Desserts

Egyptian Besboussa | A Sweet Semolina Cake Egyptian besboussa is a classic Egyptian semolina cake that’s sweet, tender, and full of comforting flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients like semolina flour, yogurt, and clarified butter (semna), then soaked in fragrant vanilla-lemon syrup that gives it its signature moist texture and golden finish. The name besboussa charmingly translates to “just a kiss” in Arabic — a fitting description for a dessert that’s soft, delicate, an

Egyptian Rice Pudding vs. Milk Pudding Rice pudding and milk pudding are both beloved desserts that carry a sense of comfort and tradition in Egyptian culture. Rice pudding is made with soft, simmered rice that’s gently sweetened and enriched with milk until it becomes creamy and smooth. Milk pudding, on the other hand, is a silky dessert thickened with starch, creating a delicate and custard-like texture. Both puddings are often enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, an

Egyptian Kahk el-Eid | Date Filled Shortbread Cookies Kahk el-Eid is a beloved Egyptian cookie traditionally made to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are often filled with dates (agwa), walnuts, or agameya (honey-nut filling) and dusted with powdered sugar for a perfectly sweet finish. Kahk has been a festive staple for generations, bringing families together to bake and share them as a symbol of joy and togetherness

Egyptian Belila | Wheat Berries Egyptian belila is a comforting and nourishing dish made from soft white wheat berries simmered until tender and infused with warm, lightly sweet flavors. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert, belila is cooked with milk, lightly sweetened with honey or sugar, and fragranced with a touch of rose water. It is commonly garnished with toasted almonds and shredded coconut, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. This wholesome dis

Egyptian Rice Pudding | Roz bil Laban Egyptian rice pudding, or roz bil laban, is a rich and creamy dessert enjoyed across Egypt. Made with soft, slow-cooked rice, milk, and fragrant rose water, this comforting treat is lightly sweetened and thickened to a velvety consistency. It is traditionally garnished with ground cinnamon, shredded coconut, and golden raisins, adding layers of flavor and texture. Served warm or chilled, Egyptian rice pudding is a nostalgic dish often enj

Egyptian Atayef | Sweet Dumpling Atayef is a beloved Egyptian sweet dumpling, traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan. These delicate, pancake-like pastries are naturally vegan, made without dairy or eggs, and filled with a mixture of nuts, coconut, raisins, and cinnamon. They are then folded into a half-moon shape before being fried to golden perfection. Once crispy, they are soaked in fragrant simple syrup, giving them a deliciously sweet and slightly crunchy texture. Atayef c

Egyptian Khoshaf | Dried Fruit Compote Egyptian khoshaf is a refreshing and naturally sweet dessert made with dried fruits soaked in milk or a plant-based alternative. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines dates, apricots, and raisins with a splash of rose water, creating a drinkable treat that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Garnished with toasted nuts and coconut flakes, khoshaf is a popular choice for Ramadan, offering a light and energizing snack after a day of fast

Egyptian Sahleb | Orchid Root Drink Sahleb is a beloved drink in Egyptian culture that’s especially popular during the colder months. This creamy and comforting beverage is made with milk and sahleb powder, a unique blend derived from orchid tubers mixed with cornstarch and vanilla. It’s lightly flavored with cinnamon and rose water, then garnished with toasted almonds and coconut for a touch of texture and sweetness. Sahleb can also be made into a pudding by increasing the p