Dubai chocolate a global frenzy: Germans smuggle and queue up for hours in cold for these luxury Lindt bars

Germans are experiencing a frenzy over pistachio-filled chocolate bars, with their popularity reaching unprecedented levels. The demand is so high that these chocolate bars are being sold for more than 100 euros ($104) online, leading to desperate attempts to get them.
Recently, customs officials apprehended a 31-year-old individual attempting to bring 45 kilograms of these sweets illegally from Switzerland into Germany.
When Lindt introduced their version in Germany this month, enthusiasts waited in cold weather for hours to purchase the bars. Despite the premium price of up to 20 euros per bar, significantly higher than standard chocolate bars, consumers remain undeterred.
“I waited 10 hours. I’ve been here since midnight just to taste this chocolate,” 18-year-old student Leon Faehnle told AFP outside a Lindt shop in Stuttgart.
Lindt’s German launch included 1,000 numbered bars across 10 shops, with plans for an Austrian release on November 30, according to a company spokesperson.
The Dubai chocolate originated in 2021, created by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda, who resides in Dubai. This substantial confection features a decorated chocolate bar containing various fillings, with its distinctive flavour being pistachio cream.
The product gained widespread attention after food influencer Maria Vehera’s car video garnered over 100 million views on TikTok. While authentic versions are exclusively available locally in limited quantities, numerous imitations have emerged globally.
French consumers have embraced Dubai chocolate, with chocolatier Jeremy Bockel’s interpretation featured at the recent Salon du Chocolat in Paris.
Yannick Burkhard, 21, endured a three-hour queue in Stuttgart but plans to resell rather than consume his purchase. “I would never pay that much for this. It’s quick and easy money,” he remarked cheerfully.
“This bar cost 15 euros, but it can sell for almost 100 euros… There are lots of offers on eBay, up to 300 euros,” said a customer who gave his name only as Lucas, 24.
At Ali Fakhro’s Berlin bakery, the daily stock of pistachio-filled chocolate bars disappears rapidly. Inspired by Dubai chocolate’s viral success, Fakhro, 32, developed his recipe two months ago. “On the first day I made 20 bars, but they went fast. The next day, I made 50 — all gone too,” he said.