Five centuries of Nablus knafeh —
carried to Canada by hand.
Kanafani is not a café concept. It's a piece of Palestinian culinary heritage — recipes from the city that named the dessert, prepared by the people who grew up eating it, served in the rooms we built for the diaspora that missed it.
Knafeh, freshly pulled · top-down
A dentist from Nablus and a knafeh chef from Palestine.
Kanafani was founded by Dr. Fersan Marei and Ali Youssef, bringing together a shared love for heritage and exceptional craft.
Dr. Fersan Marei — a licensed dentist and educator — was born and raised in Nablus, the Palestinian city celebrated worldwide for its iconic knafeh. His partner, Ali Youssef, refined his skills as a knafeh chef under the name Knafeh King, creating memorable desserts for events and gatherings.
United by their roots and their vision, they set out to introduce the authentic taste of Nablus to their new home in Canada — slices, cupcakes, and trays made for every occasion, each piece reflecting true Palestinian authenticity.
Dr. Fersan Marei & Ali Youssef · founders
“A kanafani is one who prepares knafeh — a quiet vow to keep the craft, and the city it came from, alive in every tray we pull.
The name also pays tribute to Ghassan Kanafani, the celebrated Palestinian writer whose work symbolises resilience, identity, and freedom. This dual inspiration honours our cultural roots while letting us share them, proudly, with the world.
The dessert that shares a name with its city.
At Kanafani, the star of the menu is knafeh — a dish that symbolises joy, togetherness, and tradition. Our signature offering, Nablus knafeh, represents over five centuries of culinary excellence: a golden semolina crust, sweet cheese filling, and aromatic syrup, perfected across generations in the ancient city of Nablus.
We honour that legacy by preparing every tray with traditional methods. Every bite carries the authentic taste — known across the world for its unique flavours and textures — that makes Nablus knafeh worth the trip our founders made to share it.
Nablus old city, golden hour
500yr
tradition12+
recipes2
cafés · GTAA ritual, not a transaction.
Beyond our renowned knafeh, we are equally passionate about specialty coffee. Each cup is crafted by skilled baristas who understand that coffee is more than a beverage — it's a ritual, a moment of pause, a meaningful connection.
From traditional Turkish coffee to modern espresso creations, every drink reflects our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Every item on our menu tells a story — one of tradition, passion, and pride.
Pour-over · barista's hand
Our commitment
Authentic Ingredients
We choose only premium ingredients and prepare everything fresh, every single day — honoring traditional recipes while upholding uncompromising quality.
Cultural Heritage
Each dish is a tribute to Palestinian culinary traditions, thoughtfully shared with the diverse communities that make up the GTA.
Expert Craftsmanship
From classic Palestinian desserts to modern specialty coffee, our team blends time-honoured techniques with contemporary skill.
Community Connection
We believe in genuine hospitality. Our cafés are welcoming spaces where people gather, cultures connect, and stories are shared over good food.
Two cafés. Two cities. One tradition.
Discover the flavours of Palestine at our Mississauga and Scarborough cafés — crafted fresh, served warm, and made with heritage.