With Eid Al Adha fast approaching, dining tables across the world are sure to be laden with a wide variety of succulent meats. To mix the pot, so to speak, we at Business Live ME have picked out five of the most scrumptious Middle Eastern desserts for you to dig into this Eid Al Adha.

Kunafeh

An Ottoman invention, this layered dessert ticks all the right boxes. Sweet, crunchy, and creamy, Kunafeh is the Middle Eastern cheesecake. Prepared with a semolina dough base topped with noodle-straw pastry, each layer of the Kunafeh is stuffed with soft creamy white cheese. Crunchy on the outside and syrup-drenched on the inside, the dish has even managed to incorporate certain twists; like mango topping.

Baklava

Also originating from the Ottoman period, Baklava has left its mark on numerous countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Cyprus. Baklava is also a sweet phyllo pastry with layers of sugary goodness. Each layer of the Baklava is filled with chopped nuts, honey, and sweet syrup. Served in small pieces, one can hardly be blamed for reaching out for another piece before even finishing the first.

Basbousa

A favourite across the Middle East, Basbousa is a bite of happiness with every mouthful. This sweet cake is also prepared with a semolina base, the same used for making pasta or couscous. The dough is dipped in sweet sucrose syrup and topped with nuts or heavy cream. Sometimes the dessert syrup is also mixed with coconut or rose water for extra flair.

Umm Ali

This delectable dessert is a staple for many households across Egypt; the country of its origin. Umm Ali, literally translating to Ali’s Mother, as the name suggests, takes you down the nostalgic road of homecooked meals. Made of phyllo pastry, this bread pudding dessert is topped with nuts, raisins, coconut flakes, and cinnamon to boot.

Traditional preparation of Omani Halwa

Omani Halwa

Last but not least is Oman’s famous Halwa. Prepared traditionally by many families across the Sultanate, this dessert is a healthy diet with each bite. It is made with a mixture of caramelized sugar, almonds, saffron, and cardamom. Usually accompanied by Omani Qahwa (traditional coffee), Omani Halwa is a must-have this Eid Al Adha.