Assorted Baklava Sweets w/ Pistachio - Imported Fresh from Lebanon - THE ORIGINAL Recipe From Middle East - Assorted Baklava Pastry Pistachios (60 Oz)

Over the years I have tried several brands of Middle Eastern Baklava, and I'm often disappointed to where I always pass it up, when someone offers it. However, I find that this brand is the absolutely hands down the best. There are otherbrands that are eatable and taste somewhat ok. However, this brand has the right balance of everything to make it perfect, even my Middle Eastern friendssay, this one is THE BEST! Unfortunately, the local Middle Eastern stores don't carry it, so Amazon is my only option. The great thing about my local store not carrying this item, is when I give them as gifts, I know it won't be something they might already have in their homes from localshopping.I have made 3 purchases:The tin box assortment, which is assorted baklava that are not individually wrapped but slightly sweeter than the wrapped ones.The 20 oz and 40 oz Individually wrapped in a card board box, each piece is about 1 1/2 inches. PLEASE SEE PHOTO.First, what I love is the orange flower water is not over powdering. I am not a fan of orange water, but it's a common ingredient, that often ruins the pastry for me. I don't want a dessert that taste like flowers in syrup and filo. Hallab understands that the balance of flavor is to let the filo and the nuts shine through, not syrupy side flavors.If you are giving the case as a gifts or adding the wrapped pieces to gift bags, this is an excellent way to go, especially for gift bags, which is what I use it for. However be ready to tell them where you purchased it, because they will be pleasantly surprised, if they are used to those other brands and want to buy a box. There are more popular brands, their are cheaper brands, but if i'm going to buy , I'm going to buy a dessert, that makes me swoon.The size of each pastry is absolutely perfect. Too often other brands use these mega size pieces, with oversized nuts and it's just too much. These are small, but mighty in taste and this allows you to enjoy a dessert without wasting it because it's too big. Smaller pieces make it easy to try an assortment without over indulging (unless you want to).Hallab has a lifetime customer in me. I will NOT buy other brands, because they aren't worth it. The product is delivered fresh and beautifully packaged.

A lot of reviewers seem put off by how small the pieces are or how different they are from what we know of as Baklava. For me it's always been the other way around. I'm always disappointed at how one dimensional and oily the baklava here in America is and I always miss the delicious varieties of smaller baklava treats that can be found in Lebanon. Back in Tripoli Hallab and Sons is a staple. They make such delicious food and when people go back to visit I always pay them to bring some back for me. This (small pieces) is how it's been done for over 100 years! It goes great with coffee. Jam packed with delicious flavor and textures.Anyway, when I first saw these available back in 2016 I ordered some and they were kind of stale. I ordered some again a few months back and then again a couple of times in a row. It seems like they've got their distribution line set up a lot better now because all my orders in late 2018 have been fresh.

My previous review: I liked the individual packaging. But not so the taste,it was too dry, perhaps too long in stock. The idea of indiv. packaing is good though.Today's review: I received a replacement package, and first of all, I must add that I am blown over by the fact of how much they care about their customers. Not only was it fast, but hey, unbeknownst to Mr. Fadi Chakik, the seller, it came right around my birthday, which was the reason I had ordered the baklava in the first place :-)I lived in Istanbul, Turkey, for 20 years, and baklava has left a huge warm spot in my memory. Also, coffee and their often ornamental, cezves, CEZVE-coffee brewer.Getting back to the replacement baklava. I opened the box immediately, actually tore it open with a unladylike haste, and the difference is substantial indeed, deserving of 5 stars. So, I just ordered a box of Maamoul Cakes, Stuffed Shortbread Cookies w/ Walnuts, Pistachios and Dates - Hallab 1881, Sugar Cookies Mediterranean Sweets (Gift Box 10 Oz) (Perfect Gift Idea) from them as well.Mmmm mmmm good!