Nablus is praised for its mouth-watering cuisine, and specifically, it’s pegged as home to the best knafeh in the world. In 2009, Nablus set the Guinness record for the world’s largest knafeh, weighing in at 1,350 kg. So we couldn’t leave without grabbing a bite of the popular Middle Eastern pastry.

We stopped by Abu Zanat, a small pastry restaurant hidden in a cozy, cave-like nook. Made from flaky filo dough mixed with syrup and orange blossom water, the sweet, cheese-filled treat had a crispy crust topped with pine nuts, contrasting the soft, cheesy center. To say the knafeh was heavenly would be an understatement. By far the best I’ve ever had.

At the restaurant, we met a couple from Sweden that told us they were visiting Nablus to experience the Middle Eastern and culinary culture. I learned that people are willing to travel countless miles to taste the world-best, authentic dessert. We drove more than an hour and a half from Beit Hanina to experience it, and I’m so glad we did.