have been travelling at breakneck speed for some years now thanks to the popularisation of and its knack for algorithmically curating the latest obsessions.
From the lockdown phenomenon of Dalgona whipped coffee to less appetizing trends like Chamoy pickle kits, social media has showcased it all.
One of the most recent , however, has been a lot more exclusive and reserved only to a lucky few, as it was, until recently, only available in one specific shop in .
The now-widely known as "Dubai chocolate bar" is a pistachio lover's dream come true: the finest, creamiest filled with pistachio cream mixed with knafeh (or kunafa), a crispy shredded phyllo pastry.
As soon as I discovered this delicacy, I knew I had to try it, but despite my extensive research, I soon realised I had to take a trip to the UAE if I wanted to even get close to tasting it.
Just a couple of days later, the Expedia Group invited me on a trip to Abu Dhabi to uncover its travel trends report for 2025, with one of the main motivations for travellers next year being sourcing goods from lands far away.
The travel giant revealed: "TikTok has inspired travellers to take trips in search of craveable (and share-worthy) specialty goods.
"Whether it's a viral chocolate bar from Dubai, butter from France, skincare products from Korea or Japanese sweets, travellers are making extra space in their carry-ons for unique treasures, even creating entire trips around getting the goods.
"When going on holiday, 60 percent of Brits prioritise visiting a supermarket to buy local goods and delicacies, with sweet treats (43 percent) and condiments and spices (20 percent) topping the shopping list.
"Coffee tours in Costa Rica, tea tastings in China and matcha experiences in Japan are some of the most popular Goods Getaway experiences bookable on Expedia."
Lo and behold, a mere month later I was on a plane to the capital of the United Arab Emirates to experience this and the other eight trends for myself.
And after racing through the stunning Yas Mall to track down this sought-after treat, I finally got my hands on one.
The experience was sublime. Milk chocolate of the highest quality was a mere casing for a flavour and texture explosion that was worth the entire trip alone.
Needless to say, later that day I went back to my hotel with a yearly supply of these delightful treats - both for myself and for gifting to my nearest and dearest.
Were these world-renowned treats the nearly £70 I spent on them? Absolutely. Would I go back and spend the same on them again? Of course, in fact, I'd probably splurge even more.
You may also like
NFL star 'quicker than Usain Bolt' left Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill saying same thing
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: In this scheme, the government will give 15 lakh rupees to the farmers, know how to apply?
India Calls for US to Cooperate With Canada's Probe Into Nijjar's Killing
Martin Lewis gives 'six-month' warning to people under 73 as they could claim £10,000s
Massive 5.9 magnitude earthquake hits country loved by British tourists
Terence Crawford completes Conor McGregor U-turn with new message to UFC star
'I'm a travel expert - 10 cheapest holidays to book now from £28 return'
Recipe for Double Omelette
Ration card: This rule of free ration is going to change in two months, big news for ration card holders
Hot weather forecast as 21C Iberian heat bomb to roast UK in hours - new maps
Raptee T30 Bike and Its Features
Train Cancelled: Bad news for passengers traveling by train, 36 trains of this route were canceled
Height of dynastic politics: Tarun Chugh slams Congress for sidelining principles in Wayanad bypoll
Top Indian planners to attend Shangri-La Muscat Wedding Fair
ABY: The easiest way to get Ayushman card, you will need only these documents
How to Get Rid of Head Pimples: Effective Tips and Remedies
'Family man' orders 20 beers then ruins stranger's Christmas with act of 'stupidity'
IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Appoint Paras Mhambrey As Bowling Coach
"Priority will be to bridge gap which has come in last 10 years": J-K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary
XIM University Invites Applications For MBA, Executive MBA Programmes