6 Traditional Sweets Everyone Must Try When in Nablus + Ramadan Gift Boxes

Our Ramadan Gift Boxes are available to buy and are shipping now. Filled full of incredible artisan handicrafts and delicious Palestinian sweets. 

Nablus is widely known as the historic sweets capital of Palestine. For centuries, the city has been home to master sweet makers whose recipes, techniques, and tools have been passed down through generations. Even today, walking through Nablus means walking through history — the air filled with the scent of syrup, toasted nuts, and freshly baked dough.

Palestinian sweets are more than desserts. They are symbols of hospitality, celebration, and care, deeply woven into everyday life and religious traditions, especially during Ramadan and Eid. If you ever visit Nablus, these are six traditional sweets you simply must try.

1. Kanafeh Nabulsiyeh 

No sweet is more closely associated with Nablus than kanafeh nabulsiyeh. This iconic Palestinian dessert is made with soft white Nabulsi cheese, layered beneath fine shredded dough, baked until golden, and soaked in lightly scented sugar syrup.

What sets kanafeh from Nablus apart is the locally produced cheese and the precision required to get the balance just right. It’s traditionally eaten hot, often shared straight from the tray — a true expression of Palestinian generosity.

2. Zalabye with Pumpkin

Zalabye with pumpkin is a lesser-known but deeply traditional Nabulsi sweet often eaten at religious occasions. Made from fried dough combined with pumpkin and gently sweetened. Yum!

3. Sesame Halawe

Sesame halawe is a staple across Palestine, but in Nablus it holds a special place. Made primarily from tahini and sugar, this dense, nourishing sweet is rich without being overly sweet.

Halawe is commonly served in slices, sometimes studded with nuts, and enjoyed with coffee or tea — particularly during Ramadan, when it provides both energy and comfort. 

4. Nabulsi Halqum

Known locally as Nabulsi halqum, this soft, chewy sweet is similar to what is known elsewhere as Turkish delight. In Nablus, it is traditionally flavoured with rose or citrus and dusted lightly with sugar.

Halqum is frequently offered to guests and purchased in small boxes to take home, reflecting its role as a sweet of hospitality and everyday generosity.

5. Nabulsi Baklava 

Baklava is enjoyed across the region, but baklava from Nablus has its own distinct character. Made with thin layers of dough, generously filled with pistachios or walnuts, and sweetened with syrup rather than honey, it’s rich without being overpowering.

Many of Nablus’ sweet shops still prepare baklava using decades-old family recipes, making each bite a taste of living history. 

(Image courtesy of Welcome to Palestine)

6. Ma’moul

Especially popular during Ramadan and Eid, ma’moul are shortbread-style cookies filled with dates, walnuts, or pistachios and pressed into beautifully carved wooden molds. Each mold indicates the filling inside — a small but meaningful detail rooted in tradition.

Ma’amoul are often made at home, bringing families together in preparation for holidays and religious celebrations. Check out our blog here for a delicious recipe—and why not consider purchasing a traditional cookie press or mold for an authentic touch. Ours is made of olive wood and is intricately carved. 

 A Sweet Tradition That Lives On

What makes Nablus’ sweets industry truly special is that it remains alive and thriving. Many sweet shops are still family-run, using traditional tools and time-honoured methods. These sweets are not mass-produced — they are carefully crafted, reflecting patience, pride, and cultural continuity.

At Handmade Palestine, we celebrate these traditions by sharing Palestinian foodways and supporting artisan heritage wherever possible.

Our Ramadan Gift Boxes — Shipping Now

If you’d like to experience a taste of Palestinian sweetness beyond Nablus, our Ramadan Gift Box ships immediately. Thoughtfully curated for the holy month, it includes indulgent treats such as chocolate-covered Palestinian Medjool dates, alongside other artisanal favourites — perfect for iftar, gifting, or sharing with loved ones.

While nothing replaces tasting these sweets in Nablus itself, our Gift Box offers a meaningful way to connect with Palestine’s rich culinary heritage from wherever you are. Because in Palestine, sweetness is never just about flavour — it’s about memory, resilience, and care.