MIDDLE EASTERN DESSERTS
Want to try something new? Or have you always wanted to try exotic desserts inspired by Mediterranean and North African countries like Egypt? If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love these Middle Eastern desserts because they consist of a bit of everything. If you can't decide which one to choose first, we recommend the Basbousa. We guarantee it's the best you'll ever try!
BASBOUSA
Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that originated in Egypt. It is a sweet cake made of semolina, cream of wheat and soaked in simple syrup. Usually served with nuts or plain.
BAKLAVA
Baklava is popular in many Mediterranean countries. It is a dessert made of several layers of crisp, flakey phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup.
BALAH EL SHAM
Tulumba or Balah El Sham in Arabic, is a deep-fried dough that is soaked in syrup when cooled. It is a crispy dessert very similar to churros and quite delicious!
OM ALI
Om Ali or Umm Ali is the national dessert of Egypt. ​It is a dessert similar to North American bread pudding. Made with sweetened milk poured over pieces of dried puff pastry and baked in a clay pot until the top is browned and crisp, and the puff pastry inside swells with sweetness. Can be served plain or topped with sliced nuts.
KANAFEH
​Kunafeh or Knafeh can be found in regions that used to be occupied by the Ottoman Empire. This sweet pastry is the Middle Eastern version of the cheese cake. It is made with shredded angel-hair-like pastry, cheese, and ghee (clarified butter). Once baked, the kanafeh is drizzled with rose water infused simple syrup and sprinkled with crushed pistachios. Crunchy on the outside, sweet and savory on the inside.​
RICE PUDDING
Rice pudding or roz bel laban in Arabic, is a mixture of rice and sweetened milk, and can be topped with crushed nuts and shredded coconut flakes. A simple yet tasty and filling dessert for everyone.
KAHK
Kahk is a traditional cookie that plays a vital role in Egyptian culture especially during holidays (known as Eid in Arabic) such as Christmas, Easter, and Ramadan. These small and circular butter cookies are made with ghee and topped with powdered sugar and can be stuffed with dates, nuts, or Turkish delight. Fun fact: kahk is believed to date back to Ancient Egypt.
GHORAYEBA
Ghorayeba, or Middle Eastern shortbread cookies without the crunch; just like kahk, they are always made around the holidays in countries like Egypt. Ghorayeba is a delicate cookie that's barely sweet and flavored by the richness of the ghee it's made with. The only cookie you'll ever try with such a cloud-like texture and an ever-so-slight bite that melts in the mouth. Food dye can be added to give it a distinctive rich color or it can be served in it's original off-white color.
BETEFOUR
Betefour or petit fours are another traditional Egyptian holiday cookie. Betefours are festive butter cookies pressed and baked in various shapes, then stuffed with sweet jam and dipped in chocolate. While the chocolate is still warm, the cookies can be garnished with crushed nuts, pistachio, or sprinkles. Betefour dough can also be mixed with rich cocoa flavor or it can be enjoyed plain.