Baklava is a Middle Eastern pastry made with phyllo dough, nuts, and drenched in a sweet sugary syrup. Knafeh is a similar Arabic dessert that features cheese, shredded pastry on top, and also soaked in a syrup. These two desserts are the cornerstone to Middle Eastern life, and if you’re ever in Israel, here are the places to go to try them.
Shuk Ha’Carmel
This famous market in Tel Aviv is known for many things, but while you’re there shopping for trinkets, you have to get some baklava and knafeh. Many vendors sell both, along with different variations of baklava, and it’s absolutely worth it, so don’t forget to take a second and enjoy the chaos of the market with a sweet treat.
Abd El-Hadi Sweets
This Arabic joint in Haifa is a cafeteria-style restaurant that sells only Arabic sweets. Their massive circle of knafeh is truly to die for, and you will often find locals in there munching on any one of their numerous sweets.
Jaffar Sweets
This Palestinian owned shop located in the old city of Jerusalem is known for their legendary sweets, including their tantalizing knafeh. That, along with their incredible baklava, and other Palestinian treats makes for the perfect break from site seeing.
