Dubai has become a melting pot of global cuisine, but few culinary traditions shine as brightly as Lebanese desserts. From the bustling streets of Deira to the modern promenades of City Walk, authentic Arabic sweets are everywhere — and the demand for genuine Lebanese flavours has never been higher.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, this guide covers the best Lebanese desserts you can find in Dubai, starting with one of the most iconic: Bachir's Ashta Ice Cream.
1. Ashta Ice Cream — The Crown Jewel
Ashta is the undisputed star of Lebanese desserts. This traditional clotted cream, subtly flavoured with rosewater and mastic, is the foundation of Bachir Ice Cream's legendary recipe.
At Bachir, Ashta is served as a smooth, rich ice cream generously rolled in crushed Lebanese pistachios. Whether you choose the signature Cornet Bachir or the elegant Fekhara (served in a traditional clay pot), it's an experience that transports you straight to the mountains of Lebanon.
Where to try it: Bachir Ice Cream — City Walk, Galleria Al Barsha, City Centre Mirdif, Al Jada Sharjah
2. Knafeh (Kunafa)
One of the most beloved Arabic desserts across the region, knafeh features layers of crispy shredded phyllo pastry filled with soft cheese or Ashta cream, drenched in fragrant sugar syrup, and topped with pistachios. It's warm, gooey, and utterly addictive.
Knafeh is traditionally served fresh from the oven — a sight you'll find across Dubai's many Lebanese sweet shops.
3. Baklava
The classic. Baklava consists of thin layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts) and bound with honey or sugar syrup. Lebanese baklava tends to be lighter and more delicate than other regional variations, with a pronounced pistachio flavour.
4. Mafroukeh
Mafroukeh is a semolina-based dessert layered with Ashta cream and topped with pistachios. It has a crumbly, almost cake-like texture that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of Ashta.
At Bachir, you can try a modern twist: Mafroukeh & Ashta Chocolate Rounds — individual portions that combine traditional mafroukeh with Bachir's ice cream.
5. Daoukieh
A pistachio and semolina pastry layered with Ashta cream, Daoukieh is one of Lebanon's most elegant sweets. Bachir's Daoukieh Ashta Cake combines this traditional pastry with Ashta ice cream for a celebration-worthy dessert.
6. Halawet el Jibn
Translating to "sweetness of cheese," this dessert features a soft cheese dough rolled with Ashta cream, drizzled with sugar syrup, and garnished with pistachios. It's stretchy, sweet, and uniquely Lebanese.
7. Qatayef
A Ramadan staple, Qatayef are stuffed pancakes filled with either Ashta cream or nuts, then fried or baked and soaked in syrup. During Ramadan, Bachir offers special seasonal items that complement the festive table alongside traditional Qatayef.
8. Rose Loukoum Ice Cream
Inspired by Turkish delight (loukoum), this flavour combines floral rose essence with a chewy, delicate texture. Bachir's Rose Loukoum ice cream captures this classic sweet in frozen form — aromatic, elegant, and refreshing.
Why Lebanese Desserts Thrive in Dubai
Dubai's large Lebanese diaspora and the city's appetite for premium, authentic cuisine have created the perfect environment for Lebanese sweets to flourish. The UAE's position as a hub for Middle Eastern culture means you'll find everything from street-style knafeh carts to high-end pastry shops.
Bachir Ice Cream sits at the intersection of tradition and modernity — preserving the authentic flavours of Lebanese desserts while presenting them in contemporary formats that appeal to a global audience.
Where to Enjoy Lebanese Desserts in Dubai
- [Bachir Ice Cream](/locations) — City Walk, Galleria Al Barsha, City Centre Mirdif
- Visit authentic Lebanese restaurants and sweet shops across JLT, Downtown, and Deira
- Order Lebanese sweets for delivery through major food delivery apps
