Okay, I finally get the hype. It was my first time trying the viral Dubai chocolate chewy ball, and I am completely obsessed, lol. These little treats come from Tinysweets, a home bakery based right here in Ellicott City that specializes in them, and they kindly gifted me a box to try.
If you’ve been scrolling past Dubai chocolate everything and wondering whether the chewy-ball version is worth it, short answer, YES. Think of that famous pistachio-kunafa chocolate, but reimagined as a soft, chewy, mochi-like ball you can get in a bunch of fun flavors. They’re $6 each, they’re customizable, and they’re honestly such a cute, giftable little dessert. This is one of the more fun, unique treats I’ve come across lately, and you don’t even have to leave the DMV to get your hands on the trend. Here’s everything you need to know before you order.
View this reel on Instagram
What Makes Tinysweets A Must Try
What sets Tinysweets apart is the focus. Instead of a giant menu, they zero in on the viral Dubai chocolate chewy ball and do it in a lineup of creative flavors, so every one feels intentional. It’s a small, local operation, which I love supporting, and everything’s made by hand and customizable down to the shape. That personal, small-batch touch is exactly why home bakers are some of my favorite finds, you’re getting something you can’t grab off a shelf, made by someone in your own community!
What to Order from Tinysweets
Here’s the full rundown so you can build your box.
The Dubai Chocolate Chewy Ball ($6 each)
This is the star and the thing to get. Rather than the usual thick chocolate bar, Tinysweets does a soft, chewy, mochi-style ball with a flavored coating on the outside and a filling on the inside, so you get that satisfying chew plus a rich center in every bite. It’s a really fun texture twist on the trend, and it’s what got me hooked. At $6 each, it’s an easy treat-yourself or share-with-a-friend situation.
The Flavors (Matcha, Injeolmi, Chocolate-Hazelnut, Chocolate-Pistachio)
The flavor lineup is where it gets fun, and there’s genuinely something for everyone:
- Matcha outside and in: earthy, lightly sweet, and a little grassy, a solid pick if you love matcha.
- Injeolmi with peanut inside: injeolmi is roasted Korean soybean powder, so it’s nutty and toasty, and paired with a peanut center it leans warm and comforting.
- Chocolate outside, hazelnut inside: basically Nutella in chewy-ball form, so you know it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Chocolate outside, pistachio inside: the one closest to the OG Dubai chocolate, rich chocolate with that nutty pistachio center.
The Strawberry Add-On (+$2)
You can add a fresh strawberry to your ball for a $2 upcharge, which makes it feel extra special (and extra cute for gifting or a date). The shape’s customizable too, and FYI, I personally preferred the circle to the rectangle. If you want a few, they also do bundle pricing.
What Is Dubai Chocolate, Anyway?
If you somehow missed it, Dubai chocolate is the viral treat that took over everyone’s feed. The original came from Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai: a thick chocolate bar stuffed with pistachio cream and crispy shredded kataifi (that same golden pastry used in kunafa). People went wild for the crackle-then-gooey moment when you snap it open, and it racked up hundreds of millions of views. Tinysweets takes that same pistachio-kunafa inspiration and reworks it into a chewy, mochi-style ball with different flavor options, so it’s a lighter, poppable spin on the bar everyone’s been chasing.
The Vibe: Ordering from a Home Bakery
Since Tinysweets runs out of a home kitchen and not a storefront, ordering works a little differently, and that’s part of the charm. You place your order through their Instagram (@tinysweets_md) and pick your flavors and shape from there. Orders start at a three-piece minimum, and there’s bundle pricing if you want to grab more for a party or a gift. It’s the kind of local, made-to-order small business I always root for!
Good to Know
- What it is: An Ellicott City home baker specializing in viral Dubai chocolate chewy balls.
- How to order: Through their Instagram, @tinysweets_md. There’s no walk-in storefront.
- Price: $6 per ball, plus $2 to add a strawberry. Three-piece minimum, with bundle pricing available.
- Flavors: Matcha, injeolmi with peanut, chocolate-hazelnut, and chocolate-pistachio.
- Customizable: You can pick your shape (I liked the circle best).
- Great for: Gifting, date night treats, parties, or just satisfying your Dubai chocolate curiosity.
Are Tinysweets’ Dubai Chocolate Balls Worth the Splurge?
For me, 100%. They’re a fun, fresh take on a trend that’s everywhere, they’re made locally by hand, and that chewy texture makes them stand out from the usual chocolate bar. At $6 a pop, they’re an easy yes for a treat or a gift. If you’re on a HoCo dessert kick, pair them with another Ellicott City home baker like Goodies Sweets & Treats.
Have you guys tried Dubai chocolate yet, and if so, are you team bar or team chewy ball? Let me know in the comments, Nomsters, and if you’re building a sweet little Ellicott City dessert day, my review of Sugar Plum in Old Ellicott City is another good one to save!