Atayif make their welcome appearance in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. They are small pancakes stuffed with a filling of nuts or cheese that are then fried (or baked, for the health-conscious) and then doused with syrup. They have been favorites throughout the Middle East since medieval times.

The pancakes for atayif are sold ready-made throughout much of the Middle East, then stuffed and fried at home. In Gaza, vendors pop up on street corners just before maghri