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Kanafeh is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert with variations found in Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans. The most popular version originated in the Palestinian city of Nablus. It’s also spelled knafeh or kunafa.
Aker Sweets
On a guided tour to Nablus, our guide stopped at Aker Sweets for us to sample his favorite Nabulsi kanafeh. Aker Sweets is in the town of Huwara, which is about 6km (4 miles) south of Nablus.
There was a huge selection of desserts behind the counter and all of them looked delicious, but we were there for the kanafeh. We ordered a couple portions and sat down to give it a try. It didn’t disappoint!
The Nabulsi version the dessert is made with Nabulsi cheese and covered with a semolina dough soaked in a sweet syrup. It’s often topped with crushed pistachios. The main ingredient, Nabulsi cheese, also originates in Nablus. It’s a white brine cheese made primarily of sheep’s milk.
Everyone in our group had an opportunity to try some of the other desserts available, including baklava. We were full from the kanafeh so we passed.
Variations
Another version of the dessert includes künefe in Turkey, which is especially popular in the Hatay region. The Greek version is called kataifi (καταΐφι).
