TLDR — Quick Summary
Best Kunafa in Dubai — Where to Go
| 🏆 Best Traditional | Al Samadi Sweets — Muraqqabat St, Deira | Open since the 1980s |
| 🧀 Best Cheese Kunafa | Nablus Kunafa — Al Seef & Dubai Mall | AED 25 per plate |
| 🍫 Best Kunafa Chocolate | Bateel & Fix Dessert Chocolatier — City Walk & Dubai Mall |
| 🌿 Best Pistachio Kunafa | Qwaider Al-Nabulsi — Deira & JLT | AED 20–40 |
| 💰 Best Budget Pick | Firas Sweets — Al Hudaiba | From AED 15 |
| 🕛 Best 24-Hour | Mr. Kunafa — Jumeirah Lake Towers | Open all day and night |
Kunafa, also spelled knafeh, kanafeh, or kunefe, traces its roots to Nablus, Palestine. Over centuries, it spread across the Levant, Turkey, and Egypt, picking up local spins along the way. Today, Dubai brings together every single version of this dessert under one city’s roof. Cheese kunafa, pistachio kunafa, cream kunafa, and chocolate kunafa, you find them all here.
Dubai’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the world. Check out our full Dubai food and travel guide to explore more gems across the city.
Dubai has over 50 kunafa shops. This guide lists the top 10 best kunafa spots in Dubai. Every place on this list serves fresh, high-quality kunafa, with verified prices, locations, and details onwhat makes each one worth visiting.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit between 7–9 PM when most shops bake the freshest batches.
What Makes a Great Kunafa?
Before you go hunting for the best knafeh in Dubai, understand what separates an outstanding kunafa from a mediocre one. Three things matter most.
What Makes a Perfect Kunafa — The 3 Key Components
| 🌾 The Pastry Base | Shredded kataifi (wheat noodles) or fine semolina forms the crust. It must turn golden and crisp — not pale, not burnt. |
| 🧀 The Filling | Akkawi or nabulsi cheese delivers that iconic stretchy pull. Some versions use cream or ashta. The balance of saltiness and sweetness defines the experience. |
| 🍬 The Syrup | A light rose-water or orange-blossom sugar syrup finishes the dish. Too much syrup drowns it. Too little leaves it dry. |
The best kunafa near you in Dubai hits all three perfectly. Every shop on this list does exactly that.
Top 10 Best Kunafa Places in Dubai
Dubai packs an incredible variety of kunafa into its neighbourhoods. From old-school Deira bakeries to modern mall counters, these 10 spots represent the very best the city offers. For a full map of the city’s top dining areas, visit our best places in Dubai guide.
1. Al Samadi Sweets — Best for Authentic Levantine Kunafa
📍 https://www.alsamadisweets.ae/ | ⭐ 4.5/5 (Google Reviews) | 🕐 10 AM – 2 AM
Al Samadi is the kunafa institution that Dubai old-timers swear by. This family-run bakery on Muraqqabat Street in Deira has been perfecting its kanafeh for decades. The shop stays simple and no-frills, but the kunafa is anything but ordinary.
They bake fresh batches every evening. The cheese kunafa (Nabulsia) arrives at your table warm, with a deep golden crust and a mild, stretchy cheese pull that does not overpower the delicate rose-water syrup.
- Famous for: Cheese Kunafa Nabulsia, the gold standard in Dubai
- Price: AED 18–30 per plate
- Best time to visit: After 7 PM for the freshest bake
- Great for: Families, late-night cravings, takeaway boxes
2. Nablus Kunafa — Best for the Palestinian Original
⭐ 4.7/5 (TripAdvisor) | 🕐 10 AM – 12 AM
Nablus does one thing and does it brilliantly: Palestinian kunafa in its most authentic form. Named after the city where knafeh was born, this spot has earned a cult following across Dubai. The outdoor seating at Al Seef adds a beautiful heritage ambiance to the experience.
Their Kunafa Nabulsiye uses Nabulsi cheese, mild, slightly salty, and incredibly stretchy. The shredded kataifi top layer achieves a genuine crunch. The syrup stays light, letting the cheese do the talking. Pair it with a Moroccan mint tea, and you have a perfect evening.
