IHOP Drops Viral ‘Dubai Chocolate Pancakes’ Abroad And We Hope They Land In Dubai Next!

IHOP is tapping into a social media trend that’s been gaining serious traction over the past year, the “Dubai Chocolate” craze, with new pancakes that are about to go viral. The American breakfast chain is now serving a $100 pancake stack infused with luxury ingredients inspired by the UAE’s viral dessert obsession. And while it’s launched in select cities abroad,  many in Dubai are asking: why isn’t it here yet?

IHOP’s $100 ‘Dubai Chocolate’ Pancakes Hit The US, But UAE’s Still Waiting

 

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The dish,  called Luxe Dubai Chocolate Pancakes,  is IHOP’s most expensive menu item ever. According to the chain’s president,  Lawrence Kim,  this isn’t just another pancake; it’s “a luxurious and exquisite version” of the breakfast staple. Clearly,  IHOP is trying to stir up attention at a time when its US sales have dropped for four quarters in a row.

IHOP Goes Global With A Viral Flavour

These aren’t your regular pancakes. IHOP starts with its classic buttermilk base but takes it up a notch with flavours deeply tied to the Dubai Chocolate trend. The stack comes packed with pistachio,  hazelnut and kataifi, that a shredded phyllo pastry found in many Middle Eastern sweets. It’s rich,  layered and very on-brand for what social media calls ‘Dubai-style’ desserts.

But the toppings take things to another level. There’s a hefty Dubai Chocolate bar on top,  whipped cream infused with Madagascar vanilla,  and a sprinkle of 24-karat edible gold, the kind that costs thousands of dollars per ounce. It’s not just food. It’s theatre on a plate.

Free Pancakes,  But Not For Everyone

Here’s the catch. This luxury treat isn’t being served across the US. IHOP is giving away only 25 free stacks at three locations, New York,  Los Angeles and Austin, on Monday,  4 August,  at noon local time. And once those are gone,  that’s it for the full $100 version.

For anyone who misses out,  a limited 500 stacks of a toned-down version of the Luxe Dubai Chocolate Pancakes will be available at the same outlets for $13. That’s still a big jump from IHOP’s regular pancake prices,  but nowhere near the three-digit shock tag.

Why UAE locals Are Feeling Left Out

Given the name,  many in the UAE expected this launch to happen closer to home. The original Dubai Chocolate trend was born online,  fuelled by TikTok creators across the region showing off rich,  nut-filled chocolate bars often cut open in slow motion. The visuals took off,  and now it’s influenced menus across cafés and bakeries in the Emirates.

So when IHOP leaned into the trend,  many assumed it would hit UAE branches. But for now,  it’s only happening in the US. And that’s left a few fans feeling like the real Dubai has been left off the guest list.

Also Read:UAE Reveals Dubai Chocolate Products Free From Salmonella Contamination

Will It Come To Dubai next?

There’s no confirmation yet,  but IHOP might be testing the waters before going global. With Dubai being one of the most trend-forward and food-loving cities in the region,  it would make sense to bring this viral dish to local menus. The UAE crowd has already proven it loves over-the-top,  Instagrammable food. This one ticks every box, gold,  chocolate,  pistachios and a price tag that makes people look twice.

For now,  we’ll just have to wait and see. But if IHOP’s listening,  the Dubai crowd is more than ready for the return of its namesake treat, right where it belongs.

Cover Image Courtesy: IHOP/Website