Kunafa: The Middle Eastern treat

What is Kunafa (and kadayif)?

Kunafa (also spelled knafeh), is a very keen favourite Middle Eastern dessert known for its unique texture and irresistible sweetness. Once the dough is made it ends up as very thin vermicelli-like dough or shredded phyllo dough. These strands are is baked to perfection, achieving a golden and crispy exterior while maintaining its soft, melty centre. Once out of the oven, it is drenched in a sugar syrup. Different variations of fillings are used (see below).

You might see the term 'Kadayif' which refers to the thin shredded pastry dough used in the kunafa desserts (and in many Middle Eastern desserts). Kaydayif if the pastry ingredient, while kunafa is the finished dessert.

The exact origins of kunafa are debated, with historical references linking it to the Levant region, Egypt, and the Ottoman/Turkish Empire. It is thought to have been enjoyed for centuries. It is often served during festive occasions and gatherings (eg during Ramadan celebrations). Today, kunafa is found in bakeries and households across the Middle East, Turkey, and North Africa, and its popularity has extended worldwide.

kunafa dough (image: Adobe Stock)

Types of Kunafa

Kunafa comes in different variations, each offering a slightly different taste and texture. For example:

kunafa filled with cheese creates a slightly salty texture in contrast to the sweet syrup.
Kunafa filled with thick cream, makes the dessert ultra-rich.
Kunafa with Nutella or Lotus Biscoff, offers creative variations of a traditional dessert.
kunafa with crushed pistacio nuts, gives an undoubtedly rich nutty taste and a perfect balance of textures and flavours. The use of pistachios as a topping or within the dough is also a common feature. Additionally, some modern variations incorporate pistachio cream or pistachio paste, which further enhances both the colour and flavour of the dessert.

kunafa with cheese (image: Adobe stock)

Kunafa Chocolate bars - a fusion of tradition, indulgence and innovation

The type of kunafa that has caught my attention (and no doubt the attention of many others thanks to social media) is the use of pistachio kunafa, incoporated into chocolate bars. Wow what a combination!

I have also noticed dessert parlours offering their own twist of pistachio kunafa on their dessert menus eg serving it with waffles or brownies etc.

(image: writer's own)

Kunafa chocolate brownie served with ice cream - Little Dessert Shop, Leicester.

(visited over Easter 2025).

5/5 - would definitely order this dessert again.

I purchased a bar of kunafa chocolate online (£7.99 for 100 grams) and would definitely purchase it again. It was a delightful creation that blended the rich, crispy texture of kunafa with the smooth decadence of thick milk chocolate. I can see (or rather taste) why this is increasingly becoming a favourite among fellow sweet-toothed enthusiasts. The only downside to this new snack is the price. However in time the cost of this product may become lower (as it becomes more popular amongst consumers) and/or, as the market becomes full of products from different brands offering their unique version of kunafa chocolate snacks.

Have you tried a kunafa chocolate bar yet?

Lindt have created a range of Dubai style chocolate products. The one below is in Tesco, £10