#1 dessert of 2025
The World’s Best Dessert: Why Antakya Künefe Just Took the #1 Spot
It’s official: the world has a new favorite sweet. In the latest global rankings by the prestigious food atlas TasteAtlas, Turkey’s very own Antakya Künefe was crowned the #1 Dessert in the World for 2025.
Outshining over 2,200 traditional desserts from every corner of the globe—from Italian Gelato to French Crêpes—this sizzling, cheese-filled masterpiece earned the top spot with a remarkable score of 4.51/5.
But what makes this specific dessert so special that it conquered the global palate? Let's go behind the scenes of the world’s champion.
Why Antakya Künefe Won the Crown
While many versions of Kanafeh exist across the Middle East, the Antakya variety (from Hatay, Turkey) is unique. Its victory is rooted in three "secret weapons":
The Geographical Indication (GI) Cheese: The heart of the win is the local, unsalted Hatay cheese. It is protected by a geographical indication, meaning it can only be produced in this region to maintain its specific melting point and legendary "stretch."
The Handmade Kadayıf: Unlike mass-produced versions, authentic Antakya Künefe uses hand-poured shredded wheat that creates a texture that is simultaneously crunchy and airy.
The Heritage of Hatay: Hatay is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This award isn't just for a recipe; it’s for centuries of tradition passed down through generations of masters.
A Proud Moment for Turkish Cuisine
Künefe wasn't the only winner; other Turkish icons like Gaziantep Baklavası (#5) and Fıstıklı Sarma (#6) also dominated the top 10. It’s clear: when it comes to the world’s sweet tooth, Turkiye is leading the way.
