Having a craving for kunafah? Then it’s time to make a note of the best kunafah spots in Riyadh. Bubbling molten cheese layered with filo dough or vermicelli noodles served soaked in sweet syrup hot out of the oven. Kunafah – a regional staple that either comes from Egypt, Turkey or Palestine, depending on who you ask – sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it really, really does. And these best kunafah spots in Riyadh to prove it.
Some versions of kunafah are made with cream, while other sweet spots in the Saudi capital have opted to give this classic dessert a contemporary twist with fillings like Nutella, KitKats and Kiri spreadable cheese.
Whatever the flavour, there’s never a bad time for a slice of kunafah. Or a cup of it. Or a miniature version served elegantly in a glass (you’ll find all of those on this list).
Pull that giant metal pan out of the oven and get pouring that rose syrup – here are the best kunafah spots in Riyadh.
Caesar Kunafa
The best kunafah spots in Riyadh cater to our cravings at all hours. And Caesar Kunafa does. Open all day and throughout the night, Caesar Kunafa serves up cheesy goodness whenever you want it in the heart of the city’s Olaya district. The indoor area is petite – largely taken up by those familiar giant pans of bubbling-hot orange vermicelli – but sprawling outdoor seating and patio heaters mean you can sit outside even in the height of chilly winter. After all that kunafah, you might just need the fresh air.
Open daily 24 hours. Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah (055 032 1666).
Golden Kunafa
On the hunt to find the best kunafah spots in Riyadh? Golden Kunafa not only serves up the sweet treat by the kilogram (a bargain at SAR17.25), but you’ll also find varieties in sticks, cups and drizzled in Nutella. One of the more unique varieties features the much-loved Kiri spreadable cheese for a savoury twist on a dessert classic – an ideal sandwich swap-out for your lunch break.
Open daily 1.30pm-11.30pm. Al Andalus (011 233 3308).
Hot Kunafa
There’s nothing worse than carving in to your kunafah and realising that it’s gone cold – leaving a rigid, wet mess of cheese that might just require a hacksaw or chisel to eat. Luckily, it’s all in the name at Hot Kunafa – the emphasis is on serving while it’s all gooey and delicious just moments after it’s been hauled out of the oven. This tiny spot, squeezed in between a row of cafés and restaurants in the city’s west, even offers a version loaded with Nutella and fresh strawberries. It’s one of the best kunafah spots in Riyadh.
Open daily 3pm-1am. Taiba St, Dhahrat Laban (053 134 4983).
Konafa Station
After the best of the best kunafah spots in Riyadh? How about a kunafah buffet? Konafa Station is the ultimate sweet fusion buffet, with diners given the options of choosing pretty much any popular chocolate bar to combine with the traditional ingredients. While you might be tempted to order the usual cheese or cream version, why not mix things up with a KitKat, Galaxy, or even a Kinder Bueno? After finding that perfect combo, order a giant version for SAR50 and share your culinary brilliance with the family or your colleagues.
Open daily 1pm-11pm. Prince Saud Alkabir, Al Quds (055 422 7009).
Kunafa Abul Haus
One of best kunafah spots in Riyadh, this enormous dine-in restaurant (with a small and narrow outdoor seating area) is hard to miss when you’re driving through As Sulimaniyah. Weave through the mass of cars parked outside Kunafa Abul Haud and scoff down some melt-in-your-mouth cheese doused in rose syrup – they have all the classic varieties. As a word of warning, it can get quite crowded on the weekends here, so be prepared to wait or arrive early if you’re looking to sit in.
Open daily noon-1am. Prince Mashari Ibn Abdulaziz, As Sulimaniyah (92 000 8914).
Kunafa Garden
Another all-night spot, Kunafa Garden offers traditional cheese and cream varieties, plus a selection of creative twists infused with chocolate bars as well as mini bite-sized versions in ice cream sandwiches and elegant glass dishes. Pair it all with the heavy, nutty flavours of a steaming hot Arabic coffee to take that traditional kunafa experience to the next level.
Open daily 24 hours. Khalid Ibn Alwaleed St, Al Andalus (053 354 9008).
Have a sweet tooth? For the best desserts in Riyadh click here.
