Sydney’s sweet little piece of Lebanon: Arja Patisserie

Written by Tim Blight

Writer, traveller, amateur photographer, teacher. Based in Melbourne and Lahore.

November 2, 2014

Arja Patisserie

Say what you will about Lakemba, it is one spot in Australia which knows how to do Lebanese food. And the perfect way to top off an evening at the delectable Lebanese restaurants of Haldon Street is with some sweets at Arja Patisserie.

Baklava varieties at Patisserie Arja

Baklava varieties at Patisserie Arja

As soon as you step in, the aroma hits you – rosewater, honey, sugar, roasted nuts – this place is a dieter’s nightmare (or salvation!). I can never leave without picking up a couple of varieties of baklava – some for now, some for later. The pistachio rolls, birds nests and so on are all delicious, but the real attraction is the original – crushed nuts and pastry soaked in syrup, hacked from a large shaft of sweets and charged by the kilo. This place knows how to speak to me!

Kunafa at Patisserie Arja

Kunafa at Patisserie Arja

And if the baklava is incredible in its diabetes-inducing goodness, then the kunafa could just change your life. Sweet, creamy, cheesy, savoury and with an ever so delicate hint of salt – this is the original perfect dessert! Simply mouthwatering.

 

Details

Food: 10/10

Ambience: 6/10

Service: 7/10

Cost: A tasting plate of sweets is charged per weight, but should cost under $10, probably under $5 (depending on how much of a sweet tooth you have!)

129 Haldon Street, Lakemba

Monday – Sunday: 9am – 9pm

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arja-Patisserie/432640203413669

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6 Comments

  1. Andrew Boland

    love a good Lebanese restaurant. A surprising number in West Africa actually, but one of the most awesome is right near where I live in Melbourne – Oasis Cafe!

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      I must try Oasis Café some time!! Which part of Melbourne is it in?
      And how surprising that there are lots in West Africa! Is there a large Lebanese population there?

      Reply
  2. Catherine

    Wow, these cakes look and sound absolutely delightful! Have never tried any Lebanese food, but I would certainly like to after reading this!

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      They absolutely are!! You must find them somewhere – delicious!! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  3. Emily

    Baklava is one of my most favourite treats – it’s nice to know places that nail it – I have had a surprising handful that have been lackluster. Although the ones that do it well are dangerous…I may never leave!

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      I know what you mean – there is baklava and there is baklava! But yeah… if it’s good…. it’s REALLY good! 😀

      Reply

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