If you've ever tasted Bachir Ice Cream, you'll know there's something different about it. That unmistakable richness, the subtle floral undertone, the silky texture that melts slowly on the tongue — that's Ashta.
But what exactly is Ashta, and why has it captivated dessert lovers across the Middle East for centuries?
Ashta: The Heart of Lebanese Dessert Culture
Ashta (also spelled *ashta* or *qashta*) is a traditional Lebanese clotted cream. The word comes from the Arabic "qashta", meaning "layer of thick cream." It has been a cornerstone of Middle Eastern sweets for hundreds of years, used in everything from knafeh and qatayef to the iconic Bachir Ice Cream cone.
Unlike Western clotted cream or regular dairy cream, Ashta has a unique texture — thick, stretchy, and incredibly smooth. It's what gives Lebanese ice cream its signature richness that regular gelato or soft-serve simply cannot replicate.
How Traditional Ashta Is Made
The original method of making Ashta is a labour of love:
1. Fresh whole milk (traditionally from sheep or goats) is heated slowly in a wide, shallow pan 2. As the milk simmers, a thick cream layer forms on the surface 3. This cream is carefully skimmed off and collected 4. The process is repeated multiple times until enough cream is gathered 5. The collected cream is flavoured with rosewater, orange blossom water, and sometimes mastic — a natural tree resin that adds a subtle, aromatic quality
This traditional technique yields an incredibly rich, aromatic cream that tastes nothing like mass-produced dairy products. It's time-intensive and requires skill, which is why authentic Ashta remains a prized delicacy.
Why Bachir's Ashta Ice Cream Is Different
Since 1936, Bachir Ice Cream has perfected the art of transforming Ashta into ice cream. What makes Bachir's version stand out:
- Natural dairy cream — no shortcuts, no artificial thickeners
- Mastic and rosewater — the traditional flavour profile that defines authentic Ashta
- Rolled in crushed pistachios — hand-selected Lebanese pistachios that add crunch and nuttiness
- Family recipe — the same preparation method passed down through four generations
The result is an ice cream that transports you to the mountains of Lebanon with every bite.
Ashta in Lebanese Cuisine: Beyond Ice Cream
Ashta is the foundation of dozens of beloved Middle Eastern desserts:
- Knafeh — shredded phyllo pastry filled with Ashta and soaked in sugar syrup
- Qatayef — stuffed pancakes filled with Ashta, traditionally served during Ramadan
- Znood el Sit — rolled phyllo tubes filled with Ashta cream
- Halawet el Jibn — sweet cheese rolls stuffed with Ashta
- Bachir's Cornet — the signature cone with Ashta ice cream and pistachio
Where to Try Authentic Ashta Ice Cream in the UAE
Experience the real thing at any Bachir location in Dubai and Sharjah:
- City Walk — Al Wasl, Dubai
- Galleria Mall — Al Barsha, Dubai
- City Centre Mirdif — Dubai
- Al Jada Mall — Aljada Avenue, Sharjah
Order for delivery via Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem, Noon Food, or Keeta.
