Kunafa: A Favorite Ramadan Delicacy
Ezz Al-Turkey
Ramadan celebrations have unique incarnations in Egypt. This holy month is seen by Egyptians as a refuge, a chance for introspection, and a means of being closer to God. Egyptians have been celebrating the holy month of Ramadan with distinct specialty delicacies for many decades. When the first few days of Ramadan arrive, Egyptians rush to the stores selling Kunafa. This delicacy is among this holy month's most significant customs and rituals. It grew to be an essential component of it, and even though generations in Egypt came and went throughout the millennia, it has remained a Ramadan staple.
The ingredients for kunafa and qatayef pastry are flour, water, and powdered milk. On a circular iron oven tray, the Kanafani (Kunafa maker) forms stringy pastry while holding a cup-shaped sieve filled with liquid dough.
"The ornament of the tables of kings and princes" was the previous moniker given to Kunafa. According to old tales, one of the Levantine confectioners created it especially for Muawiyah Ben Abi Sufyan during his tenure as governor of the Levant. When Sufyan complained to his doctor about being hungry while fasting during Ramadan, he recommended it to help him avoid starvation. As a result, the product's name was later linked to Sufyan's name and became known as Muawiyah's Kunafah.
On the other hand, some tales claim Egyptians were familiar with Kunafa before it spread to the Levant and that it originated during the Fatimid era. The story goes that when the Caliph Al-Mu'izz Ledin Allah Al-Fatimi arrived in Cairo during the holy month of Ramadan, the Egyptians went out to greet him and offer gifts, some of which included Kunafah. Later, merchants brought kunafah to the Levant, where it eventually became a custom during various historical periods.
While we can’t be sure which of the stories is true, one thing is evident; every Arab loves Kunafah. Especially during Ramadan, most (if not all) of us have indulged in a piece of Kunafaf on Ramadan nights. What makes it even more special and exciting, is how diverse this dessert is. It’s become a habit to look forward to how dessert shops are going to zhuzh up Kunafah every year!