Dubai's Chewy Cookie Craze Captivates South Korea

Wed Jan 14 2026 11:52:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Innovative dessert inspired by Dubai's chocolate is taking South Korea by storm, creating a culinary sensation and pushing local ingredient prices up.

The Dubai chewy cookie, a dessert featuring pistachio cream and a chocolate marshmallow exterior, has captured the taste buds of South Koreans, leading to skyrocketing sales and ingredient prices. Sparks of the trend ignited on social media have led to overwhelming demand, prompting even convenience stores to jump on board. The cookie's unique texture has sparked discussions on its cultural significance in contemporary Korean cuisine.

The culinary landscape of South Korea is currently being transformed by a delightful dessert inspired by Dubai: the Dubai chewy cookie. This cookie, known for its chewy texture that resembles a rice cake, is filled with indulgent pistachio cream and delicate shreds of knafeh pastry encapsulated in a chocolate marshmallow. Following a viral Instagram post by Jang Won-young, a member of the popular girl group Ive, the cookie has become a sensation, captivating dessert aficionados and food lovers alike across South Korea.

Businesses are rushing to keep up with soaring demand, with some selling hundreds of these cookies within minutes. With prices ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 won, there is speculation that costs may climb further due to the increasing popularity. Not just dessert shops but also unlikely establishments like sushi bars and noodle restaurants have begun offering these unique treats.

Even convenience stores, such as the local chain CU, have joined the trend, reportedly selling around 1.8 million units of their Dubai chewy rice cake since its launch. The manufacturing plants are struggling to boost production to meet the insatiable demand, as confirmed by company representatives.

This love for the chewy cookie has culminated in a grassroots movement, with enthusiasts even creating maps that track where to find them around the city. Some shops have implemented strict limits on purchases to manage stock levels effectively, and excitement is running high to the point where there's talk of other sectors exploring the cookie craze.

However, this frenetic drive for cookie consumption has also led to imitations entering the market, with customers reviewing products that fall short of the original's textural and flavor promises. The bloggers and food critics weigh in on why this cookie aligns so harmoniously with Korean preferences, particularly the appeal of visually stunning desserts that prioritize density and richness over traditional balance.

As South Koreans indulge in this new dessert phenomenon, the demand for key ingredients, particularly pistachios, has surged, prompting notable price increases in the market, reflecting the influential power of consumer trends in today’s culinary scene.