Tucked away in the bustling heart of Cairo, B.Laban emerges as a haven for dessert enthusiasts, offering a traditional and innovative menu. Our gastronomic adventure began with the ‘Donia Om Ali’ section, featuring variations of Om Ali like the original, with nuts, cream, and even a Lotus ice version. Each variation of this classic bread pudding was more delightful than the last, rich in flavors and textures.
Our adventure began with a classic Egyptian delicacy – Om Ali, an exquisite Egyptian bread pudding. But this was not just any Om Ali; it was a culinary masterpiece. Laden with a medley of nuts, each bite offered a delightful contrast between the crunchy nuts and the soft, warm, sweetly soaked bread. It was a dish that celebrated the skill and passion behind its creation.
Next on our sweet expedition was The ‘Balila Corner’ which was a different journey with plain balila, super balila, and even an extra-large serving, each offering a unique twist on this warm, comforting dish. Belila is a cherished Egyptian dessert, often likened to a heartier, more textured version of oatmeal. This creamy porridge, traditionally made with whole wheat berries, is soaked overnight to soften, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. Popular not only as a dessert but also as a breakfast or a light evening meal, Belila is versatile and deeply embedded in Egyptian culinary culture.
The menu boasted an array of other mouth-watering options like:
Kunafa: A golden, crispy pastry filled with sweet, gooey cheese, drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with crushed pistachios. The balance of textures and flavors in their Kunafa was a testament to the chef’s mastery.
Basbousa: This semolina-based sweet cake, infused with syrup and adorned with a delicate almond on top, was a perfect blend of moist, sweet, and savory, melting effortlessly in the mouth.
Qatayef: These traditional Ramadan treats, resembling sweet dumplings, were filled with nuts or sweet cheese and deep-fried to a perfect golden hue, served with sugary syrup for extra indulgence.
The ‘Couscous Corner’ presented us with simple yet elegant dishes like plain couscous and couscous with milk – a testament to the simplicity of Egyptian cuisine.
But the real star of our visit was the ‘Rice World.’ From plain rice pudding to rice pudding with dopamine, pistachio, and serotonin, each dish was a masterpiece. The Mango Rice Pudding stood out, a perfect blend of creamy rice pudding with the fresh, tangy sweetness of mangoes.
For those who crave a cool treat, the ‘Ice Cream World’ offers small and large cups or cones of ice cream, with an intriguing option of ice cream plus a toy. The ‘Bomb,’ a combination of rice pudding, mixed fruit, konafa cigar, basbousa, and fresh mango and strawberry juice, was an explosion of flavors.
The journey concluded with refreshing traditional drinks like sobia, carob, dates, jujube, dom, mango, and strawberry, each a perfect palate cleanser after such rich desserts.
B.Laban is not just a dessert shop; it’s a celebration of Egyptian dessert culture, offering a delightful experience for anyone who steps through its doors. Each dish tells a story, a piece of culinary history served with passion and pride. In Cairo, B.Laban stands as a beacon of sweet indulgence, beckoning all who seek to discover the heart and soul of Egyptian desserts.
