What started as a personal dream for a young owner in his mid twenties is quickly becoming a cultural hub in south London. Kunafa’s, a small pastry shop tucked along Wellington Road, is introducing Londoners to more than Middle Eastern sweets but also to stories, memories, and a sense of home.
Owned by 26-year-old Abdallah Dahche, the business was born out of a desire to share a piece of his culture with the community.“Opening the store, honestly, was a dream come true” said Dahche.
“It’s pretty much everything to me.”
Kunafa’s, which offers traditional desserts like baklava, Dubai chocolate, and its namesake kunafa, has become a space where people from all backgrounds come not only to eat, but to connect. “I come here every day,” said Nidal Alotaibi, a daily customer. “Whenever I pass by, this is like my second home.” Another added, “This is the only place that feels like home.”
For Dahche, those moments make all the effort worth it. “It’s nice to see people united, smiling, and learning about our culture, that puts a smile on my face too,” he said. “I put a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, it’s part of me.”
As London continues to grow more diverse, places like Kunafa’s is playing a key role in building bridges between communities. In a city where cultural identity can sometimes feel lost in translation, this small pastry is helping keep those roots alive.
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