Sweets for Ramadan and Eid
Arabic sweets are closely tied to Ramadan, Eid and hospitality.
- Luqaimat: crisp saffron dumplings with date syrup, the Gulf’s Ramadan favourite.
- Umm ali: Egypt’s warm pastry pudding with milk, cream and nuts.
- Basbousa: semolina and coconut cake soaked in syrup.
- Maamoul: buttery semolina cookies filled with dates or nuts, baked for Eid.
Flavours
Dates and date syrup, cardamom, saffron, rose and orange blossom water, pistachios and semolina are the core flavours. Like Turkish sweets, syrup cakes follow the rule of hot cake, cold syrup.
Serving
Serve with Arabic coffee or karak chai and fresh dates. South Asian readers will find familiar ideas: umm ali is close to shahi tukray, and basbousa to suji halwa in cake form. For Turkish cousins, see Turkish desserts.