Desserts are a whole vibe during Ramadan and the love for a bowl full of Om Ali is unparalleled! This year, Zooba Bahrain, the vibrant Egyptian street food hotspot, is giving the holy month an extra sweet twist with a trio of desserts that tell a delicious story.
Om Ali, the legendary Egyptian dessert, makes her grand entrance alongside two lesser-known but equally delightful counterparts—Abu Ali (rahash) and Ali Nafso (karak). These three treats don’t just satisfy the post-iftar sweet cravings; they encapsulate the rich culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.
So, who are Om Ali, Abu Ali, and Ali Nafso? Let’s dig in.
The undisputed queen of Egyptian sweets, Om Ali (which translates to “Mother of Ali”), is a centuries-old dessert that has become synonymous with festive gatherings. The origins of this dish are steeped in medieval history, tracing back to the wife of a Sultan. Whether you believe the story that it was served as a victory feast or simply a creation born out of royal kitchens, one thing is for certain—this dessert is a beloved staple across the Arab world, especially during Ramadan.
At Zooba, Om Ali gets the classic treatment with layers of crisp, flaky mille-feuille pastry soaked in sweet, creamy milk. The richness is balanced with a delightful mix of raisins and nuts, creating a textural contrast that makes every bite an experience. Warm, comforting, and irresistibly indulgent, this is the ultimate way to end an iftar meal.
While Om Ali may be the star of the show, Abu Ali is here to make a name for himself. Imagine the same luscious base of mille-feuille pastry and sweet milk, but with an added layer of richness—halawa (rahash), a sesame-based confection known for its crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topping it all off are darabeel biscuits, a Gulf favourite that brings a gentle spice-infused crunch.
This dessert is an ode to the fusion of Egyptian and Khaleeji flavours, where the nuttiness of halawa meets the fragrant warmth of darabeel. The result? A dessert that’s slightly more decadent, with a depth of flavour that lingers long after the last bite.
Then there’s Ali Nafso—the rebellious, boundary-pushing member of the family. This variation swaps out the traditional flavour notes for something with a bit more drama: karak tea.
Yes, you read that right. Zooba has infused the mille-feuille base with the beloved spiced milk tea, known for its aromatic blend of cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The result is a dessert that’s both familiar and unexpected, further sweetened with the natural caramel-like richness of dates.
Ali Nafso is the kind of dessert that surprises you with its complexity—one moment you taste the creamy sweetness, the next, a warm spice kicks in. It’s an innovative take on an Egyptian classic, and one that’s sure to have diners coming back for more.
Zooba Bahrain has built a reputation for elevating Egyptian street food, and their Ramadan special is no exception. These desserts are more than just sweet treats; they are a celebration of heritage, culture, and the communal spirit of Ramadan.
What makes them stand out is the use of mille-feuille pastry lending the desserts an extra light, airy texture. Then there’s the attention to detail—the way Abu Ali’s halawa melts into the warm milk, or how Ali Nafso’s karak infusion takes you by surprise.
With their mix of nostalgia and creative reinvention, these desserts embody what Zooba does best—taking something deeply traditional and giving it a fresh, contemporary twist.
If you’re planning to break your fast with something truly special, make sure to head to Zooba Bahrain and try these limited-edition Ramadan specials. Whether you’re a die-hard Om Ali fan or looking to experiment with a new take on an old favourite, there’s something here for every kind of sweet tooth.
Ramadan is all about coming together, sharing meals, and making memories—and what better way to do that than over a spoonful of warm, creamy, spiced, and utterly delightful Egyptian dessert?
