Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
Lily’s brings its viral treats to Vienna
BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral Dubai chocolate bar making waves among dessert lovers. And if you’re looking to try the sweet sensation without hopping on a plane, Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee is the place to go. With locations in Vienna and Alexandria, Lily’s is a must-visit spot for chocolate lovers, offering a unique menu and an Instagram-worthy aesthetic.
Lily’s Vienna location is about 20 minutes from Mason. While there are no direct Mason shuttle buses to the café, you can take the Gold 2 bus to the Vienna Metro Station and transfer to a Fairfax Connector Bus 463 to Maple Avenue and Park Street. From there, it’s just a short two-minute walk.
Stepping into Lily’s, you are instantly immersed in a pink paradise. From the bubblegum-colored walls to the adorable pink swing seating, the entire café is designed for picture-perfect moments. Metal accent tables complement the blush-toned chairs, creating a chic and cozy ambiance that makes Lily’s an ideal spot for coffee dates, casual hangouts or late night sweet treats.
According to Sodko Tsegmid, an employee at Lily’s, the most popular items are the TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate bar and the Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries. Another fan favorite is the Lockma, which Tsegmid describes as “fried dough balls dipped in different kinds of chocolates and covered with garnish.”
The chocolate Lockma was the perfect blend of warm, gooey chocolate generously drizzled over crisp fried dough balls and topped with finely chopped pistachios. The rich cocoa flavor balanced with the nutty crunch made for a satisfying bite. Lockma is available in three portion sizes: five, eight or 18 pieces.
If you prefer coffee, Tsegmid highlights the pistachio latte and the Spanish latte as Lily’s standout drinks. Tsegmid commented that the Spanish latte comes with espresso, vanilla syrup and condensed milk, making it a sweet and creamy choice for coffee lovers.
Tsegmid’s personal favorites are the pistachio Lockma and the white chocolate-covered strawberries.
Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
“I’m addicted to chocolate-covered strawberries. People think chocolate-covered strawberries are a Valentine’s Day thing, but no, it’s an everyday thing,” said Mason sophomore Taylor Jackson.
Jackson loved the classic chocolate-covered strawberries while acknowledging the price tag. “It is on the pricier side, so it’s a monthly thing, not something I would get regularly, but I like Lily’s,” she said.
Not all menu items were a hit for everyone. Kayla Smalls, a sophomore at Mason, had mixed feelings. “I got the hot chocolate, and it wasn’t even that good. It burned my tongue and wasn’t worth it,” she said. “I stole a chocolate-covered strawberry from my friend, and that was good. The strawberries were juicy and delicious, I would recommend that.”
Beyond its desserts, Lily’s also reflects the heartwarming journey of its founders. Co-owner Saifalden Alobaidi shared how the café was born out of a dream during quarantine in 2020. “Lily, my sister, always had this idea of opening her own coffee shop,” he said. “She used to set up tea tables at summer camp, and later at family gatherings, people would remember the way she made tea.”
After immigrating from Iraq and moving around various states, Saif and Lily eventually landed in Virginia. “We both got COVID-19 and were quarantined for 15 days. That’s when we started brainstorming the idea seriously,” Saif said. “After quarantine, I found a location, signed the lease, and built everything from scratch. My background is in civil engineering, so I designed the interior myself.”
One of their most unique offerings is the Iraqi dessert, Lockma. “Traditionally, it’s fried dough covered in sugar syrup and pistachios,” Saif explained. “But we added an American twist—filling them with chocolate, vanilla, or Biscoff and covering them in different types of chocolate. It became a hit.”
The success of Lily’s, however, wasn’t just luck. “When we opened, one woman came in with five kids. We offered them coffee and desserts for free, and she wrote a glowing Facebook post with pictures,” he said. “In the next couple of days, we had a line of over 100 people at our door.”
Saif’s personal favorite? The salted caramel latte with vanilla. “It was my dad’s favorite drink, and since he passed, it’s really stayed with me,” he said.
One of the best things about Lily’s is its late-night hours, making it a great option for an evening dessert run. The café is open until 11 p.m. on weekends and 10 p.m. on weekdays, with doors opening at 10 a.m. daily.
While Lily’s is on the expensive side, it’s worth a visit for those looking to indulge in viral chocolate treats. If you’re craving the Dubai chocolate experience without leaving Northern Virginia, this pink-themed café is a great option.
