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The Ultimate Guide To The Best Kunafa In Singapore

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Qistina Bumidin •  Aug 24, 2023

Kunafa, Knafeh, Kunefe. Regardless of how it’s pronounced, we all love this traditional Middle Eastern delicacy. The ingredients are few yet the taste is rich, creamy and definitely irresistible! The sugar syrup topping, cheesy layers, the crunch of phyllo noodles, and a variety of garnishes keep us coming back for more! We’re lucky to have so many places that offer this sweet halal dessert all over Singapore, so we compiled some of the best around town.

P.S. We added a bonus store towards the end, so read on to find out more!

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16 Best Kunafa In Singapore

1. LePak @ RAYZ

Credit: @allthethingsallthethings on Instagram

LePak @ RAYZ used to sell solely Western and Malay fusion dishes, but now they’ve revamped their menu and added on a wide variety of Arabic dishes. They call themselves the ‘Best Malay Arab Restaurant In Town’, and judging by the rave reviews from patrons of the restaurant, it seems justified! You can add on a dollop of ice cream, and we promise you’ll be polishing the plate off in no time!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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2. Ottoman Turkish Delights SG

Credit: @itsouou on Instagram

On its Facebook page, it refers to itself as “Singapore’s first and only fresh Turkish bakery & confectionery shop”, where they actually bake a fresh batch of Turkish desserts such as baklava, lokum (Turkish delights) and kunafa (or kunefe as the Turkish know it)! Pair it up with a Turkish tea or coffee, and it almost feels like you’re sitting by the busy streets of Istanbul, just soaking in the atmosphere. Oh, how we wish we can travel soon!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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3. Sultan Kebab

Credit: Sultan Kebab on Facebook

Formerly known as Ottoman Kebab, who has been a popular fixture at pasar malams and Ramadan Bazaars, they’ve changed their name to Sultan Kebab and has opened a physical store in a coffee shop at Ang Mo Kio! It’s rare to see Middle Eastern food at a coffee shop, but you can definitely expect their dishes to be just like what you expect at a coffee shop: affordable and superbly delicious! Their crust of kunafa is golden brown, and if you pierce your fork through it, that cheese pull we all love is simply tantalising!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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5. Derwish Turkish Restaurant

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One of the most popular go-to places for kunafa is definitely Sultan Turkish Restaurant. Their gorgeous Turkish tiles and comfy dining areas will give you a warm welcome, including an alfresco area with a view of Masjid Sultan! Have a cup of Turkish tea and coffee here while having some of their gorgeous and delightful kunefe. Not convinced? It’s best you head down there by yourselves, but you definitely have to wait longer during dinner time!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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5. Derwish Turkish Restaurant

Credit: @hooyeats for Instagram

This stylish restaurant has gotten all your favourite Turkish meals covered. Mandi rice, kebab and most importantly kunafa - you ask and they deliver. Their kunafa particularly stands out, because the pastry, which is slightly smaller than other restaurants, is soaked in generous amounts of creamy milk! It’s why it’s called dessert anyway, so the sweeter, the better!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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6. Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant

Credit: Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant on Facebook

Bussorah Street is lined up with Middle Eastern restaurants, all trying to entice you to enter their restaurant, and it’s frankly hard to choose where to eat at. We’re sorry, but we’re going to make it a little harder for you with Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant’s kunafa. Their Kunafa is simply pure decadence. It’s loaded with bits and crumbs of Pistachios, and drenched in creamy white milk. Simply heaven on earth. If you don’t want milk, you can opt for their range of ice cream offered as well, or simply have both for the ultimate sweet spot.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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7. Istanbul Turkish SG

Credit: Istanbul Turkish SG on Facebook

A few minutes away from the bustling Bussorah Street, is Istanbul Turkish SG, located in Baghdad Street. If you prefer your kunafa to have a crispier coat, this is truly the place for you! It’s gooey and soft on the inside, which perfectly complements the crisp on the outside. We bet you’re going to lick off every inch of the plate, because well it simply taste that good!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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8. Shalaby Sweets

