After tasting their sweets at Ramadan Iftar buffets this past Ramadan we crave more to visit this place. Our sweet tooth got more intense after receiving and tasting on those delicious Arabic parcels sent over to our place to try out their yummy creations. Finally, we paid visit to Al Dar Sweets. The major part of their business is catering Arabic Sweets, but they have three shops in the Capital. Earlier this year they have completely changed their retail concept. They are serving manakish, baked eggs, and organic coffee.
Started in 1975, Al Dar Sweets is one of the very first to start in Abu Dhabi. I love how this place focuses on using the freshest ingredients which indeed has given them the advantage in standing out amongst their competitors and being the most popular Arabic Desserts and Sweets such as Kunafa, Baklawa, Halawet Al Jibin and more.
Aldar Sweets production facility located in Mussaffah enables them to produce up to a ton of high-quality sweets daily, making them the market leader in Arabic sweets. It was interesting to know that they cater to many 5 star hotels in the Capital other than the Private Departments, Public and Private Companies. The large fleet of delivery vehicles allows prompt catering services and home deliveries.
Meet & Greet:
It was lovely to meet Wissam El Cheikh Hassan, Managing Partner who is so passionate about his family business while spending quality time with his family at the same time. He loves writing and stand-up comedy apart from strengthening Al Dar Sweets. It was lovely to see and know more about this third generation owned and operated generation cascaded business. It’s established in Abu Dhabi since 1975. Owners are sincerely trying to emulate a homey family run business to the place, Wissam himself loved being involved at the front end even serving the customers on odd days.
He wore barista cap to present us Boon Coffee. His mother overlooks some of the production in the kitchen, passing on some home recipes for our products, he has brother cousin who helps him manage the shop, and his brother designed the place, along with father’s (the financier) decoration company completing the fit outs of the shop. They are even planning to expand this concept to Tourist Club Area branch soon.
Location & Decor:
It is conveniently located at the intersection of Falah Street and Airport Road, behind PAN Emirates Furnitures and Wear Mart. They have a seating capacity of 30, which is well-distributed on both ends of the outlet providing a quick access from both entrances of the shop. Parking in the evenings can be a challenge and probably the only hitch. Sitting areas is well-lit and decorate the side we sat has a street view on one side of the glass plus we have an advantage of seeing our order being prepared in front of us in stone oven live. We also noticed Mamoul stamps as wall decoration which was so unique and decent.
Food:
In food, we tried Manakish of 4 kinds Cheese, Zaatar, Sujok, and Kishek. My favorite surprisingly amongst all was Kishek; it’s hard to believe that I tried this version in Manakish very first time and I loved it. It is all about the dough and the preparation techniques which made theor recipe perfect. There is generous filling, and the portion size of Manakish over all was big. It is not at all pricey in fact it is a steal for this quality. Kraft and Honey Manakish was also presented which was so different yet a very delicious in taste and popular one here. I was so glad to finish off with a fine meal of Eggs & Sujok baked in a clay pot. It’s just astonishing and so filling while enjoying a cozy setting. Each item was very well prepared and was in perfect taste that we would ever experience by a professional & very friendly staff.
Finally, I finished off my day with specialty organic coffee, 100% Arabica brought from the birthplace of coffee – Ethiopia, Yes it’s @booncoffee skilfully roasts in Dubai to capture the peak, fresh coffee flavor in each cup.
We also took home some delicious samples of Shaybiyaat, katayef, assafiri & assorted Baklawa and tried delicious and renowned super delicious Kunaffa. It is indeed one stop shop for all sweets lovers so strongly suggested to visit their shop for bite.
Plus:
Being diabetic I was so watchful at their store, and it was indeed hard for me to resist that sugar lust even getting stronger due to those halwiat smell and baked aroma for Arabic sweets. Wissam has a solution for pretty much every sweet crazing he did present us some sugar-free variety of sweets too. I love their marvelous sugar free homemade date cookie called Maqroota.
Extras:
Did I mention the Arabic Ice Cream they serve? It’s also been locally prepared at their plant and is delicious, as per kids it is absolute to die for! They have few sugar free treats that have been having sold like hot cakes. I have noticed some pretty cakes too though haven’t explored that area!
Verdict:
All in all, it was pleasant trying out delicious samples. This place not only satisfied my cravings for sweets but also for savory. They contended me with high quality and a vast variety of Arabic delicious. I would also rate them high not just for a taste of Arabic and Turkish baklawas (as they are delicious) but also creative. The pistachio & fresh nuts used is baklawa, and other sweets are of premium quality.
Al Dar Sweets is a perfect place for Kunafa, Baklawa, Baked (Meat) Pastries & eggs plus many other sweets. The quality of their service and sweets is second to none. I highly recommend their Breakfast, Manakish, Halawet Al Jibn, and Baklawa.
Essentials:
Social Media Handle: @Aldarsweets
Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/aldarsweets)
Email: info@aldarsweets.com
Thank you very much for the lovely review… I love kunafa… Mouth watering…