In a country where maple syrup reigns supreme and butter tarts are baked into tradition, it’s not every day that a dessert from halfway across the world captures the hearts (and sweet cravings) of Canadians. But that’s exactly what Kunafa Chocolate is doing — and it’s a delicious revolution.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Kunafa (also spelled Knafeh or Kanafeh) is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made of shredded pastry, soaked in syrup, and often layered with cheese or cream. Now imagine that crispy, syrupy, golden pastry — with rich chocolate melting inside. That’s Kunafa Chocolate. And yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.
What Is Kunafa Chocolate?
Kunafa Chocolate is a modern twist on an ancient recipe. Traditionally, kunafa is filled with akkawi cheese or ashta (a type of clotted cream), then baked until golden brown and soaked in orange blossom or rose water syrup.
In the chocolate version, the cheese is swapped out or paired with soft, molten chocolate — often dark, milk, or Nutella-style hazelnut spread. The result? A gooey, crispy, sweet, and slightly salty combo that hits every corner of your taste buds.
Why It’s Trending in Canada 🇨🇦
Canada’s food culture thrives on diversity. From shawarma shops in Toronto to Syrian bakeries in Montreal and Persian cafes in Vancouver, Middle Eastern flavours have carved a strong space on the Canadian table.
Kunafa Chocolate is rising in popularity, especially among younger food lovers and TikTok/Instagram influencers. It’s photogenic (hello, cheese pull + chocolate drip), unique, and delivers big flavour. Canadian dessert fans are loving it because:
- It’s new and nostalgic at the same time
- It pairs perfectly with coffee or chai
- It’s great for sharing — or keeping all to yourself
Plus, restaurants and dessert bars are catching on. In cities like Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Calgary, you’ll now find chocolate kunafa on the menu of spots that specialize in Middle Eastern or fusion desserts.
Where to Try Kunafa Chocolate in Canada
Here are a few Canadian spots where Kunafa Chocolate is making a name:
🍫 Kunafa’s – Mississauga, ON
Famous for their chocolate kunafa trays and mini bites. You can even customize your chocolate filling.
🍮 Pasha’s Desserts – Toronto, ON
Known for making kunafa with a twist — Nutella-filled kunafa cups with crushed pistachios and syrup.
🧁 Frais et Sucré – Montreal, QC
Serves a Kunafa-Chocolate fusion cake with espresso cream — a Montreal favourite.
🍩 Layali Café – Calgary, AB
This dessert café offers hot kunafa rolls filled with Belgian chocolate and drizzled with syrup right at your table.
How to Make Kunafa Chocolate at Home
Can’t find a local spot? No worries — making this treat at home is surprisingly easy.
You’ll need:
- Shredded phyllo pastry (kataifi)
- Melted butter or ghee
- Chocolate (bars, chips, or spread)
- Sugar syrup (sugar + water + lemon + rose water)
Basic Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Toss shredded pastry with melted butter.
- Layer half the pastry in a baking tray.
- Add a generous layer of chocolate.
- Top with remaining pastry.
- Bake for 30–40 mins until golden brown.
- Pour syrup over it while hot and serve immediately.
Top with chopped pistachios, a scoop of ice cream, or just enjoy it as is!
Is It a Dessert for Everyone?
Absolutely. Kunafa Chocolate is a sweet that bridges cultures — comforting for Middle Eastern Canadians and adventurous for others trying it for the first time.
It’s also adaptable. You can make it:
- Vegan (with vegan butter & dairy-free chocolate)
- Gluten-free (using GF phyllo or rice flour alternatives)
- Low-sugar (reduce syrup or use dark chocolate)
Logo-Worthy Presentation
Kunafa Chocolate is more than just tasty — it looks amazing on camera. The textures, the syrup sheen, and the gooey chocolate center make it the perfect cover image for blog posts, Pinterest pins, or social media reels.
This is where your Dining Discover logo should shine — watermark it on a close-up of melting chocolate kunafa with a gold-and-brown colour palette. It’s a food moment that builds both trust and brand identity.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try It Now
Kunafa Chocolate is not just another dessert trend — it’s a sign of how global flavours are becoming part of Canada’s everyday table. It represents culinary fusion done right: bold, sweet, rich, and totally unforgettable.
Whether you’re writing about it, baking it, or eating it fresh from the oven at a café in Toronto or Vancouver, one thing is for sure: once you’ve tried Kunafa Chocolate, it’ll become your new guilty pleasure.
