What is the difference between kunafa and kataifi?

These terms are related but refer to different things:

• Kataifi (also spelled kadaif or kadayif): The shredded phyllo dough itself — thin, vermicelli-like strands of raw pastry dough
• Kunafa (also spelled knafeh or kanafeh): The finished dessert made with kataifi dough, typically soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese or cream

In Dubai chocolate recipes, you're using kataifi dough that's been toasted in butter until crispy. However, most people (and most recipes) use the terms interchangeably, and everyone will understand what you mean either way.

You can find kataifi dough in the frozen section of Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.