Baklava vs kunafa — what’s the difference? Both are beloved Middle Eastern sweets, soaked in fragrant syrup. However, they are made in different ways. Baklava is layered with thin, flaky pastry and nuts. Kunafa uses fine shredded pastry, often filled with cheese. In this guide, we explain the difference simply, so you can pick your favourite.
Baklava vs kunafa: the quick answer
In short, it comes down to the pastry. Baklava is crisp, flaky and layered with nuts. Kunafa is made from fine, golden shredded dough. Meanwhile, kunafa often hides a gooey cheese centre. So the two offer very different textures.
What is baklava?
Baklava is a classic layered pastry. Cooks stack sheets of thin filo with chopped nuts. Then they bake it until golden and crisp. Finally, they soak it in sweet syrup. So every bite is flaky, nutty and rich.
What is kunafa?
Kunafa is a warm, cheesy dessert. It is made from fine shredded pastry, called kataifi. Cooks layer it with soft cheese, then bake it golden. Finally, they drench it in syrup. So it is gooey, crisp and comforting all at once.
Baklava vs kunafa: how they’re made
The pastries set them apart. Baklava uses whole sheets of thin filo. Kunafa uses the same dough shredded into fine strands. Meanwhile, baklava is packed with nuts, while kunafa is filled with cheese. So the base ingredients lead in different directions.
Baklava vs kunafa: taste and texture
The experience is quite different. Baklava is crisp, flaky and nutty throughout. Kunafa is warm, soft and stretchy in the middle. Meanwhile, both share a sweet, syrupy finish. So one is crunchy, the other is gooey.
Which should you choose?
It depends on your mood. For something crisp and nutty, pick baklava. For something warm and cheesy, choose kunafa. Better yet, try both and compare. So you can decide your own favourite.
Where to try both in Kuala Lumpur
Feeling sweet? Then taste both at Lalezar, a halal Turkish, Mediterranean and Persian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Pair them with a rich Turkish coffee to finish. So explore the full Lalezar menu, or find your nearest branch. We welcome you across three locations: Ampang, USJ Heights and Centrepoint Bandar Utama.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between baklava and kunafa?
Baklava is crisp, layered filo pastry with nuts. Kunafa is made from fine shredded pastry, usually filled with soft cheese.
Which one is sweeter?
Both are soaked in syrup and are sweet. Baklava can feel richer from the nuts, while kunafa feels warm and creamy.
Can you try both at Lalezar?
Yes. We serve both, so you can taste them side by side and pick your favourite.