- Famous for: Kunafa Nabulsiye, authentic, no-fuss, perfectly balanced
- Price: AED 25 per plate
- Ratings highlight: Reviewers consistently rate it 10/10 for kunafa quality
- Great for: Kunafa purists, date nights at Al Seef
3. Qwaider Al-Nabulsi Sweets — Best Variety of Kunafa Styles
📍 http://qwaideralnabulsi.com/ | ⭐ 4.6/5 | 🕐 9 AM – 1 AM
Qwaider gives you options. Walk in and you find soft Nabulsi kunafa, coarse (khishna) kunafa, kunafa made with local ghee, kunafa filled with Arabic cream, and kunafa with nuts. The shop also offers both indoor and outdoor seating, clean, tidy, and welcoming.
Their homemade oriental sweets come with clear pride of craft. Everything is made fresh on the day. For anyone who wants to try multiple kunafa styles in one visit, Qwaider is the best choice in Dubai.
- Famous for: Kunafa with nuts, cream, and ghee, all styles under one roof
- Price: AED 20–40 depending on style and size
- Great for: First-timers wanting to compare styles
4. Ibsais Sweets — Best Hidden Gem in Jumeirah
📍 +97124455091 | ⭐ 4.8/5 | 🕐 10 AM – 12 AM
Ibsais is small. It does not shout for attention. But every Dubai foodie who visits once comes back again. Their specialty is Nabulsi kunafa, classic white cheese, traditional preparation, and quality that tastes like it came from Palestinian hands.
The shop stays busy, especially after Maghrib prayer. Seating is limited, so most people take it away. That is not a bad thing, their kunafa holds its texture well for the journey home.
- Famous for: Nabulsi cheese kunafa and Bain Narain kunafa
- Price: AED 20–35
- Tip: Call ahead during peak hours, they often sell out of the fresh batch
- Great for: Takeaway, gifting trays, authentic kunafa lovers
5. Firas Sweets — Best Budget-Friendly Kunafa in Dubai
📍 http://www.firassweets.net/ | ⭐ 4.4/5 | 🕐 9 AM – 12 AM
Firas delivers quality without the premium price tag. This popular Arabic sweets shop serves coarse kunafa, soft kunafa, and Bain Al-Narayn, all made fresh and generously portioned. They also stock cold Levantine drinks and hot Turkish coffee to pair with your order.
If you’re on a food crawl across Dubai’s best dessert spots, Firas is a must-stop. Explore our curated list of Dubai’s top dining spots to build your perfect itinerary.
- Famous for: Affordable, consistent, and fresh kunafa, every single day
- Price: AED 15–28
- Also try: Their cold jallab drink alongside warm kunafa
- Great for: Students, budget travellers, large group orders
6. Al Baba Sweets — Best Lebanese-Style Kunafa
📍 http://www.albaba-sweets.com/ | ⭐ 4.5/5 | 🕐 9 AM – 11 PM
Al Baba is a Lebanese sweets brand with over 7 branches in Lebanon and multiple locations across the UAE. Their Al Barsha branch in Dubai is spacious, well-decorated, and comfortable for a sit-down dessert session. The kunafa follows the Lebanese style, slightly creamier, with a refined sweetness.
They also serve baklava, halawet al jibn, and colourful gift boxes, perfect if you want to bring sweets home from Dubai as a gift.
- Famous for: Lebanese-style kunafa and premium gift boxes
- Price: AED 22–40
- Great for: Families, gift shopping, casual sit-down dessert
7. Feras Al Diyafa Sweets — Best Traditional Nabulsi Kunafa in Al Quoz
📍 https://ferassweets.ae/ | ⭐ 4.5/5 | 🕐 10 AM – 12 AM
Feras Al Diyafa is one of the oldest kunafa shops of its kind in Dubai. They have been making Nabulsi kunafa the traditional way for a long time, and the consistency shows. Their menu also includes Manakish and other Arabic bites, making it a full-experience stop.
The kunafa here is warm, generously filled, and served with a smile. The staff is cheerful and accommodating, which makes the visit even better.
- Famous for: Kunafa Naama Cheese, Kunafa Kheshna, Mabroma with Cream
- Price: AED 18–35
- Great for: A complete Arabic meal ending with fresh kunafa
8. Mr. Kunafa — Best 24-Hour Kunafa in Dubai
📍 +971528365710 | ⭐ 4.4/5 | 🕐 Open 24 Hours
Late-night kunafa craving at 2 AM? Mr. Kunafa answers the call. This shop serves fresh kunafa around the clock at two convenient Dubai locations. They keep a rich dessert menu that goes beyond the classic, including cream kunafa, chocolate-drizzle kunafa, and special seasonal plates.
