Knafeh, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, is more than just a sweet indulgence. It is a dish rooted in centuries of tradition, cultural pride, and culinary artistry. Knafeh has gained international renown for its golden crust made of shredded pastry or semolina dough, covered with cream or sweet cheese, and drenched in aromatic sugar syrup. As of 2025, its popularity extends far beyond the Middle East, capturing the attention of global foodies, chefs, and influencers. This article explores its history, variations, preparation methods, health aspects, global rise, and cultural impact while also providing practical tips for those who want to try making it at home.
What is Knafeh?
Knafeh is a traditional dessert originating from the Levant and broader Middle East. It typically consists of shredded kataifi pastry or semolina dough, filled with cheese such as akkawi or nabulsi, or cream, and soaked in an aromatic sugar syrup often infused with rose or orange blossom water. It is traditionally topped with crushed pistachios for both flavour and decoration.
While its origins are debated, many food historians agree that knafeh has deep roots in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. Some historical records trace its earliest references back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was prepared in royal kitchens and served during Ramadan to break the fast.
The Historical Roots
Ancient and Medieval Influence
Knafeh’s earliest forms were linked to fatir, a layered bread in Egypt, later adapted into sweet dishes. Over centuries, the combination of cheese, pastry, and syrup became more refined, influenced by trade routes that brought sugar and spices into the Middle East.
Ottoman-era texts describe knafeh as a delicacy served to sultans. It was often prepared during festive occasions, weddings, and religious celebrations. Nablus in Palestine became one of the first cities to perfect and popularize knafeh, leading to the famous variation now called “Knafeh Nabulsieh.”
Regional Adaptations
Different regions of the Middle East developed their own adaptations. In Lebanon, knafeh is often served as a breakfast item in sesame buns. In Egypt, a version called kunafa uses vermicelli-like pastry strands. Turkey introduced variants that incorporate clotted cream and nuts.
The Many Types of Knafeh
Knafeh Nabulsieh
Originating in Nablus, this is perhaps the most famous variety. It is prepared with a white brined cheese like nabulsi, layered under semolina dough, and topped with orange-coloured ghee for a vibrant appearance.
Knafeh Khishneh and Na’ameh
Khishneh refers to knafeh made with shredded phyllo pastry, giving it a crispy texture. Na’ameh, on the other hand, uses semolina for a smoother, softer crust.
Cream and Nut Variants
In Egypt and the Gulf, knafeh is often filled with cream or custard instead of cheese. Pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts may also be incorporated for added richness.
Modern Western Adaptations
In recent years, Western chefs have created fusion knafeh desserts, including knafeh cheesecakes, ice cream sundaes, and even knafeh croissants. These adaptations maintain the spirit of the dessert while introducing it to broader audiences.
The Global Popularity of the food in 2025
Knafeh has become an international dessert phenomenon. Data from Google Trends (2024–2025) shows a surge in searches for “knafeh near me” across cities in Europe, North America, and Asia. In London, New York, and Toronto, knafeh cafés are booming, often run by Middle Eastern entrepreneurs introducing authentic recipes to new markets.
On TikTok, videos showcasing the stretchy cheese pull of knafeh have gone viral, with some clips surpassing 50 million views. Food influencers on Instagram and YouTube regularly post recipe tutorials, contributing to its global appeal. Restaurants outside the Middle East now list knafeh alongside other iconic desserts like tiramisu and baklava.
How to Make at Home
Ingredients
Kataifi pastry (or semolina dough for certain styles)
Cheese such as akkawi, nabulsi, or mozzarella for accessibility
Unsalted butter or ghee
Sugar syrup flavored with orange blossom or rose water
Crushed pistachios for garnish
Preparation Method
The pastry is buttered and layered, with cheese or cream in the middle. After baking, it is drenched in syrup while still hot, ensuring maximum absorption. Finally, it is decorated with nuts before serving.
Practical Tips
Always soak the cheese in water before use to reduce its saltiness.
Use clarified butter or ghee for authentic flavour.
Allow the dessert to rest briefly before cutting to avoid excessive crumbling.
Serve warm to enjoy the cheese’s signature stretch.
Nutritional and Health Considerations
Knafeh is indulgent, but like many desserts, moderation is key. 300–500 calories can be found in a normal slice, depending on ingredients and serving size. It is high in sugar and fat, but the use of unsalted cheese provides protein. Health-conscious bakers have experimented with reduced-sugar syrups, low-fat cheese, and even vegan versions using almond milk and plant-based butter.
Instead of making knafeh a daily meal, dietitians suggest eating it occasionally.According to a 2024 Middle East Food Consumption Survey, knafeh remains among the top five most consumed desserts during Ramadan, with 68 percent of surveyed households serving it at least once.
Knafeh in Culture and Festivals
Knafeh is more than just a sweet dish; it is a cultural symbol. In many Middle Eastern households, it represents togetherness, often shared during Ramadan, Eid, and weddings. In Palestine, Nablus hosts annual knafeh festivals, attracting thousands of visitors. By building the biggest knafeh in the world, which was 75 meters long, Nablus set a Guinness World Record in 2009.
Outside of the Middle East, knafeh demonstrations are now a part of cultural festivals in North America and Europe, uniting communities and savoring traditions via cuisine.
Recent Trends in 2025
As of 2025, several new trends are shaping the knafeh landscape:
Vegan knafeh recipes using cashew cream and plant-based butter are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers.
Luxury restaurants in Dubai and Doha are introducing gold leaf-topped knafeh as a gourmet experience.
Food delivery apps report a 40 percent increase in knafeh orders during Ramadan 2024 compared to 2023, highlighting its growing demand.
Hybrid desserts such as knafeh milkshakes and knafeh doughnuts are especially popular among younger audiences.
Real-Life Examples of the Businesses
Many entrepreneurs have built successful businesses around knafeh. In London, bakeries like Knafeh Queens gained popularity by selling artisanal knafeh with modern twists. In New York, Knafeh Café trucks became a viral sensation by combining traditional baking with live music performances.
These businesses not only introduce authentic Middle Eastern desserts to international audiences but also foster cultural appreciation and community engagement.
FAQs
What is the origin of knafeh?
Knafeh, the sweet originated in the Middle East, with Nablus, Palestine, often credited for perfecting the famous Knafeh Nabulsieh variety. Its roots trace back to Ottoman times.
What cheese is best for knafeh?
Traditional recipes use akkawi or nabulsi cheese, but mozzarella is commonly substituted in Western adaptations for accessibility and meltability.
Is knafeh served hot or cold?
Knafeh is best served warm to enjoy the stretchy cheese texture and allow the syrup to blend into the pastry.
Is knafeh healthy?
Knafeh sweet is calorie-dense and high in sugar, so it should be eaten in moderation. Healthier versions can be made with reduced sugar, vegan alternatives, or lighter cheeses.
Where can I find knafeh outside the Middle East?
Knafeh is now widely available in cities like London, New York, Paris, and Toronto, with specialty cafés and bakeries introducing it to global audiences.
Final Thoughts
Knafeh is more than a dessert; it is a story of tradition, culture, and community. From its Levantine roots to its global rise in 2025, it embodies the fusion of history and modernity. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering during Ramadan or as a trendy dish in a Western café, knafeh remains a timeless reminder of how food connects people across generations and geographies.
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