Middle Eastern Desserts

Like many traditional Emirati desserts, luscious pumpkin porridge (in Arabic it's a halvah, or sweet food) straddles the line between sweet and savory. The dish thickens as it cools, so be sure to serve it while it's still quite warm. Todd Coleman

Phyllo pastry layered with ground nuts luxuriating in sweet syrup is a centuries-old dessert that now exists in many variations throughout the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean. Todd Coleman

These holiday cookies are flavored with orange blossom water and stuffed with a sweet date filling. Photography by Ariana Lindquist

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Fluffy fritters, soaked in a lemony syrup spiced with saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon, are a favorite Emirati dessert during Ramadan. Todd Coleman

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Chef Erez Komarovsky's buttery almond pastry, swirled through with marzipan and toasted nuts, makes a fine breakfast or afternoon snack. See the recipe for Almond & Marzipan Roulade » Eilon Paz