For more 24-hour dining options and late-night spots in the city, browse our things to do in Dubai at night feature.
- Famous for: 24-hour service, outdoor seating, creative kunafa menu
- Price: AED 20–45
- Great for: Night owls, after-concert cravings, late Ramadan nights
9. Hafiz Mustafa 1864 — Best Turkish Kunafe Experience
📍 https://hm1864.ae/ | ⭐ 4.7/5 | 🕐 9 AM – 11 PM
Hafiz Mustafa brings 160 years of Ottoman pastry heritage from Istanbul to Dubai. Their kunefe follows the Turkish style, slightly thicker, golden-baked, and served hot with a scoop of kaymak (clotted cream) or ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm, syrup-soaked pastry against cold, creamy ice cream is something special.
The City Walk branch pairs stunning decor with premium ingredients. If you want kunafa as an experience rather than just a dessert, this is your place. They also serve the best baklava in Dubai alongside a full Ottoman sweets menu.
- Famous for: Turkish kunefe, kaymak, premium baklava
- Price: AED 35–75
- Also try: Their pistachio baklava and Turkish delight selection
- Great for: Date nights, tourists, special occasions
10. Fix Dessert Chocolatier & Bateel — Best Kunafa Chocolate in Dubai
📍 https://wa.me/971526822884 | ⭐ 4.8/5 | 🕐 10 AM – 10 PM
The viral pistachio kunafa chocolate bar took over Dubai’s social media in 2023 and has not let go since. Fix Dessert Chocolatier sparked the global craze with their handmade chocolate bar filled with crispy kataifi and pistachio cream. Bateel followed with their luxury version using 44% Dominican milk chocolate and pure pistachio paste.
These are the best kunafa chocolate gifts you can bring home from Dubai. Both brands stock them at Dubai Mall and City Walk. Discover more iconic Dubai experiences in our hidden gems and iconic spots guide.
- Famous for: Pistachio kunafa chocolate bars, the viral Dubai souvenir
- Price: AED 45–180 per bar or gift box
- Best brands: Fix Dessert Chocolatier, Bateel, Layali Sweets
- Where to buy: Dubai Mall, City Walk, Dubai Duty Free, Talabat delivery
Quick Comparison: Best Kunafa in Dubai
Quick Comparison: Best Kunafa in Dubai at a Glance
| Place | Famous For | Location | Price (AED) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Samadi Sweets | Classic Nabulsia Kunafa | Muraqqabat St, Deira | 18–30 | ★ 4.5 |
| Nablus Kunafa | Authentic Palestinian style | Al Seef & Dubai Mall | 25 | ★ 4.7 |
| Qwaider Al-Nabulsi | Multi-style kunafa menu | Deira & JLT | 20–40 | ★ 4.6 |
| Ibsais Sweets | Best hidden gem | Jumeirah 3, B2 Mall | 20–35 | ★ 4.8 |
| Firas Sweets | Best budget option | Al Hudaiba | 15–28 | ★ 4.4 |
| Al Baba Sweets | Lebanese kunafa & gifts | Al Barsha | 22–40 | ★ 4.5 |
| Feras Al Diyafa | Traditional, family-run | Al Barsha / Al Quoz | 18–35 | ★ 4.5 |
| Mr. Kunafa | Open 24 hours | JLT & Business Bay | 20–45 | ★ 4.4 |
| Hafiz Mustafa 1864 | Turkish-style kunefe | City Walk | 35–75 | ★ 4.7 |
| Fix / Bateel | Kunafa chocolate bars | Dubai Mall & City Walk | 45–180 | ★ 4.8 |
Where to Buy Kunafa Chocolate in Dubai
The pistachio kunafa chocolate bar is now one of Dubai’s most famous food exports. It combines crispy kataifi, rich pistachio cream, and smooth Belgian chocolate into one incredible bite. Here is exactly where to find the best versions in Dubai.
