Believed to be of Turkish origins, Kunafa and Baklava are two luscious desserts that are loved worldwide for their rich flavors. Although both of these are sensational Middle Eastern confections, Baklava is made of layers of filo sheets, filled with chopped nuts, sweetened and bound together with traditional honey cinnamon syrup; while Kunfa is all about shredded filo pastry called Kataifi, soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup and typically layered with cheese, or with other ingredients such as clotted cream, pistachio or other nuts. To the gourmands for whom these decadent treats from the Levant sound like a novel concept, let us be your guide and take you through a sinfully indulgent Kunafa & Baklava trail through the city to sample, what in our humble opinions are truly the best desserts in Bangalore that are guaranteed to knock your socks off
With a menu loaded with just desserts, Kunafa Lounge is a must-visit place for every foodie with a penchant for sweet treats. Their selection offers everything from creamy milkshakes and faloodas to fluffy pancakes & waffles. Plus the lineup of their namesake dessert is replete with every imaginable Kunafa rendition, making sure a connoisseur of this traditional confection is spoilt for choice.
Kunafa recommendations: Cream Kunafa, Nutella Kunafa, Caramel Kunafa, Kit Kat Kunafa, and Cheese Kunafa.
Other must-haves: Badam Pista Milkshake, Lotus Biscoff Pancake, Brownie with Ice Cream, Banana Caramel Waffles, and Dry Fruit Lassi.
As evident from the name of the outlet, this one curates an array of artisanal Kunfa renditions, giving this traditional Middle Eastern delight a luxe facelift. From classically sweet to innovatively savory, this place offers a host of variations of this Turkish dessert to choose from, making it the top contender that serves the best Kunafa in Bangalore.
If a full-fledged authentic Turkish- Arabian feast is what you crave then this is indeed one of the best restaurants in Bangalore for you. With an extensive menu filled to the brim with traditional preparations from start to finish, this one is a culinary gem that is just the ideal destination to hit up when you are in the mood for an extravagant dining experience. Being a Turkish fare mecca, the place also curates a selection of really good classic Kunafa choices to end your meal on a decadently sweet note.
Kunafa recommendations: Cream Kunafa and Cheese Kunafa.
Other must-haves: Shawarma with Khaboos, Dum Biryani, Mutton Mandi, Maqboosh Tikka, Pasha's Mush Grill, Mutton Adana, Izmir Boti, and Persian Tikka.
Conceived with an aspiration to set a new trend in the Mediterranean restaurant scene, The Maffei Kitchen beautifully combines tradition with innovation. Maffei's cuisine takes inspiration from the warm Mediterranean lands and presents a stellar menu featuring delectable Lebanese, Moroccan, and Greek preparations. Besides serving a great selection of globally loved fare, the place also offers a selection of gourmet vegan specialties. From starters to desserts, you can find a bit of everything for everyone, including luscious Baklavas and what can easily be described as the best Kunafa in Bangalore.
Other must-haves: Sourdough Manakeesh (Lebanese Pizza), Haloumi Burger, Morrocan Lamb Tagine with Olives, Grilled Lobster with Zaatar Butter, Adana Kebab, Tabouleh and Fatoush.
An idyllic destination for a proper family dining experience, this one is all about no-frills-attached authentic and wholesome Arabic fare. The place is quite popular amongst the foodies of the city for authentic Mandi along with an assortment of other traditional Arabic dishes. Their portion sizes are quite generous and the food is always made fresh with the best quality ingredients sourced locally.
Kunafa recommendation: Classic Kunafa.
Other must-haves: Chicken Shawarma Burger, Shish Tawook, Chciekn Fahm Mandi, Arabian Mix Mandi, Mutton Fry Mandi, and Shahi Tukda.
Oz By Kebapci offers a well-curated menu of modern Turkish cuisine with intriguing showmanship, all set in a magnificent location that blends traditional Turkish culture with a modern flair. To satiate your dessert cravings, they offer a selection of traditional desserts made with exotic ingredients flown in from their respective native lands to ensure that the final result is a decadent preparation that will leave you wanting more!
Kunfa & Baklava recommendations: Kunafa (featuring a light Kataifi crust and cheese flown in from the best grasslands) and Baklava (94 layered delight handcrafted by expert Gaziantep chefs featuring world-class pistachios)
Other Must-haves: Circassian Turkiye Dumplings, Lentil Soup, Baked Manti, Imam Bayildi, Kebabs, Chicken Rice, Kalkan Kofte with Caviar, Lamb Asado, and Katmer Pastry.
This relatively new Turkish cafe has been luring gormands from far and wide since its doors opened. Being a premium boutique cafe & patisserie, this one doles out great artisanal coffees and other cafe staples, but its USP without a doubt, is its range of authentic Gaziantep desserts from Turkey. Their fab menu makes it quite evident that this place indeed serves the best Baklava in Bangalore as there is an entire section dedicated to this indulgent sweet treat.
Baklava recommendations: Classic Pistachio Baklava, Cashew Baklava, Walnut Baklava, Soğuk Baklava and Ozel Baklava.
Other Must-haves: Peynir Kunefe, Cheese Layered Savory, Chicken Layered Savory, Chocolate Hazelnut Milkshake, Pistachio Milkshake, and Turkish Coffee
Indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine at Qissa. Their carefully curated menu features only the freshest ingredients and flavor-packed traditional fare prepared by their team of seasoned culinary maestros. Curating a range of authentic sweet treats this gastronomic gem in Indiranagar has quite the reputation of being one of the best dessert places in Bangalore.
Kunafa & Baklava recommendations: Classic Kanafe and Pistachio Classic Baklava
Other Must-haves: Lebanese Olive Salad, Cold Mezze, Hot Mezze, Chicken Al Fahm, Shish Taouk, Grille Lamb, Shawarma, Umm Ali (traditional Egyptian dessert, and Muhalabbiya (Arabic Milk Pudding)
This quaint cafe nestled in Koramangala seems like an introvert's dream but at the same time also embodies the image of an ideal dining destination you would want to visit on a Sunday for a laidback lunch with your friends. Offering a chilled-out vibe, aesthetically pleasing ambiance, and surrounded with books, Cafe Zubaan is a homey place that is guaranteed to steal your heart. Coming to the food, Cafe Zubaan’s Arabic Kitchen lives up to its promise of authentic and flavorsome Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Middle Eastern cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, Cafe Zubaan is a gastronomic delight that needs to be on every foodie's radar.
Kunafa & Baklava recommendations: Fresh Made Melt-In-Your-Mouth Kunafa and Classic Baklava
Other Must-haves: Cold Mezze Platter, Falafel, Kibbeh, Shawarma, Lamb Kebab Roll, Chicken Mandi, Shish Tauk, Turkish Coffee, Ghee Cake, and Umm Ali Dessert.
Gargi Bisht is an event copywriter/conceptualizer turned writer currently working with EazyDiner Pvt. Ltd. Compulsive eater, book hoarder, dog lover and pop culture enthusiast with an innate love for storytelling. Usually the quietest person in the room, Gargi is an introvert who loves her own company. When not eating, can be found in front of her laptop watching movies. Knows a thing or two about art and literature.
