Restaurant
AFANDI RESTOCAFE
19 Breust Pl, Punchbowl NSW 2196, Australia
Find AFANDI RESTOCAFE
19 Breust Pl, Punchbowl NSW 2196, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout AFANDI RESTOCAFE
Skip the flashy inner-city dessert bars—Punchbowl is where purists make the run for fresh Nabulsi knafeh. Skeptics and regulars agree on this counter: the cheese pull stretches long beneath crisp spun pastry baked to order on the spot instead of sitting under warming lights. It takes a few minutes, but the payoff lands bubbling hot. Cut through the syrup with a pot of steeped mint and sage tea, or watch thick Arabic coffee froth directly over hot sand.
- Fresh-to-Order Knafeh: Pans are baked individually on the spot rather than held under heat lamps, yielding hot, stretchy cheese and crisp pastry.
- Sand-Brewed Coffee: Thick Arabic coffee prepared the traditional way, slowly heated and foamed over a bed of hot sand.
- Mint & Sage Tea: Pots of aromatic tea infused with sage and mint, poured to cut through the rich sweetness of the desserts.
What's On at AFANDI RESTOCAFE
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Guests Choose Afandi Restocafe
Experience Punchbowl's premier Middle Eastern dessert destination—book your table to enjoy freshly baked knafeh and sand-brewed coffee.
Baked Fresh to Order
Every knafeh is prepared individually and baked fresh to order rather than sitting under heat lamps, yielding an ideal hot cheese pull and crisp crust.
They made the kunafah on spot by order.
Demir's Rating Unbeatable Melt and Texture
Afandi achieves an exceptional harmony of rich, stretchy cheese and golden pastry that wins over even discerning traditionalists.
The cheese is unbeatable.
Mohammad Authentic Sand-Brewed Coffee
Arabic coffee is gently simmered over hot sand using time-honored techniques, offering both a captivating visual spectacle and a rich brew.
This venue makes Arabic coffee on the hot sand (first in Australia). Such a traditional way that is so mesmerising to watch!
Stev T Fragrant Sage and Mint Teas
Hot pots of tea steeped with aromatic mint and sage cut through the sweet, syrupy knafeh for a refreshing palate cleanser.
Pair it with a pot of mint and sage tea - perfection!
Manal H True-to-Heritage Flavors
The authentic flavor profile and precise baking evoke deep nostalgia and capture the taste of beloved Middle Eastern sweet shops.
the closest you can get to the original taste of the extremely delicious knife is this place, made fresh every single time
Hazem Hamdan A Validating Dessert Pilgrimage
Patrons regularly cross Sydney and travel from interstate, confident that the exceptional quality and warmth justify the drive.
I travel more than 40 minutes to get there because it is really worth it.
H R
Most popular items
Beloved Middle Eastern sweets, sand-brewed coffee, and authentic savory favorites.
Cheese Knafeh
THE BEST KNAFEH IN SYDNEY!!! Absolutely amazing 😻 Mashallah!! What a balance of sweetness and cheesiness!!
Hera Hafeez Hot Sand Arabic Coffee
This venue makes Arabic coffee on the hot sand (first in Australia). Such a traditional way that is so mesmerising to watch!
Stev T Mint and Sage Tea
Pair it with a pot of mint and sage tea - perfection!
Manal H Crispy Falafel
The falafel is crispy perfection, the food authentic and flavorful, and the knafeh a must-try.
Yousef MH
Other favorites
Traditional sand-brewed coffee, aromatic teas, and savory Middle Eastern staples to round out your visit.
Mint & Sage Tea
Pair it with a pot of mint and sage tea - perfection!
Manal H Arabic Coffee on Hot Sand
This venue makes Arabic coffee on the hot sand (first in Australia). Such a traditional way that is so mesmerising to watch!
Stev T Sahlep
The sahlep was rich and tasty, perfect for a cold day.
Fawad Faheem Middle Eastern Falafel
No. 1 Middle Eastern falafel 🧆🥙
Adel Razaq
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the knafeh pre-made or made fresh to order?
Knafeh is freshly prepared on the spot rather than pre-baked in advance. Because each order is made to order, expect a brief wait for the cheese to melt and the crust to crisp. You can also customize your sweetness by adding syrup to your liking.
What drinks are recommended to pair with dessert?
Traditional Arabic coffee is brewed slowly over hot sand, alongside spiced Afandi mint and sage tea. Both drinks are popular pairings to balance the richness of the sweet cheese knafeh.
How large are the knafeh portions?
A single serving of knafeh is generously portioned and often substantial enough to share between two people. Leftovers also pack well for takeout and reheat easily at home.
Is parking available nearby?
Yes, free street parking is readily available around the Punchbowl location, making it convenient if you are driving in or stopping by for takeout.
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