I Tried Dubai Chocolate Across Michigan and This Shop Ruined Me for All Others

One day, my adult daughter texted me, “Is $40 too much to pay for a Dubai chocolate bar?”

My answer? Don’t do it. I’ll send you one.

I’ve done the research, by which I mean I’ve eaten an irresponsible amount of chocolate in the name of motherly duty, and I can confidently say I’ve found the best Dubai chocolate in the entire state of Michigan.

Why Michigan? Because Dearborn (just a short drive from Detroit) is home to the largest Arabic population in the United States. That means Michigan isn’t just the mitten-shaped state with the lakes. It’s also home to an incredible food scene rooted in Middle Eastern flavors, culture, and creativity.

Now, let’s talk Dubai chocolate.

This isn’t your average chocolate bar. This is chocolate that became famous for a reason...viral-level famous. What makes it special? It’s a layered, high-drama kind of candy: a glossy milk chocolate shell on the outside, creamy pistachio filling on the inside, and the kicker: crispy shards of kataifi, a delicate shredded phyllo dough that adds a crackle with every bite.

The texture is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced... and trust me, I’ve had a lot of candy. My best description? It’s kind of like a “loose Butterfinger,” but the flavor is way better than that boring candy bar. The chocolate isn’t waxy or overly sweet, the pistachio cream is velvety and rich, and the crunch from the kataifi is subtle but completely satisfying. The whole thing tastes like it was designed by a chocolatier who wanted to ruin you for all other candy, and, spoiler alert, it might.

I searched high and low to find a local place that gets it right. And I found it, just a short walk from home, in a shop I’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with: Nuts Now in Allen Park.

Nuts Now is tucked into a lively stretch of Allen Road, surrounded by a mix of bakeries, restaurants, and shops that cater to the neighborhood’s deeply rooted Arabic community. When you walk in, the first thing you’ll notice is the smell. It's sweet, nutty, toasty, and utterly irresistible. The second thing? The sheer volume of snacks packed into every inch of space.

This place is a wonderland, featuring a mix of bulk bins, displays, and glass cases that showcase everything from roasted pistachios to freeze-dried fruit, Middle Eastern crackers, and, of course, chocolate.

And yes, they absolutely have Dubai chocolate in a glorious, ever-changing variety. You’ll find small bars, big bars, and what seems like every size in between. No matter your budget or snack commitment level, this Allen Park sweet shop has an option for you.

And the flavor doesn’t stop at the bars. Once you get hooked on that Dubai chocolate magic, Nuts Now invites you to experience it in a bunch of creative, wildly indulgent forms.

Fancy some strawberries or brownie chunks, covered in Dubai chocolate and served in a cup with a spoon? Check. Want a croissant with a gooey, melty, pistachio-filled chocolate center? They’ve got it. Dubai chocolate drizzled on a slice of cheesecake? Absolutely. And it’s all presented with the confidence of a place that knows it’s about to win you over.

But my personal favorite? It’s not a cup, or a croissant, or a bar. It’s a stuffed date.

I have become completely, unapologetically obsessed with the stuffed dates at Nuts Now. Every single week, I walk in, flash a big smile at the folks behind the counter, and say, “Give me two of every single stuffed date you have.” And every single time, they deliver.

Most days, there are seven varieties to choose from. Which works out perfectly with my current lifestyle: two dates a night, every single night. My bedtime ritual now involves dental floss and a tiny plate of perfection.

Among those seven are two Dubai chocolate-stuffed dates: one with milk chocolate and one with dark. Both are excellent. Both taste like a dessert designed by someone who understands that sweetness is not just a flavor, y'all, it’s a texture and an experience.

But the Dubai-stuffed dates aren’t even my top pick. My favorite of all? The Mounds-style date.

It’s stuffed with coconut and wrapped in dark chocolate, capturing the exact flavor of the nostalgic Mounds candy bar, but made with better ingredients and no mystery additives. It’s creamy, chewy, rich, and naturally sweet, like a tropical vacation and a bake sale had a delicious baby.

You’ll also find hazelnut-stuffed dates (imagine a Mediterranean Nutella moment), Biscoff-stuffed ones (a literal cookie butter dream), and others that rotate depending on the week and the mood of the date gods.

And when I’m not trying to convince myself that dates count as a healthy snack, I make a beeline for the candy section. The fruity gummies, sour belts, Swedish-style chews; they’re all dangerously good. I tell myself the bag will last the whole week, and then I find myself back in the store three days later, shameless and ready for more.

Beyond candy and dates, Nuts Now also stocks two things I always keep in my pantry: za’atar herb crackers and freeze-dried strawberries.

The za’atar crackers are thin, crispy, and savory with a bright pop of spice. They’re not just good… they’re addictive. You could pair them with hummus or cheese, but honestly, they don’t need anything. They’re like the extrovert of crackers: loud, flavorful, and perfectly fine being the main event.

The freeze-dried strawberries, on the other hand, are sweet, tart, and airy. They practically dissolve on your tongue and taste like strawberries concentrated into their purest form. They’re the snack I reach for when I want something fruity but not sugary, light but still satisfying.

So yes, I sent my daughter some Dubai chocolate. Yes, she loved it. Yes, she’s already asking when I’ll send more. And you’ll be right there with her after your first bite.

Visit Michigan. Visit Allen Park. And visit Nuts Now. Whether you’re here for the viral chocolate bars, the stuffed dates, the crunchy snacks, or the endless gummy candy, you’ll find something worth obsessing over—no flight needed. Just follow the scent of pistachios and joy.