Knafeh Origins: How Nablus Became the Birthplace of the Iconic Middle Eastern Dessert
Discover the deep history of knafeh, from its roots in Nablus, Palestine, to its spread across the Middle East and the world.
Few desserts capture the heart and soul of a city the way knafeh does with Nablus. Golden, syrup-soaked, and filled with melting cheese, knafeh is more than just a sweet treat—it is a cultural treasure rooted in Palestinian history. While today you can find variations of knafeh across the Middle East, food historians and locals alike agree that its true home is the bustling old city of Nablus, where the famous Knafeh Nabulsieh was born.
Where is Knafeh From? The Historic Origins of the Iconic Dessert
Knafeh (also spelled Kunafa, Kanafeh, or Konafa) is one of the Middle East’s most beloved desserts, made of shredded phyllo or semolina dough soaked in syrup and layered with cheese, clotted cream, or nuts. While versions of knafeh are found across the Arab world and beyond, its historic birthplace is the Palestinian city of Nablus, in the northern West Bank.
Nablus: The Birthplace of Knafeh
Historical sources and culinary scholars confirm that knafeh, in its iconic form known as Knafeh Nabulsieh, originated in Nablus during the Ottoman era. The city became famous for producing white brined Nabulsi cheese, which remains the essential ingredient in authentic knafeh. This combination of local cheese and shredded dough created a dessert so unique that it spread from Palestine across the Levant.
Cultural and Historical Roots
The roots of knafeh are often traced back to the medieval Islamic world. Early mentions appear in Arabic cookbooks from the 10th century, where desserts made with dough, cheese, and syrup were enjoyed by caliphs during Ramadan. But the distinctive preparation—thin, shredded pastry baked with cheese—was perfected in Nablus and carried its name across the region.
A Symbol of Palestinian Identity
Beyond being a dessert, knafeh has become a symbol of Palestinian culture and hospitality. In Nablus, making knafeh is a centuries-old craft, and the city has long been recognized as the capital of this sweet delicacy. Today, visitors from around the world travel to Nablus specifically to taste its famous knafeh in the bustling old city markets.
Global Spread
From Nablus, knafeh traveled to Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and later to Turkey and the Gulf states. Each region added its own variation: Egypt’s cream-filled Kunafa, Turkey’s Künefe baked with pistachios, and Lebanon’s soft cheese-filled versions. Despite these adaptations, the Nabulsi style remains the authentic and most celebrated form.
Culinary Legacy
Knafeh is more than food—it represents centuries of trade, culture, and resilience in Palestine. Its story highlights how culinary traditions preserve identity and history, even as recipes spread and evolve across borders.