Credit: Shalaby Sweets on Facebook

Shalaby Sweets offer sinfully sweet Turkish treats, so you’re going to have to put your diets away if you want to try this. They sell an assortment of Turkish sweets, from baklavas to Turkish delights and of course, kunafa. All of their sweets are actually imported from Turkey and air-flown regularly to Singapore so you can guarantee that it’s authentic, fresh and most importantly, delicious! The Green Crush Pistachio kunafa is a dessert you have to try. The earthy flavours of pistachio complements the sweeter cream in their kunafa for a perfect sweet-savoury combination.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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P.S.Most of these restaurants are located in Bugis, and we got you covered with the ultimate halal guide you don't want to miss!

9. Arabisk

Credit: Arabisk on Facebook

Ang Mo Kio might have to be your next food haunt for kunafa, it seems! Arabisk is located in Mr Teh Tarik Restaurant in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, and serves all of your favourite Turkish kebabs and rice meals. You already know what to expect out of their kunafa: delicate, creamy and sweet!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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10. Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant

Credit: @foodiesonthego.sg on Instagram

Our formal introduction to Turkish food in Singapore began with Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant. Possibly the longest serving Turkish restaurant in our island, it’s authentic as it gets, and definitely holds a special place in our hearts. Indulge yourself in their kunafa, and this warm dessert will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more! Nothing beats better than the OG of kunafa in Singapore, right?

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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11. Royal Palm Meat and Dine

Credit: @royalpalmeatndine for Instagram

Royal Palm Meat & Dine, known for their popular 1-for-1 freeflow Hi Tea promotions, also boasts a range of delicious Middle Eastern fare! With chefs that hail from different countries around the Middle East, you’ll definitely be promised to taste some of the best kunafa in town. Look at how perfect the kunafa looks! Tempted, aren’t you?

Halal status: Halal-certified

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12. Kebabwala SG

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Westies can enjoy this luxurious treat at Kebabwala SG! Located at Hillion Mall, it is a popular place to get your fix of Turkish and Mediterranean classics here. Pour the syrup and the milk all over the perfectly baked, crunchy pastry, and well, the rest is history.

Halal status: Halal-certified

Website|Facebook|Instagram

13. Abu Mubarak Mandi Rice

Credit: Abu Mubarak Mandi Rice for Facebook

While they may specialise in serving authentic mandi rice from Saudi Arabia, their desserts are also something you cannot miss! Their kunafa is touted by many to be the creamiest and the cheesiest, which means it’s time for you to try it out for yourself! Who knows, Abu Mubarak Mandi Rice at Tampines could be your new favourite kunafa spot. Did you know that they also have nutella kunefe!

Halal status: Halal-certified

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14. Mr Doner Kebab

Credit: @yuyufooddiaries on Instagram

This humble stall in Our Tampines Hub is said to serve some of the most authentic Turkish meals in Singapore! From kebabs to pide to mixed meze platters, Mr Doner Kebab is the place to go for a hearty meal at the end of a long day. Their kunafa is truly a dessert you cannot miss, and you can top with a scoop of Turkish ice cream for the ultimate treat!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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15. Kebab Station

Credit: @the.scrumptious.spoon on Instagram

Kebab Station is located conveniently in East Coast Park, and the breeze from the ocean while indulging in delicately crunchy, smooth, cheesy kunafa sounds like a perfect outing with your family, partner or your group of friends.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Website|Facebook|Instagram

16. BONUS: Kunefe.Co

Credit: @kunefe.co on Instagram

Why not bring kunafa straight to your doorstep by ordering from this HBB? Kunefe.cospecialises in Turkish-style kunafa that comes with a serving of sugar syrup and cream, packed separately so you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. And at an additional cost, you can enjoy their deliciously rich dessert with Earl Grey cream!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

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If you’re looking for a sweet treat after a long work day or just a dessert spot to hang out with your loved ones, keep this article for your future kunafa trip around Singapore! Share with us what’s your favourite, and if it isn’t here, we’ll add on to the list!

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