12 Best Kunafa Spots in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah 2026

2 days ago
3 min read

The aroma of warm clarified butter and caramelizing sugar syrup hits you before you even step through the doorway. Standing outside Feras Aldiyafa Sweets on a warm Dubai evening, watching the master pastry chef skillfully flip a giant copper pan of golden Nabulsi kunafa onto a serving tray, is pure theater.

Whether you crave the authentic stretchy Nabulsi cheese encased in crispy shredded kataifi dough or the viral pistachio chocolate kunafa fusion bars sweeping social media, the UAE is home to the world's finest Middle Eastern dessert artisans. Here is your ultimate foodie roadmap to the 12 best kunafa spots across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in 2026.

Classic Nabulsi Kunafa Icons in Dubai

Meet the gentlemen of Eighty Six Media Celebrating the UAE National the Arabic way. (2023) — representative image, photo by 86 media via unsplash

When discussing authentic levantine desserts in Dubai, Feras Aldiyafa Sweets remains an undisputed institution. Operating since 1984, their signature Kunafa Na'ama (soft dough) and Kunafa Khishna (rough kataifi crust) feature imported Nabulsi cheese balanced with fragrant orange blossom sugar syrup.

Another essential stop is Al Samadi Sweets on Al Muraqqabat Street in Deira. Known for its heritage recipes, Al Samadi delivers perfectly balanced sweetness with an irresistible cheese pull that draws queues late into the night.

Feras Aldiyafa Sweets (Al Barsha & Al Muraqqabat)
Al Samadi Sweets (Deira, Dubai)
Qwaider Al Nabulsi (Al Muraqqabat Street)
Tariq Al Nabulsi Sweets (Jumeirah)

*Tip: Always order your kunafa fresh from the hot copper tray rather than pre-portioned boxes—the cheese texture is at its peak within 5 minutes of serving.*

Modern & Fusion Kunafa Hotspots in Dubai

Sweet Elegance. Dark chocolate. — representative image, photo by victoria druc via unsplash

Dubai's culinary scene is famous for reinventing traditional treats. Fix Dessert Chocolatier set off a global obsession with its viral 'Can't Get Knafeh of It' pistachio kunafa chocolate bar, combining crunchy roasted kataifi, creamy pistachio butter, and milk chocolate.

For sit-down cafe experiences, Home Bakery serves a warm Kunafa French Toast, while Sultan Saray along Sheikh Zayed Road combines Turkish-style Hatay kunefe with double-creamed dondurma ice cream.

Fix Dessert Chocolatier (Dubai)
Sultan Saray (Sheikh Zayed Road)
Home Bakery (Galleria Mall, Wasl)
Bosporus Turkish Cuisine (Jumeirah & Dubai Mall)

Top Heritage Kunafa Bakeries in Abu Dhabi

a view of a city at night from the top of a skyscraper — representative image, photo by photohound via unsplash

Abu Dhabi's dessert landscape boasts deep culinary roots. Al Aqsa Sweets on Electra Street has been serving molten Nabulsi kunafa to generations of residents, using traditional wood-burning ovens for a distinct smoky finish.

Meanwhile, Knafeh & More in Al Khalidiyah offers customized personal-sized pans baked fresh to order, allowing guests to choose extra cream, Nutella drizzles, or extra crushed Aleppo pistachios.

Al Aqsa Sweets (Electra Street, Abu Dhabi)
Knafeh & More (Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi)
Grand Beirut (Al Qana & Galleria Al Maryah)

Must-Visit Kunafa Establishments in Sharjah

Sharjah is widely celebrated by food enthusiasts for housing some of the most generous and authentic sweet shops in the Emirates. Habib Beirut along the Majaz Waterfront pairs waterfront dining views with sizzling pans of cheese kunafa.

Over on Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, Al Nabulsi Sweets serves traditional warm kunafa alongside strong Arabic coffee, maintaining unbeatable value and warm hospitality.

Habib Beirut (Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah)
Al Nabulsi Sweets (Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, Sharjah)

How to Choose: Na'ama vs Khishna vs Turkish Dondurma Style

Understanding the regional varieties helps you order like a local. Kunafa Na'ama uses a fine, smooth semolina crust for a melt-in-your-mouth bite, whereas Kunafa Khishna relies on long, crispy shredded pastry threads for maximum crunch.

Turkish Kunefe differs by using local Hatay cheese soaked in light syrup, typically baked in individual tin dishes and crowned with thick kaymak clotted cream or goat's milk ice cream.

FAQ

What is the difference between Kunafa Na'ama and Kunafa Khishna?

Kunafa Na'ama has a fine, smooth dough top made from semolina flour, while Kunafa Khishna features a crunchy, shredded kataifi pastry top layer.

Where can I buy the viral pistachio chocolate kunafa in Dubai?

The original viral pistachio chocolate kunafa bar ('Can't Get Knafeh of It') is made by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, available via daily delivery drops on Deliveroo.

How much does a portion of fresh Kunafa cost in Dubai?

A single portion of classic Nabulsi kunafa at local bakeries typically costs between AED 15 and AED 30, while specialty cafe fusion dishes range from AED 45 to AED 75.