Where to Buy Kunafa Chocolate Bar in Dubai
| 🏆 Fix Dessert Chocolatier | The original creators. Order online or visit their kiosk at Dubai Mall. Expect queues on weekends. |
| 🎁 Bateel | Premium, gift-box ready. Available at City Walk, Dubai Mall, and Dubai International Airport Duty Free. |
| 🌿 Layali Sweets | Their 180g pistachio kunafa bar is a fan favourite. Available on Talabat and Noon Food. |
| ✈️ Dubai Duty Free (T3) | Best last-minute option for travellers. Stock varies — arrive early on busy travel days. |
| 🛒 Carrefour & Spinneys | Several branded kunafa chocolate bars now stock major supermarkets across Dubai. From AED 45 — most affordable option. |
Top 5 Tips to Find the Best Kunafa Near You in Dubai
5 Tips to Find the Best Kunafa Near You in Dubai
🕖 Visit Between 7–9 PM
Most shops bake their freshest batches in the early evening. That is when the cheese stretches the most and the crust hits peak crunch.
🗺️ Search on Google Maps
Type ‘kunafa near me open now’ and filter by rating. Many top spots are not heavily marketed online.
🏪 Order in Person, Not Delivery
Kunafa loses its crunch within 20 minutes of leaving the oven. Eat it fresh and warm at the shop whenever possible.
🍽️ Try a Mixed Plate
Most shops let you order half portions of different styles. Compare cheese, pistachio, and cream in one sitting.
🌙 Visit During Ramadan
Dubai’s kunafa shops go all-out with larger platters, special flavours, and extended late-night hours during the holy month.
Famous Dubai Sweets in 2026
More Famous Dubai Sweets Worth Trying
Umm Ali
Egypt’s warm bread-pudding dessert soaked in milk and cream. Find it at any Lebanese or Egyptian restaurant.
Baklava
Layered filo pastry with pistachios or walnuts, drenched in honey syrup. Hafiz Mustafa serves Dubai’s best version.
Maamoul
Shortbread biscuits stuffed with dates, pistachios, or walnuts. A Ramadan staple in every home.
Falooda
A chilled rose-milk dessert drink layered with basil seeds and ice cream. Popular in Deira’s Indian district.
Final Thoughts
Dubai takes kunafa seriously. From the decades-old Deira bakeries serving humble cheese kunafa on plastic trays to the City Walk chocolatiers wrapping pistachio kataifi in Belgian chocolate, this city celebrates the dessert at every level.
The 10 places on this list give you the full spectrum. Pick your mood, pick your neighbourhood, and go eat warm kunafa. You will not regret it.
Planning your trip around Dubai’s best food spots? Our team at Dubai Weeks regularly updates guides on where to eat, what to do, and how to make the most of your time in the UAE. Start exploring now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best kunafa in Dubai?
Al Samadi Sweets in Deira and Nablus Kunafa at Al Seef are the top two picks for traditional kunafa. Both serve fresh, authentic cheese kunafa daily. For the best kunafa chocolate, head to Fix Dessert Chocolatier or Bateel at Dubai Mall.
Q: Where can I buy kunafa chocolate in Dubai?
Fix Dessert Chocolatier at Dubai Mall started the trend. You also find premium kunafa chocolate bars at Bateel (City Walk and Dubai Mall), Carrefour, Spinneys, Dubai Duty Free at Terminal 3, and through Talabat delivery. Prices start from AED 45 per bar.
Q: How much does kunafa cost in Dubai?
A standard plate of kunafa at a traditional shop costs AED 15–35. Premium sit-down restaurants charge AED 40–75. Pistachio kunafa chocolate gift boxes range from AED 45 for a single bar to AED 180 for luxury presentation boxes.
Q: Is kunafa available at Dubai Mall?
Yes. Nablus Kunafa has a dedicated counter at Dubai Mall. Wafi Gourmet and several Arabic sweets shops in the food court also serve kunafa. For the viral chocolate bar, Fix Dessert Chocolatier operates a kiosk near the ground-floor entrance.
Q: What is the difference between kunafa and knafeh?
They are the same dessert. Kunafa is the common transliteration used in Dubai and across the Gulf. Knafeh is closer to the Arabic pronunciation used in Palestine and Lebanon. Kanafeh, kunefe (Turkish), and kinafa are regional spelling variations, all refer to the same shredded-pastry cheese dessert.
Q: Which kunafa style should I try first?
Start with Nabulsia (cheese kunafa), it is the original and the most beloved. Once you appreciate the classic, move to pistachio-topped versions, then try cream kunafa for a lighter experience. Save the viral pistachio kunafa chocolate bar for last as your Dubai souvenir.
