Baklava - Oriental confectionary

In Tamra in northern Israel, you can assist in a traditional oriental confectionery and learn the secrets of the sweet desserts of the Arabic world. The family-owned confectionary „Al Khier“ („the good“) is run by mother Halawanji and her two sons, and is known as the best address in Tamra for Baklava, Saparina, Borma and Knafi – Arabian sweet pastries.

 

Baklava is a kind of pastry, which is well-known in the whole Middle East and Balkan countries. It is filled with almonds, pistachios or chopped walnuts. As long as the pastry is still hot, it needs to be soaked in syrup made of honey, sugar, different spices and rose water. Afterwards, it needs to be cut in diamond shape. Typically Baklava is enjoyed along with a strong black mocha coffee, which due to its bitterness contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of Baklava.

 

A variation of Baklava is „Borma“, which is differently shaped, like a bird's nest. Saparina is a kind of fried doughnut, and Knafi is a traditional sweet pastry, which is served hot. It originates from Lebanon and Palestine. Besides those traditional sweet desserts, the confectionery also produces European-style cream cakes.
 
Especially during the wedding season (from middle of April to middle of October), the confectionary is extremely busy as they have many orders for the wedding celebrations that are often being attended by more than 1000 guests. But even during the rest of the year, there is always a lot to do. For instance during the month of Ramadhan, the hungry locals literally invade „Al Khier“ at night to purchase the popular sweets.