Dessert Guides
What Is Kunafa? The Crispy Middle Eastern Dessert Taking Over London
· 4 min read
If your social feed has filled up with golden, shattering-crisp desserts lately, you've already met kunafa. It's one of the oldest sweets in the Middle East, and right now it's one of the most talked-about desserts in London.
So what exactly is it, why is everyone obsessed, and where should you start? Here's our guide.
What is kunafa?
Kunafa (also spelled knafeh, kanafeh or künefe) is a Middle Eastern dessert made from kataifi: very fine, shredded strands of pastry dough. The strands are tossed in butter or ghee, then baked or toasted until they turn deep gold and crisp.
In its traditional form, kunafa is layered with a soft, mild cheese or a thick cream filling, baked, then soaked in a light sugar syrup that's often scented with rose or orange blossom water. It's usually finished with crushed pistachios and served warm, so you get crunch on top and a soft, stretchy middle.
Where does kunafa come from?
Kunafa belongs to the Levant, the region that includes Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Recipes for it go back centuries. The city of Nablus is especially famous for its cheese-filled version, and every region, and honestly every family, has its own take. Variations are also loved across Turkey, Egypt and the Gulf.
Why is kunafa suddenly everywhere?
Two words: Dubai chocolate. The viral chocolate bar from Dubai, filled with pistachio cream and toasted kataifi, introduced millions of people to that crunchy kunafa texture. Since then, dessert makers around the world have been putting kunafa into everything: cups, cakes, waffles, brownies and shakes.
It works because kataifi does something few ingredients can. It stays crisp next to soft, creamy and chocolatey things. That contrast is what makes it so satisfying (and so watchable on video).
Want the full story on the trend? Read our guide to Dubai chocolate strawberry cups in London.
What does kunafa taste like?
- Texture: crunchy and crisp on the outside, like a cross between toasted vermicelli and very fine filo.
- Flavour: buttery and toasty, with sweetness from syrup, chocolate or cream depending on how it's served.
- Pairings: pistachio is the classic partner. Strawberry, chocolate and tahini are the modern favourites.
If you like the crunch of a Crunchie bar or the toasted flavour of baklava, you'll like kunafa.
How to eat kunafa: the modern way
At Miktreatz we've built a whole section of our menu, our Signature Kunafa Confections, around this one ingredient. If you're new to kunafa, here's where we'd start:
1. Kunafa Strawberry Cup (£10.95)
Sweet strawberries and crispy kunafa in a cup. Fruity, crunchy and the best introduction to kunafa there is.
2. Kunafa Dubai Waffle (£9.95)
A crispy waffle infused with the sweetness of kunafa — the Dubai dessert trend in waffle form.
3. Kunafa Milk Cake (£8.49)
Creamy milk cake infused with kunafa flavour. Soft, creamy and indulgent. (New to milk cake? Here's what it is.)
4. Kunafa Hot Cookie Dough (£9.95)
Warm, gooey cookie dough wrapped in crispy kunafa pastry. One for the cold nights.
5. Kunafa Milkshake (£7.49)
All the flavour of kunafa, blended into a thick, creamy shake.
There's more too: a Kunafa Brownie, Kunafa Krunch Crepe, Kunafa Sundae, and two newer additions, the MIK Kunafa Cake and Kunafa Dream Cake. See them all on our kunafa page or the full menu.
Kunafa vs baklava: what's the difference?
Both are Middle Eastern pastries finished with syrup and nuts, but they're built differently:
| Kunafa | Baklava | |
|---|---|---|
| Pastry | Shredded kataifi strands | Flat sheets of filo |
| Texture | Crunchy, nest-like | Flaky, layered |
| Filling | Cheese, cream or chocolate | Chopped nuts |
| Served | Often warm (traditional) | Room temperature |
Where to try kunafa in London
You'll find our full kunafa range at both Miktreatz dessert bars:
- Miktreatz Tottenham: 88 Bruce Grove, London N17 6UZ
- Miktreatz Ealing: 46 Broadway, London W13 0SU
Both are open from midday every day, until 23:00 Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Walk-ins are always welcome. Not going out? Order kunafa to your door through Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat.
Kunafa FAQs
Is kunafa the same as knafeh? Yes. Kunafa, knafeh, kanafeh and künefe are all spellings of the same family of desserts.
Is kunafa served hot or cold? Traditional kunafa is served warm. Modern kunafa desserts, like cups, milk cakes and shakes, are usually served cold, with the kataifi toasted so it stays crunchy.
Does kunafa contain nuts? Kataifi pastry itself is just dough, but kunafa desserts are very often finished with pistachio. If you have an allergy, always tell our team when you order. Full allergen information is available in-store.
Ready to try it? Find your nearest Miktreatz or explore the kunafa menu.
