Kunafa - the most famous Arabic dessert: what it is and where to try it

What is Kunafa?

For many, their first encounter with this specialty is a true culinary revelation. What is kunafa? It is an Arab dessert originating from the Levant, particularly popular in Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, and Turkey. Classic Nablus knafeh (named after the city of Nablus in Palestine) is considered the original model for all modern versions. It is a Palestinian dessert that has won the hearts of food lovers around the world - from Amman to Dubai and Paris.

Traditional kunafa consists of thin pastry resembling kataifi (fine, thin strands of phyllo dough), soaked in melted butter, layered with stretchy cheese, and baked until golden brown. After removing it from an oven preheated to about 180-190°C, the hot pastry is drizzled with cold syrup made from 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of rose water. As the syrup thickens slightly, it soaks into the layers of the pastry, creating an incredible combination of crispiness, sweetness, and creamy tenderness.

What is kunafa made of?

All knafeh pastries are based on a few key elements. The ingredient list is short, but each one is crucial to the final result. Here are the most important ingredients:

• Kataifi dough - this is filo dough cut into thin strands, which forms the basis of the dessert’s structure. In Poland, it can be found in online stores or Middle Eastern delis.
• Akkawi cheese - a slightly salty, soft cheese that melts beautifully. It is often combined with mozzarella to achieve the perfect cheese mixture.
• Clarified butter - adds aroma to the pastry and ensures its crispiness after baking.
• Rose or orange syrup - made from sugar, water, lemon, and rose water or orange blossom water.
• Pistachios or walnuts - for decoration, to add contrast in flavor and color.

To be honest, the secret to this dessert lies not only in the proportions but also in the temperature.
Hot kunafa is drizzled with cold syrup to preserve the crispy top and chewy interior. The dish is often served with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream, and the top is garnished with chopped pistachios to highlight the sweetness and oriental character of the dessert.

Kunafa in Dubai - where to try it?

If you’re wondering where to eat kunafa in Dubai, the capital of culinary extravagance has plenty to offer.

1. Firas Sweets (Deira): an iconic spot where the hot dessert is served in the classic Palestinian Nablus knafeh style. Their kunafa strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and the slight salty note of cheese.
2. Al Baba Sweets (Downtown Dubai): here you’ll find the Arabic dessert kunafa with rose water and pistachios, always served warm.
3. Logma (Boxpark): a modern take on a classic. Their Middle Eastern delicacy is a variation featuring mascarpone and a hint of orange blossom.
4. Papa Kanafa (Al Barsha): a mecca for fans of hot pastry and melting cheese. They serve both traditional and modern versions - with Nutella or ice cream.
5. Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi District): the perfect place if you want to experience the atmosphere of old Dubai. The Arabic dessert served here has a delicate aroma of rose or orange blossom water and pairs perfectly with mint tea.

Whether you choose a café in Deira or a luxury spot at Dubai Marina - kunafa tastes exceptional everywhere. It’s best to order it hot, straight out of the oven, to enjoy its golden top and soft center.

Kunafa vs. Baklava - What Are the Differences?

The topic of baklava versus kunafa often comes up in conversations about Arab cuisine. Both desserts share certain similarities - filo pastry, sugar syrup, and aromatic fillings but they differ in texture and flavor.

• Baklava is a layered dessert consisting of a dozen or so sheets of phyllo dough, layered with nuts (usually walnuts or almonds) and soaked in sweet syrup. It has a buttery, crispy texture and an intensely sweet flavor.
• Kunafa is kadayif pastry with stretchy akkawi cheese or mozzarella, drizzled with rosewater syrup and garnished with pistachios. It is softer, creamier, and less sugary than baklava.

In other words, baklava is pure sweetness and crunch, while kunafa is an unexpected harmony of cheese and rosewater syrup.

Knafeh recipe - how to make kunafa at home?

There are many versions of the recipe: the Palestinian knafeh recipe differs slightly from those of Egypt or Turkey. Here is a simplified method to make this Middle Eastern dessert yourself at home:

Ingredients:

• 350 g kadayif pastry
• 150 g melted butter
• 300 g akkawi cheese or mozzarella
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• chopped pistachios for sprinkling

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix the kadayif with the melted butter. Spread 2/3 of the dough in a greased springform pan or baking dish.
2. Add the cheese mixture, then cover with the remaining dough.
3. Place in an oven preheated to 180°C and bake for about 30-35 minutes, until the top turns golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, over low heat, prepare a syrup with sugar, water, and lemon. Cook until the syrup thickens slightly, then add a few tablespoons of rose water.
5. Remove the hot cake from the oven and immediately pour the cold syrup over it.
6. Garnish with pistachios or walnuts and serve warm.

It’s important not to pour the syrup over the entire kunafa right away. Leave some aside so everyone can add an extra serving of sweetness to their plate. It tastes great after it cools, though it’s best served while still slightly warm.

Summary

Kunafa is more than just a dessert; it’s history, emotion, and tradition encapsulated in every bite. This hot dessert symbolizes Middle Eastern hospitality: it’s served during Ramadan, family celebrations, or simply with afternoon coffee. It strikes a balance between sweetness, the aroma of rose water, and the creaminess of cheese.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Emirates, be sure to check out where to eat kunafa - and if you’re staying home, grab a knafeh recipe, preheat the oven, and let the scent of rose syrup and melted butter fill your entire kitchen.

Questions and Answers

1. How much does kunafa cost in Dubai?

The price of kunafa in Dubai depends on the location; at local pastry shops like Firas Sweets or Al Baba Sweets, a serving usually costs between 10 and 25 AED. In upscale restaurants and hotels, such as those in the Dubai Mall or Dubai Marina, you’ll pay as much as 40-60 AED for kunafa, depending on the toppings and presentation style.

2. Is kunafa vegan?

Traditional kunafa is not vegan because it contains butter and cheese or cream. The classic version uses dairy products, which excludes a plant-based diet. However, there are vegan versions where dairy ingredients are replaced with, for example, vegetable oil and plant-based cheeses.

3. Is kunafa sweet?

Yes, kunafa is definitely sweet. After baking, it is soaked in aromatic sugar syrup, often with the addition of rose or orange water, which gives it an intense, dessert-like flavor.