Lebanese sweets are a delicious reflection of Lebanon’s culinary heritage, with roots that stretch across the Levant and the broader Middle East. While many of these desserts share similarities with those in neighboring countries, Lebanese pastries and sweets are prepared with distinct flavors and techniques that make them uniquely delicious. Infused with fragrant rosewater and ashta (clotted cream) these treats are as rich in tradition as they are in taste.
In Lebanon, the cities of Tripoli and Saida are famous for their dedication to traditional sweets, earning them reputations as the country’s capitals of dessert-making. Each has its own specialty famous shops that are more than a hundred years old having a distinctive touch on beloved treats, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Here’s a guide to some of our favorite must-try Lebanese desserts. We’ve selected a few favorites here, though the options are nearly endless!
- Knefeh: A melting cheese delight accompanied by syrup—a must-try in Lebanon, as it differs from other famous Knefehs such as the Turkish, Egyptian, and Palestinian… Lebanese knefeh is often served in a sandwich, which makes it even more special.
- Halawet el Jibn: Sweet cheese rolls filled with ashta—a soft, melt-in-your-mouth. What makes it more special is its finishing touches: a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios and tiny dollops of orange blossom jam, adding color and a pop of tangy sweetness.
Sfouf: A beloved yellow cake, simple yet flavorful. It’s bright yellow color from the turmeric, makes it as eye-catching as it is delicious.
- Baklawa: Flaky layers of pastry filled with chopped nuts and drenched in syrup. Though similar to other Levantine versions, Lebanese baklawa is uniquely balanced with aromatic hints of rose and orange blossom.
Znoud el Sett: Meaning “the lady’s arms,” this dessert is named for its delicate, graceful shape. Crispy pastry rolls filled with ashta, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with syrup—a sweet with an irresistible crunch.
Ashta Ice Cream: Traditional Lebanese ice cream with a creamy texture and delicate flavor, often topped with pistachios and made even more special by its subtle mastic and rosewater hints.
- Jazariyye: This treat combines grated pumpkin with nuts. Jazariyyeh is derived from the word jazar, and jazar in Arabic means carrot. It is usually stacked together into pyramid shaped piles showing a brilliant bright orange color such as the one of carrots, which is probably where the name comes from.
- Mafroukeh: Made from semolina and sugar, and topped with ashta and nuts, it’s a true celebration of rich flavors and creamy textures. A green version of it exists, which is the Pistachio Mafroukeh that tastes so good which makes it so hard to choose a favorite among these 2.
- Atayef: A stuffed pancake that’s popular during some holidays. Filled with either ashta or some nuts, it’s a soft, pillowy dessert, often enjoyed with syrup.
These are just a few of the exquisite sweets waiting to be savored in Lebanon. From the renowned dessert shops to the pastry artisans of Saida, Tripoli, Tyre and Beirut, Lebanese sweets are an essential part of experiencing the country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions.
