A few years ago, many people in Pakistan would have needed kunafa explained to them. Now it appears on café menus, in social feeds and in conversations about “the dessert everyone’s trying”. So what changed?
Quick answer: Kunafa desserts are taking over Pakistan because they pair crispy shredded pastry with creamy cheese or cream and sweet syrup, a texture people love. The viral Dubai chocolate trend, growing interest in Arabic food and creative fusions like kunafa tarts and brownie kunafa pushed it into the mainstream.
What Is Kunafa?
Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded pastry, called kadayif, or from semolina dough. It’s layered with sweet cheese or cream, baked or pan-fried until golden and soaked in sugar syrup, often topped with pistachios.
It’s associated with the Levant, and Nablus in Palestine is especially famous for its version. Turkey has its own take, called künefe, and the dessert is enjoyed across the Arab world.
Why Kunafa Desserts Are So Popular in Pakistan
The texture is addictive. Crisp, golden strands meet a soft, creamy centre, and that contrast is something plain cakes can’t offer. People notice it with the first bite.
The flavour feels familiar. Pakistani dessert lovers already enjoy syrup-soaked sweets, nuts and cream, so kunafa doesn’t feel foreign. It feels like a new way to enjoy flavours people already love.
Dubai chocolate put it on the map. The viral pistachio-and-kunafa chocolate trend introduced the crunchy kunafa filling to millions of people online, and many of them went looking for the real thing.
Arabic food is having a moment. Dishes like mandi and shawarma have already become favourites, so it makes sense that Arabic desserts followed.
It looks great. The golden crunch, the stretch of cheese and the pistachio topping make kunafa made for social media, which fuels curiosity.
Kunafa Dessert Ideas Beyond the Classic
The best part of this trend is how creative it has become. Modern cafés mix kunafa with other favourites, so you’re no longer limited to the traditional plate.
At ISK Coffee, you can try a Kunafa Tart, which combines a creamy filling with crispy kunafa, and Brownie Kunafa, a fusion of rich chocolate brownie and crispy, creamy kunafa. Browse the full kunafa dessert options to see what’s available.
If you’re hunting for the best coffee shop in Karachi to try them, look for one that pairs these desserts with well-made coffee, because the drink matters as much as the sweet.
What to Drink With Kunafa
Kunafa is sweet, so a coffee with some bitterness works best. An Americano or espresso cuts through the sugar, while a cappuccino adds a soft, creamy contrast. If you’d rather keep things cool, an iced latte works nicely.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet-on-sweet moment, our guide on what to order when you want something sweet and refreshing has ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kunafa?
Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded pastry or semolina, layered with sweet cheese or cream and soaked in sugar syrup.
Why is kunafa so popular in Pakistan?
It combines crispy and creamy textures, uses familiar flavours, and gained attention through the viral Dubai chocolate trend and growing interest in Arabic food.
What is Dubai chocolate kunafa?
It’s a chocolate treat filled with pistachio cream and crispy kunafa strands, which went viral on social media.
What goes well with kunafa?
Coffee with some bitterness, like an Americano or cappuccino, balances kunafa’s sweetness well.
Is kunafa served hot or cold?
Traditional kunafa is often served warm, but fusion versions such as tarts and brownies may be served at room temperature or cool.
Curious about kunafa? Order online from ISK Coffee and try a Kunafa Tart with your coffee.