Where to Buy Kataifi Pastry and Pistachio Paste in the US

Where to Buy Kataifi Pastry and Pistachio Paste in the US

The two ingredients that define Dubai chocolate — kataifi pastry and pistachio cream — are not found in every supermarket. Here is a practical guide to tracking them down, whether you live near a major city or need to order online.

Where to Find Kataifi Pastry

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grocery stores are your best first stop. Look for stores serving Lebanese, Greek, Turkish, or Persian communities. Kataifi is typically sold frozen in 1-pound packages near the phyllo dough. Brands like Fillo Factory and Athens Foods are common.

Specialty grocery chains sometimes carry it. Whole Foods in larger metro areas occasionally stocks kataifi in the freezer section, especially near Ramadan or Greek Easter. Call ahead before making the trip.

Online retailers offer the most reliable access. Amazon carries several brands with Prime shipping. The Gourmet Food Store and Mediterranean Foods Direct both stock frozen kataifi with overnight shipping. Buy two packages — one to practice with and one for the real thing.

Middle Eastern bakeries sometimes sell raw kataifi by the pound. This is often the freshest option and supports local businesses.

Where to Find Pistachio Cream and Paste

Bronte pistachio paste from Sicily is considered the gold standard. It is made from PDO-protected Bronte pistachios with a distinctive deep green color and complex, almost savory flavor. Look for it at Eataly locations, specialty Italian food stores, or online from Gustiamo or Formaggio Kitchen.

Pistachio cream spreads (sweetened versions similar to Nutella in texture) are easier to find. Trader Joe''s carries one seasonally. Whole Foods stocks a few brands. Amazon has dozens of options from Italian and Turkish producers.

Make your own from raw unsalted pistachios: blend in a food processor for 8 to 10 minutes, scraping down frequently, until smooth. Add a little neutral oil if needed. Homemade paste is intensely flavorful and costs less per ounce than imported versions.

Other Ingredients to Gather

Tahini is widely available at Trader Joe''s, Whole Foods, and most major supermarkets. Soom Foods and Once Again are reliable brands.

Rose water and cardamom for flavor variations are found at Indian grocery stores, Middle Eastern markets, and online from Sadaf or similar importers.

Chocolate molds are easiest to source from Amazon or specialty baking retailers like Sweet Baking Supply.

Tips for Online Ordering

Kataifi pastry is perishable — choose vendors offering expedited shipping and pack with ice if ordering in summer. Pistachio paste is shelf-stable once opened but should be refrigerated after opening. Order from vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness.