16+ Kataifi Recipes You Need to Make
Kataifi pastry has taken the dessert world by storm! While it’s been a Mediterranean and West Asian staple for centuries, the pastry has risen to fame elsewhere — thanks to the viral Dubai chocolate trend. Now, kataifi recipes are more popular than ever, both in bakeries and home kitchens.
The delicate, shredded phyllo dough creates a mouth-wateringly crispy-crunchy texture that’s perfect for making baked treats. Traditional desserts. Fusion food. And even savoury appetisers!
So, whether you’re craving traditional Greek sweets (speaking of … I made the most gorgeous orange semolina cake the other day!) or want to try the latest Dubai chocolate trend, I’ve scoured the internet for the best kataifi recipes that you simply must try. Let’s dive in!
What is Kataifi Pastry?
Kataifi (also spelt kadayif, kadaifi, katayef, kadaif, or kataïf) pastry is commonly referred to as shredded phyllo (filo).
However, that’s not technically true; typically, kataifi is made from a liquid batter passed through a fine sieve and cooked on a griddle.
The result? Fine, thin noodles that look similar to vermicelli. Although they look similar, they’re very different products; rice vermicelli is excellent in dishes like veggie mei fun and tofu tom yum, but not so great with chocolate … although I do use wheat vermicelli in the Indian dessert seviyan kheer!
When we buy kataifi pastry, it’s already partially pre-cooked. Once we cook it again, the delicate strands transform into golden, crispy threads with an irresistible texture.
You’ll find kataifi pastry is used across many Mediterranean and West Asian cuisines, predominantly in traditional desserts.
Furthermore, thanks to the way Dubai chocolate rose to fame, many international chefs and food bloggers have found new ways to use the ingredient. We’ll explore some of those unique fusion kataifi recipes today — I’m excited!
Where to Buy Kataifi Pastry
If you live in a large city, you can likely find kataifi pastry in Middle Eastern, Turkish, or Greek speciality stores.
It’s sold fresh and frozen — I usually buy fresh and then freeze what I don’t use. Ask a shop assistant for help to find the pastry if you’re struggling.
If you don’t have any speciality stores nearby, don’t despair. Amazon stocks a wide selection of kataifi pastry, making ordering convenient even when you’re out in the sticks!
The Best Kataifi Recipes
1
Mrs Madi
Dubai Chocolate Liege Waffles
You've heard of Belgian waffles, but what about Liege waffles? Welcome to your new obsession — dense, sweet, chocolatey waffles with a divinely rich, caramel-like flavour. The waffles are topped with crunchy kataifi pastry mixed with pistachio cream and nutty tahini, then coated in even more melted chocolate, and left to harden. It's like a chocolate bar and waffles combine to make the best, most indulgent breakfast treat you could imagine. It's a real standout for special occasions, but we won't blame you if you want to make this recipe on weekdays, either …
Learn how to make Dubai chocolate Liege waffles here
2
The All Natural Vegan
Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
Dubai chocolate strawberry cups are all the rage at food markets lately, but this homemade version has them beat. There's absolutely no skimping involved. Thick layers of juicy diced strawberries, kataifi and pistachio, then a healthier chocolate ganache (made from cacao, maple crystals for sweetness, and coconut milk). It's also vegan!
Get the Dubai chocolates strawberries recipes here
3
Mamazilla Food
Greek Ekmek Kataifi – Custard With Shredded Phyllo Dough
This classic Greek dessert starts with a base of kataifi pastry sprinkled with walnuts and doused in butter. It's baked until golden and crunchy, then covered in a sweet cinnamon sugar syrup that soaks through its layers, infusing sugary spice in every bite.The next layer, a silky custard (homemade, of course; it's easier than you think), is spooned on top before the dessert is left to chill. To finish the showstopping appearance is a light topping of whipped cream and a dusting of crushed pistachios. Greek ekmek kataifi has everything going for it: multiple textures, traditional flavours, and heavenly results.
Try this Greek ekmek kataifi recipe today
4
The All Natural Vegan
Vegan Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar
Ah, the viral treat that started the kataifi craze — but with a vegan twist. Expect to bite into a bar made from a classic vegan dark chocolate. Filled to the brim with a toasted kataifi and pistachio butter (butter is healthier than pistachio cream, which often includes added sugars and oils). Garnished with a flourish of crushed pistachios and cacao nibs. This is a chocolate bar with a difference, and it's easy to understand why it went viral.
Grab the recipe for this vegan Dubai chocolate bar
5
Dubai Chocolate Brownies
Introducing my recipe for Dubai chocolate brownies, featuring three layers of decadence: a perfectly fudgy, dark, and chocolatey brownie, nutty pistachio kataifi, and a creamy homemade ganache topping swirled with more pistachio cream (because you can never have too much pistachio). This is my favourite way to enjoy the Dubai chocolate trend. It's familiar yet exciting, looks absolutely gorgeous, and tastes even better. Bonus? They're incredibly easy to make, especially with my step-by-step photos.
Don’t miss out on this Dubai chocolate brownies recipe
6
This Healthy Table
Dubai Chocolate Dates
If you want a snack to suit your sweet tooth (but not a full-on dessert), then this is the recipe for you. I can't guarantee you won't end up eating the whole platter, though! Picture honey-sweet, buttery Medjool dates split in the middle, stuffed with toasted kataifi and nut butters, then drizzled with creamy and mild milk chocolate. They're naturally sweet and not too far from healthy! Dubai chocolate dates don't just make an ideal afternoon snack, but also a great dish to take to parties or potlucks.
Give these Dubai chocolate dates a go
7
Cooking Gorgeous
Turkish Tel Kadayif
Say hello to another traditional recipe! This Turkish tel kadayif is the perfect introduction to authentic Middle Eastern desserts, and is typically served during Ramadan (although there's nothing stopping you from whipping some up right now!). Think of tel kadayif as similar to baklava; instead of phyllo pastry, it boasts a layer of butter-soaked kataifi strands at the base. Next, a thick layer of chopped walnuts sits on top, and it's finished with yet another layer of buttery kataifi pastry. Baked until golden brown and crunchy, it should already smell incredible. Then, just like baklava, the sweet treat is soaked in a simple sugar syrup, which infuses through all those glorious layers. Is it just my mouth that's watering?
You’ll love this Turkish tel kadayif recipe
8
The Sprinkled Cakery
Dubai Chocolate Protein Brownie Mug Cake
Satisfy your Dubai chocolate cravings in minutes with this high-protein, single-serving treat. My Mum is obsessed with microwave cakes. They're fantastic: cost-saving, energy-efficient, surprisingly taste just as good as an oven-baked cake, and best of all, they're so quick. Like, unbelievably quick. If you can believe it, this one takes less than 10 minutes! The egg-free brownie batter is made from sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, chocolate protein powder, almond flour, yoghurt, and oat milk, amongst other ingredients. It's gooey and rich, and only takes a few seconds to cook. The Dubai chocolate topping and strawberries on top just elevate the treat even more.
Why not try this Dubai chocolate protein brownie mug cake here?
9
The All Natural Vegan
Vegan Dubai Chocolate Brownies
I've already shared my recipe for Dubai chocolate brownies, but this one is a bit different — it's vegan … not that anybody would be able to guess so! Macadamia nut butter lends a uniquely inviting flavour to the brownie layer, which is enriched with ground flaxseeds (a fabulous egg substitute), vanilla bean powder, chocolate chips, maple crystals, and cacao for a touch of pleasant bitterness. Of course, it's topped with the characteristic layers of kataifi, pistachio butter, and melted chocolate (swirled with more macadamia nut butter for good measure).
Learn how to make vegan Dubai chocolate brownies now
10
The Sprinkled Cakery
Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Energy Balls
Perfect for meal prep, post-workout fuel or just a good old snack, these no-bake energy bites are loaded with plant-based protein, fibre, healthy fats, and — most importantly of all — seriously tempting taste! All you'll need is a blender (to whiz together the dates, pistachio butter, tahini, protein powder, sweet spices, and other ingredients) and a baking tray (for roasting the kataifi pastry). It takes just a few minutes to form the balls, then you'll just need to be patient while they firm up before rolling in the crunchy kataifi coating.
Dive into this Dubai chocolate energy ball recipe
11
This is How I Cook
Kadayif Coconut Bites
You'd never guess it from the mouth-wateringly good photos, but these kadayif coconut bites are a five-ingredient dessert. Yes, you read that right — only five ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is the kataifi (kadayif) pastry. The butter-soaked pastry sandwiches a layer of tropical, fresh, nutty, and subtly sweet coconut cream. You'll need to throw it in the oven, then pour fragrant sugar syrup over the whole dish. Honestly, waiting for the dessert to be ready is the hardest part of this recipe … but the patience pays off.
Find the full recipe for kadayif coconut bites here
12
Sheri Silver
Dubai Chocolate Hamantaschen
A creative fusion of Jewish and Middle Eastern flavours, these fun hamantaschen cookies are a Purim favourite. The festive triangle-shaped pastries feature a chocolate-flavoured dough enriched with light brown sugar and plenty of butter, resulting in a perfectly soft, chewy cookie.Surprise guests with the surprise centre: a tiny taste of Dubai, with the quintessential kataifi, pistachio, and tahini combo shining strong. A drizzle of white chocolate over the top makes these sweet bites worthy of any festive menu.
Head over to the Dubai chocolate hamantaschen recipe now
13
Unicorns in the Kitchen
Kunafa
Perhaps one of the most essential Middle Eastern desserts you should have in your repertoire, kunafa (also kanafa, or knafeh) is by far the most beloved kataifi dessert. The first time I had kunafa, it was love at first bite. That buttery kataifi pastry with the gooey cheese filling and aromatic, floral syrup poured on top? In a word, heavenly. The contrast between crispy pastry and sugar-soaked stretchy cheese is absolutely moreish, and must be tasted to be believed.
Click here to find out how to make kunafa
14
Tiffin and Tea
Chocolate Pistachio Microwave Kunafa Cake
Oh so messy, but oh so good. Modern convenience has never tasted quite this delicious — thanks to the microwave, this sponge cake is ready in just 15 minutes (dangerous for midnight cravings!). The sponge cake is warm and light, with the perfect balance of complex chocolate flavour. A milk soak after baking makes it beautifully moist, and the crunchy kataifi layer — plus a sinful amount of melted chocolate drizzled on top — seals the deal.
See how to make the chocolate pistachio microwave kunafa cake here
15
The Chaotic Table
Dubai Chocolate Bark
Short on time? Low on energy? No judgment — sometimes, the thought of making desserts from scratch seems exceedingly overwhelming. That's where Dubai chocolate bark comes in. It's the easiest and quickest way to enjoy the flavours of Dubai chocolate. Just toast the kataifi, melt the chocolate in the microwave, and combine both with tahini. Spread the mixture over a baking tray, drizzle with pistachio butter, let it harden, break into pieces, and share (or don't!). You could even add your own spins on the recipe by incorporating toppings like dried fruits or crushed nuts.
Get the step by step instructions for Dubai chocolate bark by clicking now
16
Hilda’s Kitchen Blog
Bird Nest Baklava
These adorable bite-sized treats transform kataifi pastry into nest-like cups filled with nuts and brushed with clarified butter. They're as beautiful as they are delicious, and much easier to make than baklava (no endless layering!). No baklava is complete without a drizzle (okay, more like a bath) of syrup, and this one is pretty special. Flavoured with orange slices, cardamom pods, honey, lemon juice, and orange blossom water, it's warming, citrusy, spicy, sweet, and floral.
Explore this bird nest baklava recipe here
