It is a type of sweet dumpling filled with cream or nuts, or a folded pancake, similar to a Scottish crumpet.

[3] Some believe that qatayef are the creation of the Fatimid Dynasty, however, their history dates back to the Abbasid Caliphate, 750–1258 CE.

[7] The traditional stuffing of Qatayef, as evident in a number of Medieval Arabic cookbooks, is crushed almond and sugar.

The result of the batter being poured onto a round hot plate appears similar to pancakes, except only one side is cooked, then stuffed and folded.

It is then deep fried or, less commonly, baked and served with a hot sweet syrup or sometimes honey.