For those who enjoy Middle Eastern Desserts, Knafeh as it is known locally has maintained its foothold as one of the most popular traditional dessert of the general public. This may not explain, however the brightly lit and crowded shops which are still crowded and happily busy until late at night in Amman. This is an essentially simple dish, consisting of a layer of crisp pastry, shaped like thin crunchy tendrils that resemble vermicelli, called rough or coarse, or a layer of soft pastry crumbs sitting atop a layer of soft white cheese which are baked lightly in an oven, then covered with sugar syrup.
The combination of crispy with soft melted cheese of salt taste and sweetness, and the warmth this brings makes it especially popular in winter. Prices are reasonable. Knafeh enjoys a sprinkling of ground pistachio, which you may still find, or request it as an extra topping. The huge trays that come out of the oven and then are cut to the rhythmic tapping of the shop staffs knifes are also in a way part of the ritual of the Knafeh experience. Enjoy the hot crunch and stretchy cheese of Knafeh even late at night.