Dishes from Palestine: Knafeh.

Ah, Knafeh, cheese filled semolina dough drenched in sugar syrup and pistachio, loved by almost all and adapted in different regions in the Middle East. Originating in Nablus, this dish is not your typical go-to dessert after a meal but is eaten on special occasions celebrating graduations, marriages, or in outings with friends. 

Though not so common, Knafeh in Nablus is usually served for breakfast inside a pita pocket, a perfect way to start a morning! 

Lots of places claim to have the best Knafeh in town, from Abu-Salha Sweets to Bawabt El Beik, but one of the most loved Knafeh actually resides in the heart of the Old Town, in a corner shop called Al-Aqsa Sweets. 

Upon walking to the shop, a display of how semolina is being rolled and made is being presented, and the smell of the sugar syrup and fresh Knafeh out of the oven roams the alleys. Though not so fancy, the place is usually always packed with visitors you'd be lucky to find somewhere to sit, but standing is always welcome. 

Good Knafeh is hard to find, I miss it every day that I'm in Europe, and can't wait to go back to the old tradition of exploring the different varieties it's presented in. Ice cream filled, mini Knafeh fingers, what other adaptations will there be next?  

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