My sweet tooth loves Middle Eastern sweets due to the high sweetness levels, floral fragrance and crunchy texture. Baklava and Kunafa are world renowned and loved by people all over the world. Diwan Damas present to you the Syrian take on all the favourite Middle Eastern Arabic sweets and desserts. Located in the middle of Edgware Road, this charming little confectionery may not wow you with a glitz and glam interior, but will definitely impress you with the humble authentic charm. Stepping into this shop, it feels like you’re in the streets of Damascus. We’ve visited countless times and each time the staff have always been super nice and helpful. A proper gem of a place. Nothing like it in London in my humble opinion. I’ve done a full detailed comprehensive list of Arabic sweets in another post, but this one is going to highlight the three sweets you absolutely must try from Diwan Damas.
1. Warbat
Warbat, or Warbat Bil-Ashta, is the find of our trip to this shop. Layers of phyllo dough are brushed with a mixture of shortening and butter or ghee, then filled with homemade Ashta and baked to a golden perfection. The flaky and crunchy exterior was perfect to bite into and then the cream was delicious – not too sweet, but the perfect amount. You have to have to try the Warbat!! It’s so good it challenges baklava and kunafa for me! It is a game changing gem! Ever since having it here we always seek this out whenever in an Arabic dessert spot/ bakery.
2. Syrian rice pudding
This is like the Turkish rice pudding in that it is served cold and it is nice and creamy. This makes this a refreshing yet indulgent treat. The twist with the Syrian version is that there is a hint of rose water… and let me tell you… WOW… I’m not looking at rice pudding the same way ever again.
3. Syrian ice cream
This was so different to traditional ice cream. It felt thicker, it was stretchier, it didn’t feel cold cold, it didn’t have the feel of dairy nor the creaminess, it wasn’t melting like normal ice cream would. A very unique thing that is hard to describe – you just have to experience it for yourself! Pistachios are included in the end product as toppings and there is that fragrant/floral rose water taste again that you get – love it! This ice cream though, includes two very very unique ingredients: mastic gum and sahlab.
Getting there
Parking: Norfolk Cresent – park and display and yellow single line lanes are free on Sundays / evenings. You can also drive around to look for other spots; there are some roads that are evenings and Sundays free (a little further out). But most are residents only.
Nearest Mosque: Masjid Alforqan
Nearest station: Edgware Road
