Kunafa, also spelled knafeh, kanafeh, or kadayif, is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made from thin, shredded phyllo dough that resembles fine vermicelli strands. In its traditional dessert form, the shredded dough is layered with sweet cheese or cream, baked until golden and crispy, then soaked in sugar syrup flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. Kunafa is beloved across the Levant, Egypt, Turkey, and the Gulf states, with regional variations in filling and preparation.
In the context of Dubai chocolate, kunafa refers specifically to the raw kadayif pastry strands that are toasted in butter until golden and crispy, then crumbled and incorporated into the pistachio cream filling. These toasted strands provide the signature crunchy texture that distinguishes Dubai chocolate from other filled chocolate bars. The kadayif dough is widely available at Middle Eastern grocery stores and online retailers, typically sold frozen in 1-pound packages.