The bright orange and purple Kunafa Truck, parked in the middle of the Shell gas station parking lot on Leesburg Pike, was not the aesthetic sight we were expecting to see. It lacked much seating and friendly customer engagement, so the Kunafa Truck does not win points for atmosphere. The draw here is in the gooey, crunchy kunafa in multiple flavors, customizable for texture and sweetness. We tried three options: The Classic, Nutella and Pistachio.
Classic Kunafa – 5/5
This is where all traditional kunafa lovers will rejoice. Served warm, the soft cheese pulls beautifully against the crispy dough, creating a perfect, crunchy texture. While the dish isn't very sweet, you can drizzle on a side of syrup. The syrup had a floating substance that was slightly off-putting, so we opted to try the kunafa without it. Eat it hot for a peak experience: the flavor and texture shine brightest fresh off the fire.
Nutella Kunafa – 4/5
The Nutella topping adds a rich, creamy sweetness that surprisingly doesn't overpower the classic kunafa. While a strawberry topping sounds good in theory, it turned out to be mushy and warm, distracting from the crisp layers beneath. Cheese lovers may be disappointed though as it takes a backseat in this dessert. Still, it's a solid contender for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Pistachio Kunafa – 3/5
Packed with bold pistachio flavor, this version caters to nut lovers but sacrifices the signature kunafa cheese experience. Like the Nutellla, strawberries fell flat and felt like they didn't really fit. Overall, it's more fragrant than rich, and while it's similar to the viral Dubai chocolate trend, it doesn't quite match the indulgence of the original.
Final
The Kunafa Truck nails the heart of kunafa when they keep it simple. The Classic Kunafa, especially served nice and hot right off the fire, is an undisputed hit. While modern takes like Nutella and pistachio add novelty, they can't match the satisfying depth of the classic. Skip the strawberries, go for soft cheese and enjoy it warm. Overall, this dessert on wheels is worth tracking down once you pick the right options.
