Knafeh Café Anaheim: Authentic Nabulsi Knafeh Passed Down Through Generations
From the streets of Nablus to Southern California, Knafeh Café preserves the centuries-old Palestinian dessert tradition with unmatched authenticity.
Passed down from grandfather to father to son, the art of making knafeh has traveled thousands of miles from Palestine to the United States. The dessert, known for its golden shredded dough, stretchy white Nabulsi cheese, and fragrant sugar syrup, originated hundreds of years ago in the city of Nablus, which remains the spiritual home of this iconic sweet. Only a handful of families in Nablus mastered its artistry, giving rise to what is now celebrated worldwide as Nabulsi knafeh.
The Abusir Legacy
One of these families is the Abusir family, renowned across the Middle East for preparing knafeh for generations. Asem Abusir, originally from Nablus, immigrated to the United States three decades ago. Though trained as a computer engineer, he carried with him the rich culinary heritage of his forefathers.
In 2012, after visiting elder family members in Nablus to document the original recipe, Asem decided to bring this tradition to California. That summer, Knafeh Café opened its doors in Anaheim’s Little Arabia District, offering authentic knafeh prepared just as it is in Palestine.
More Than Dessert – A Tradition of Celebration
In the Middle East, knafeh is more than a sweet dish; it is part of life’s most important celebrations. Weddings, engagements, graduations, and religious festivities are incomplete without it. By bringing Knafeh Café to Anaheim, Asem ensured that the Arab diaspora and food lovers alike could experience a dessert that carries history, memory, and culture in every bite.
Why Knafeh Café Stands Out
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Authentic recipe documented directly from Nablus elders.
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Traditional Nabulsi cheese imported for the true flavor.
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A family legacy spanning generations in dessert making.
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A cultural landmark in Anaheim’s Little Arabia, bridging heritage and community.
