New Shake Shack Milkshake Inspired by Viral Dubai Chocolate
Shake Shack introduces a new seasonal milkshake this spring—but this one stands out from the usual lineup. Launching April 7, the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake brings Middle Eastern ingredients and textures to the forefront, inspired by a chocolate bar that went viral on social media in late 2023.
Unlike other menu items, this shake won’t be widely accessible or available for long. Each participating U.S. location will serve just 25 shakes per day, and customers must visit in person to order one.
What Makes this Shake Different

The idea for the shake comes from a viral treat shared by Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier. The “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar is filled with pistachio, tahini, and crispy layers of shredded phyllo dough, also known as knafeh. That combination of nutty, creamy, and crunchy quickly became a hit online, and now Shake Shack is using it as the base for something new.
The Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake is made with a creamy pistachio frozen custard and includes:
- A dark chocolate shell
- Toasted kataifi (a shredded phyllo-style pastry similar to knafeh)
- A rich pistachio paste
- Chopped pistachios on top
- Shake Shack’s famous vanilla frozen custard
This is the first Shake Shack shake to feature a frozen chocolate shell that lines the inside of the cup. The shell adds a new interactive layer that goes perfectly with the crispy textures.
Where to Find It
The shake won’t be available in every city, and it’s not on delivery or mobile order menus. You can only pick it up in person at select Shake Shack locations. Here’s where you’ll find it:
New York City
- West Village
- Astor Place
- Columbus Circle
- Flatbush
- DUMBO
Los Angeles
- Century City
- Studio City
- Santa Monica
- Pasadena
Miami Area
- Mary Brickell Village
- Coral Gables
- Aventura Mall
- The Falls
Each location will offer a maximum of 25 shakes per day, priced at $7.99. Once they’re sold out, that’s it for the day.
First Impressions and Reviews

Early tasters didn’t hold back their reactions—they praised the new shake for both its flavor and texture. Nicole Frazzini, a strategist at PureWow, highlighted the accuracy of the shake’s execution. She emphasized how it successfully mimics the crunch that made the original chocolate bar so popular. “If you’re in the know, then you know it’s really all about that signature crunch,” she explained in her review. “The cup is lined with a dark chocolate shell that you get to crack before diving in—it’s such a satisfying feeling.”
Similarly, one Reddit reviewer pointed out how well the shake balances its ingredients. They wrote, “It’s not overpoweringly sweet, and the pistachio comes through in a way that feels real. The crunch and the shell really make it something different.” Their feedback suggests the shake doesn’t just rely on novelty—it delivers where it counts.
Behind the Recipe
Behind the counter, Shake Shack’s culinary team carefully constructed the recipe with intention. Executive chef John Karangis shared how the team aimed to mirror the layered textures and flavors of the Dubai chocolate bar. In a conversation with Food & Wine, he stated, “Every element was crafted to capture the bar’s signature layers and textures while staying true to the Shake Shack experience.” Rather than just replicating the viral treat, the team reinterpreted it in a way that fits the brand’s style.
This launch also fits into a larger pattern. More global food brands are tapping into online dessert trends and turning them into limited-time products. In this case, Shake Shack took a viral hit from Dubai and brought it stateside in shake form. By doing so, the brand offers a way for curious fans to experience trending flavors—without needing a passport or a long flight.
More…
- https://www.allrecipes.com/shake-shack-dubai-chocolate-shake-11709263
- https://shakeshack.com/blog/local-news/dubai-chocolate-pistachio-shake#/
- https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/shake-shack-milkshake-inspired-viral-173702064.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADRaBZlIazynC_3u461y-kXNU-3kbfJndMx40k-puSvJruneesbr7A7-QoaI_6LMgG88LBiS2NQJjQQ0Bc5KM48I1IhRbKLBG4QKTYTSzwO6t2mPB99nwTBt44JBL9zAy0Peio3eV_bB_FQgePnhiQaLpYeevMLoHVxAmTl9xlCZ
- https://www.foodandwine.com/shake-shack-chocolate-pistachio-dubai-shake-11709789
- https://youtu.be/sIcv0iNFPes?si=m3FGRQZID80UDd3C