Kadaifi and Pistachio: The Latest Food Craze.

Over the last 12 months, we have seen Kadaifi used to create the viral “Dubai Chocolate Bar”. Formed of chocolate filled with a mixture of pistachio cream and Kadaif, this chocolate bar has quickly gone viral across Europe. With increased availability in stores, as well as smaller business and people making their own at home. We have also seen people creating their own variations, topped strawberries or in brownies for example.   

But what is Kadaif, and what can you use it for.   

What is Kadaif?  

Kadaif, also called Kataifi and Kadayif, is a type of pastry used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. You make kadaif dough by pouring the batter through a perforated tin onto a hot plate. This creates thin strands that look like noodles or shredded wheat.  

This delicate pastry originated in the Ottoman Empire and serves as a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern desserts. Often combined with nuts and honey or a sweet syrup, kadaif desserts are full of flavour, with unlimited possibilities. You can also combine it with cheese and herbs to create a savoury dish.

Recently, we have seen it used in to create the pistachio chocolate bar, popular on social media. For those adding their own variations on this, we have also seen it used to top strawberries with added melted chocolate. Or in brownies and cookies, to create viral treats all their own.

Uses for Kadaif.  

People usually buy Kadaif fresh or frozen from speciality grocery stores. They then use it to wrap or shape different fillings. Once cooked, it becomes light and crisp with a golden brown colour. Below are some of the recipe suggestions we have found that would be a fantastic addition to a menu.  

Dubai Chocolate Bar. To make this viral chocolate bar, pistachio filling is combined with chopped Kadaifi cooked in melted butter. The crispy kadaif mixture is then used to fill chocolate bars and truffles.

Kataifi coated Ice cream balls. Coat balls of ice cream in chopped roasted Kadaif mixed with cinnamon and sugar to make a crisp sweet treat. Bringing your dessert offerings to a new level.

Apple Kataifi Rolls with caramel sauce. Stew apples in butter and sugar, before wrapping in fresh Kataifi and baked in the oven. Topped with warm caramel sauce, this desert is decadent and sweet, perfect for any post dinner treat.

Pistachio and Ricotta Kataifi Tarts. Try using blended pistachios and ricotta cheese in tart cases made from baked kadaif. This will add a new twist to your menu on the usual desserts.

Kadaif and More.  

Here at JM Posner we have a range of products to help you on your journey of bringing new desserts to your customers. We know the importance of keeping menus fresh and staying on top of the latest trends.