking the availability of Dubai chewy cookies at various shops. Some stores have even implemented purchase limits per customer to manage the frenzy as avid fans vie to get their hands on the coveted treat. Alongside the genuine demand, there have also been reports of counterfeit versions appearing in the market, with frustrated consumers sharing their disappointment online about products that do not meet expectations. The unique features of the Dubai chewy cookie, along with substantial marketing efforts and social media influences, have solidified its place in South Korean dessert culture, reflecting evolving tastes and preferences in the country.

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