kunafa

Of all the Middle Eastern desserts, Kunafa takes the cake by a landslide! It is a Ramadan staple in various parts (if not all) of the Arab world, as well as other countries. While every child loved to assume that kunafa was exclusively their grandma’s creation, it was actually enjoyed by people at least half a millennium ago. In fact, some reports say that kunafa was created in Fatimid Egypt in the 15th Century, while other ones claim that the origin comes from Nablus, Palestine. It is worth noting that this sinfully divine treat is usually prepared using shredded noodles, shredded phyllo dough, or semolina dough, depending on whether it’s crispy or soft. The filling inside varies as well; some prefer it plain, while others opt for clotted cream, raisins, or pistachios. One variety of kunafa uses nabulsi cheese to create the famous kunafa nabulsi, which originated in Nablus, Palestine.