Nothing is better than dessert, except maybe several desserts. Deviating slightly from traditional Arabic sweets, we found some of the best desserts scattered throughout Beirut. Each shop has a slightly different atmosphere, suitable for all your different dessert moods. Here are our top picks!
1. Banana Bread Pudding at Magnolia Bakery
Banana Bread Pudding is the dessert you never knew you wanted, until you took that first bite. Magnolia Bakery presents its BBP with perfect proportions, using quality ingredients. Light and fluffy, with bananas, Nilla wafers, and deliciously creamy pudding – there really is no going back.
2. Pain Perdu at Couqley
The pain perdu is an absolute must-try at Couqley. It has a great balance of textures and ingredients which make for the perfect portion of sweetness. And with a generous scoop of ice cream on top, it’s no wonder it makes the cut.
3. Layali el Ghazal at Nasma Beyrouth
Layali el Ghazal from Nasma Beyrouth is a ghazl el banet dessert is a tastefully creative spin on the classic Lebanese cotton candy; fun to eat with layali labne, banana, and chantilly cream to compliment the Arabic sweetness.
4. Chocolate Chip Cookie at St. Elmo’s Brasserie
You really can’t go wrong when ordering the Soft Center Chocolate Chip Cookie for dessert, especially the one from St. Elmo’s Brasserie. It is a classic dessert presented in the most optimal way. Dig in to the soft and chewy cookie, follow with a spoonful of ice cream, die happy.
5. Red Velvet Cake Ball at Gustav Innovation Sucree
The Red Velvet Cake Ball from Gustav is an eye opener. Mixing two favorites, a cookie dough taste, and a red velvet feel, these small but bold delights will get you addicted.
6. Knefe at Abdulrahman Hallab
I know we were supposed to be deviating from Arabic sweets but can you really have a “Best Desserts in Lebanon” list without mentioning the Knefe from Abdulrahman Hallab? No, no you can’t. The freshly made cheesy knefe, doused in sugar syrup in a soft sesame bun will keep you coming back for more.
Bonus in Tripoli: Malek el Chocolat Mou makes the best and most simple chocolat mousse I’ve ever had. Pro tip: it’s even better after being in the freezer for an hour or so!
What are some of your favorite desserts in Beirut?
