ADishIndependent states
Künefe
A dessert of shredded kadayıf pastry baked around unsalted cheese and served hot with syrup — the pride of Hatay.
For künefe, fine shredded kadayıf is tossed with butter and a stretchy unsalted cheese is placed between two layers. It is baked in small copper pans over embers or in an oven until both sides are golden, then drenched in syrup.
Künefe is widespread across the Middle East; in Türkiye it is most associated with Hatay (Antakya). It is sprinkled with ground pistachios and served with clotted cream or ice cream.
The secret is to serve it hot: the cheese should stretch and the pastry should crunch.
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Updated: October 2, 2026