Your sweet sin for this winter is sure to be in the new Kanafeh bar that just opened in Tel Aviv's Florentine neighborhood (alongside other sugary surprises)
The colorful wooden chairs spread out over the new complex, Kanafanji, are reminiscent of Greece, and the menu is reminiscent of Beirut. Welcome to the new Tel Avivivan kanafeh bar, hiding in a rotund house among the towers of the Florentine Quartet. You can curl up on the cushions or relax outside sitting in the plaza and indulge in this sweet Arab staple; personal servings of round kanafeh, filled with everything from cheese to beef, (yes, there are also vegan versions), all sprinkled with a generous helping of green pistachios.
KANAFANJI FB page
Kunafa is usually considered the Turkish version of kanafeh as we know it here in Israel, and at Kananfanji, you can find an individual version of it, made of a kadaif cone filled with tahini, halva or nutella. Patrons will also find a variety of classic local Arab sweets, including pastries stuffed with pistachios, and malabi on a bed of kadaif. If you are staying to eat, order water and coffee in advance (NIS 7 espresso, Arabic coffee NIS 8). You will definitely need it.
This is not the first time that a kanafeh bar has been opened on the seam between Tel Aviv and Jaffa. It has been more than two years since Danny Phillips closed his Noga Kanafeh place in northen Jaffa, leaving quite a few lovers of this sweet treat to seek out the right spot in the city. Although there are many successful Arab confectionery shops in Jaffa, Kanafanji is also a great option for staying a while and hanging out.
KANAFANJI FB page
Kanafanji, 1 Maon St, Florentine, Tel Aviv, every day 12:00-24:00