A Culinary Journey Through Traditional Arabic Sweets

Arabic cuisine offers a rich variety of desserts, each with its unique flavor and cultural significance. Whether you're planning a celebration or just looking to explore the diverse culinary landscape of the Middle East, there are many delicacies to savor. From the flaky layers of Baklava to the moist Om Ali, here’s a list of some must-try Arabic sweets that will leave a lasting impression.

The Delicate Layers of Baklava

Baklava is perhaps one of the most well-known Arabic pastries. Flaky and layered like its filo pastry, this sweet is often filled with chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts. These nuts not only add a rich flavor but also a delightful crunch to each bite. Ayoush Sweets offers a variety of Baklava flavors to satisfy your taste, including those with coconut, almond, and pistachio.

Cookies with a Cultural Twist: Ma’amoul

Ma’amoul is another delightful treat, often associated with festivals like Eid but enjoyed year-round. The name comes from the Arabic word for "to do," implying that once you start eating one, it's nearly impossible to stop. Typically made from semolina, these cookies contain a range of fillings such as figs, walnuts, or dates. They can be served as cookies or pastries, providing a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Ayoush Sweets offers a selection of Ma’amoul flavors to enjoy.

A Semolina Delight: Basbousa

Basbousa, also known as semolina cake, is a Middle-Eastern delicacy that's often served with a sweet syrup. This traditional dessert is enhanced with orange or rose water for an extra layer of flavor. Typically served at feasts and religious celebrations, Ayoush Sweets offers a variety of Basbousa, including coconut almond and pistachio flavors.

Barazik: Sweet and Nutty Cookies

Barazik is a delightful Egyptian cookie that's well-known for its sesame seed coating. Made with honey, pistachios, and plenty of sugar, these cookies are mild and chewy, making them a perfect gift for any event or a delightful snack at home. They can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, and they're available from KrisKros Lebanon.

Kanafeh: Cheese or Dessert?

If you're in a dilemma about whether to choose between cheese or dessert, Kanafeh is the perfect solution. This traditional Palestinian dessert is made by soaking a soft cheese pastry in syrup, resulting in a perfect balance of sweetness and cheesiness. The recipe varies, with some versions using noodles and others using semolina. You can try Kanafeh from KrisKros Lebanon or other local vendors.

A Shortbread Sensation: Ghraybeh

Another popular treat is Ghraybeh, a shortbread cookie that's meltingly soft. Originating in Lebanon, this cookie is typically made with butter or ghee, powdered sugar, and pistachios, providing a light yet creamy taste. Some recipes also include semolina and orange blossom water, making each bite a delightful experience. Ayoush Sweets offers a variety of Ghraybeh to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Egyptian Bread Pudding: Om Ali

Om Ali is an Egyptian dessert that literally translates to "Ali's mother," suggesting that it's an exquisite treat. This bread pudding is filled with pistachios, coconut, raisins, and sugar, and typically finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can try it from Bait Al Dana for an authentic taste.

Awamat: Donut Balls in Syrup

Awamat, reminiscent of India's Gulab Jamun, are round, deep-fried donut balls soaked in syrup, making them ultra-sweet. Often flavored with orange blossom, these Lebanese balls are perfect for sharing. They're crisp and crunchy on the outside while soft and doughy on the inside. Ayoush Sweets offers a variety of Awamat flavors to enjoy.

Namoura: Semolina Delight with Orange Blossom

Namoura is another type of semolina cake, known for its orange blossom or rose water flavoring and dense texture. It's usually served with a hot cup of tea, making it the perfect way to finish an Eid feast or an Iftar dinner. Ayoush Sweets offers various Namoura flavors to delight your taste buds.

Turkey's Baked Rice Pudding: Sutlac

Sutlac, more commonly known as Turkey's baked rice pudding, is made with milk or water, sprinkled with cinnamon and raisins. For a traditional taste, try it from Bosporus, who also serve a range of iced teas and mocktails to complement the dish. It's the perfect dessert to end a meal or enjoy as a light snack.