Ramadan Desserts in Egypt: Kunafa, Qatayef and More

The classic Ramadan desserts in Egypt are kunafa, qatayef, basbousa, Umm Ali and konafa with cream. A guide to what is eaten after iftar and why.

The essential Ramadan desserts in Egypt are kunafa and qatayef, followed by basbousa, Umm Ali, roz bel laban and dried fruit compote called khoshaf. They are eaten after iftar and late into the night, often with tea or coffee. Many of these sweets appear in shop windows only during the holy month.

Kunafa

Shredded pastry baked with butter around cream, nuts or cheese and soaked in syrup. Egyptians argue happily over whether kunafa with cream or with nuts is best. Newer versions use mango, Nutella or cheesecake fillings.

Qatayef

Small pancakes cooked on one side, folded around nuts or cream, and either fried with syrup or eaten fresh. Street stalls cook them in rows each afternoon so they can be bought fresh before sunset.

Basbousa, Umm Ali and puddings

Semolina basbousa soaked in syrup, warm Umm Ali baked with milk and nuts, and chilled roz bel laban or muhallebia balance the heavier pastries. Khoshaf, a compote of dried apricots, raisins, prunes and nuts soaked in water, is served at iftar and suhoor.

Drinks of the month

Qamar el-din, a thick apricot drink, sobia, a coconut and rice milk, karkadeh hibiscus and tamarind juice all fill the Ramadan table.

After the fast, something sweet, and someone to share it with.

Hosting during Ramadan

For iftar gatherings, order trays a few days ahead; the last ten days of the month and the run-up to Eid are the busiest time for every bakery.

Plan Ramadan with Délices

Call us to ask what we're making this Ramadan, including our kunafa cheesecake: +20 3 486 1432. We're at 46 Saad Zaghloul Street, Raml Station, open daily 8 AM – 1 AM.