Kunefe (Traditional Arab Cheese Pastry)

Kunefe is an ancient dessert with a history that goes as far back as the 10th century. A sampling of kunefe is mandatory when you’re in Istanbul, not only because of its role in Turkey’s culinary history but because it is really, really good.

Kunefe is warm, crispy, sweet, cheesy, syrupy, doughy, and a little savory from the crumbled pistachio nuts sprinkled on top. It is best consumed right out of the oven when the kadayif cheese is still hot and stringy. This delightful Turkish dessert resembles a cheese tart but instead of a pastry base, it has shredded dough protecting the gooey cheese inside. It is definitely the perfect, sweet ending to a spicy kebab meal.

Here are the best places to have kunefe in Istanbul:

• AKDENIZ HATAY SOFRASI | Fatih
  For authentic Hatay specialties
  What to order: Kunefe, Baba ghanoush, Liver kebab
  Price range: 12 to 35 TRY ($3.42 to $9.98)
  When: 08:30 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Iskenderpasa, Mahallesi, Ahmediye, Caddesi, No. 44/A, Fatih, Istanbul
• LEZZET-I SARK ANTEP SOFRASI | Fatih
  For delectable kunefe
  What to order: Kunefe, Durum, Adana kebab
  Price range: 11 to 30 TRY ($3.14 to $8.56)
  When: 08:30 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Rustem Pasa Mahallesi, Hasircilar, Caddesi, No. 52, Fatih, Istanbul
• KUNEFIS | Besiktas
  For an assortment of Turkish desserts
  What to order: Menemen omelette, Stuffed meatballs, Kunefi
  Price range: 6.50 to 18.50 TRY ($1.85 to $5.28)
  When: 09:00 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Turkali Mahallesi, Ihlamurdere, Caddesi, No. 62/A, Besiktas, Istanbul