Preheat the oven to 350 °F, 180 °C.
Make the Syrup: Combine all of the syrup ingredients (except the vanilla) in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix together and once the sugar has dissolved remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
Separate the kataif strands and place in a 9 by 13-inch (23 by 33cm) baking pan. Pour the melted butter on top and toss the kataifi to coat.
Bake the tray on the center rack until golden. About 20 minutes.
Combine all of the custard ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together until smooth.
Pour the custard over the toasted kataifi and return to the oven to bake for 45 minutes or until set.
Poke holes into the pastry and pour the syrup on top.
Allow the pastry to cool and absorb the syrup.
Serve topped with homemade whipped cream. Kali Orexi!
