The Middle East is not only famous for its beautiful culture, but also for its appetizing culinary treasures. In Jakarta, you can experience a touch of Middle Eastern delicacies through various snacks. Let’s explore seven Middle Eastern dishes that you must try at least once in your lifetime.
Baklava
Baklava is one of the most iconic sweet treats from the Middle East. It consists of thin layers of phyllo dough compacted with a mixture of walnuts or pistachios, which are then covered with honey or sugar syrup. It’s the perfect blend of softness, crunchiness, and unforgettable sweetness. One of the best places to enjoy Baklava in Jakarta is at Abunawas Restaurant in the Menteng area, which offers Baklava with the best quality ingredients.
Chocolate Babka
Chocolate Babka is a sweet bread typical of the Middle Eastern, famous for its abundant layers of sugar, cinnamon and chocolate. It has a texture that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it perfect as a snack or dessert. In Jakarta, you can enjoy the authentic Chocolate Babka at Bread Culture in Ashta or Puri Indah. The bread is served with a rich chocolate flavor.
Katayef Asyafiri
Katayef Asyafiri is a stuffed Arabic pancake. Usually, after the pancake is stuffed with cream, the classic Katayef Asyafiri are fried and then dipped into a simple syrup. Not just that, but you could add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nuts like walnuts. If you want to indulge a delectable Katayef Asyafiri, you can go to Al Nafoura Restaurant which is at Le Meridien Jakarta in Sudirman.
Keskul
Craving for a light dessert? This Turkish dessert can solve your craving! Keskul is an almond-based milk pudding that’s garnished with pistachio, coconut shavings, and sometimes also almond. To devour Keskul, Turkuaz Restaurant is the right answer! Nestled in Gunawarman, South Jakarta, makes it a very strategic place.
Knafeh
I’m sure you’ve seen knafeh all over your social media. Knafeh is a well known dessert from the Middle East. Even so, the flavor that knafeh gives never gets old. Knafeh is a pie-shaped dessert consisting of thin layers of phyllo dough filled with cheese and drizzled with sugar syrup. Its savory and sweet taste makes it a favorite throughout the Middle East. To taste the delicious Knafeh in Jakarta, visit Mardin Baklava Patisserie. They serve Knafeh with authentic flavors that can spoil your palate.
Luqaimat
Middle Eastern nations are known for their sweet donut ball delicacy called Luqaimat or Awameh. An exquisite Arabic treat, that is deep fried dough and then dipped in a syrup infused with rose water. Luqaimat is hard to find in Jakarta, but you can enjoy Middle Eastern sweets at InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta, The St. Regis Jakarta , and Mandarin Oriental Jakarta.
Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a traditional dessert that originated in Egypt. Made with layers of puff pastry, milk, almonds and raisins, it has gained global popularity for its unique delicacy. If you want to taste the delicious Umm Ali in Jakarta, visit Al Jazeerah Signature Restaurant & Lounge in Menteng. They offer the authentic flavor of Umm Ali. Despite its Egyptian origins, there are now many variants of Umm Ali besides the traditional one. You can find new innovations and creations of this dish in various places around the world, such as Four Seasons Jakarta! In this Ramadan season, they offer a cake called Mabrouk Cake. Taking inspiration from Umm Ali, this cake features a delightful blend of refreshing flavors with a hint of sweetness, including rose mousse, fresh orange compote, pistachio feuilletine, and pistachio joconde.
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