From a chocolatey take on an aseeda fondant to a rich and custardy umm salah torrijas, Omar and Wassim Orfali recommend their favourite sweet treats.
For Omar and Wassim Orfali, dessert is more than just a sweet way to round off a meal. At Orfali Bros and Three Bros, the award-winning Dubai restaurants they co-own with their celebrity-chef brother Mohamad, pastry is a way of preserving memories of their Syrian childhood while embracing the energy and diversity of the UAE's most dynamic city.
Before being named joint winners of The Middle East & North Africa's Pastry Chef Award 2026, sponsored by Valrhona, the brothers' upbringing was categorised by long family gatherings around the table, the smells of homemade pistachio baklava, freshly baked bread and syrup-soaked sweets filling the air. "Food was part of everyday life and emotion," they say. "The kitchen was always alive with aromas, conversations and people coming together.
"As brothers, many of our memories are connected to food. Walking through the old souks of Aleppo, tasting street food, visiting pastry shops and watching artisans making sweets by hand shaped the way we think about flavour, texture and storytelling today."
Omar, Mohamad and Wassim Orfali (from left to right)
Their rise comes at a time when Dubai is being recognised as one of the world's most exciting dessert destinations. From the global obsession with Dubai chocolate – kunafa, pistachio and tahini-filled bars inspired by Middle Eastern flavours – to tantalising concepts such as Brix, the city's acclaimed dessert tasting-menu restaurant by chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, Dubai's confectionery scene has become synonymous with creativity, technical flair and social media virality.
For the Orfalis, though, the most memorable desserts are those rooted in nostalgia and cultural identity. At Orfali Bros and Three Bros, traditional Syrian ingredients and techniques sit alongside contemporary pastry craftsmanship: sour cherries, pistachios, orange blossom and tahini often play starring roles in their creations, while a blend of crunchy, creamy and soft textures bring refinement and precision to each bite.
"Our desserts are deeply emotional and inspired by memory, culture and storytelling," the brothers explain. "Even when the presentation is modern or global, the soul often comes from Syria and from our childhood.
"For example, we use sahlab (orchid flour) in our ice cream bases to create elasticity inspired by traditional Middle Eastern desserts. We also work with burnt milk flavours, floral aromas, sun-dried techniques, fermentations and slow reductions to create more depth and complexity – and we're obsessed with making everything from scratch, from nut pastes and tahini to jams, syrups, ferments and creams.
"For us, it's not about copying traditional desserts exactly as they are; it's about preserving the memory of those flavours while expressing them in a contemporary way."
Orfali Bros has been named The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa three times (2023, 2024, 2025)
That delicate balance between heritage and innovation is reflected in the desserts the brothers enjoy when dining out across Dubai – from syrup-soaked luqaimat and fragrant knafeh to more cutting-edge creations inspired by Emirati ingredients and Syrian memories.
Here, the Orfalis share the 10 desserts they believe everyone should try in Dubai.
Luqaimat
What is it? "Golden Emirati dumplings, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, finished with date syrup and sesame."
Where to try it. Al Shandagha
What makes it unmissable? "Its simplicity and nostalgia: it's one of the desserts that truly represents the spirit of the UAE and Dubai's heritage."
Halawet al-jibn
What is it? "A classic Syrian dessert made with soft semolina and cheese dough, filled with fresh cream and topped with pistachios and syrup."
Where to try it. Alhalabya Sweets
What makes it unmissable? "The delicate texture and balance between creaminess, sweetness and floral aromas. It's one of the most iconic desserts from Aleppo."
Aromas of Aleppo Cake
What is it? "A dessert inspired by the perfumes, spices, nuts and memories of Aleppo. It's made with refined pastry techniques, but deeply connected to Syrian identity."
Where to try it. Orfali Bros
What makes it unmissable? "The emotional storytelling behind it: it feels modern, but every flavour carries a memory from home."
Knafeh Nabulseyeh
What is it? "Traditional knafeh with stretchy cheese, crisp pastry and fragrant syrup, served warm."
Where to try it. Omar Odali
What makes it unmissable? "The perfect contrast between crispy pastry and molten cheese."
Cake Sando
What is it? "A soft and indulgent cake sando layered with peanut butter crémeux and vibrant raspberry confit. It's rich, creamy, nutty and balanced, with bright raspberry acidity."
Where to try it. Three Bros
What makes it unmissable? "The contrast between comfort and precision – it feels nostalgic and playful while showcasing refined pastry technique."
Umm Salah Torrijas
What is it? "Soft caramelised bread with rich custard textures, warm spices and indulgent finishing touches. This deeply comforting take on the classic Spanish torrija is inspired by traditional dessert Umm Salah."
Where to try it. Three Bros
What makes it unmissable? "The emotional connection behind it. It feels homemade, generous and full of soul while still carrying the creativity and precision of modern pastry."
Banoffee pie
What is it? "A rich dessert layered with banana, cream, caramel and a biscuit base."
Where to try it. Middle Child, winner of the One To Watch Award, as part of The Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2026.
What makes it unmissable? "Its balance between nostalgia, comfort and indulgence."
Habbat Al Hamra
What is it? "A refined dessert inspired by Emirati flavours and local ingredients, presented with contemporary elegance and delicate technique."
Where to try it. Gerbou
What makes it unmissable? "It transforms Emirati identity and nostalgia into a modern dessert experience while keeping the soul of the culture at the centre of the plate."
Aseeda fondant
What is it? "A creative dessert inspired by traditional Emirati aseeda, transformed into a warm chocolate fondant experience."
Where to try it. Mirzam Chocolate Makers
What makes it unmissable? "It bridges Emirati heritage with modern chocolate craftsmanship."
Tiramisu
What is it? "An elegant dessert with silky mascarpone cream, espresso-soaked layers and balanced cocoa bitterness."
Where to try it. La Fabbrica Italiana
What makes it unmissable? "It respects Italian tradition, delivering comfort and finesse."
Omar and Wassim Orfali are the winners of the Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona, as part of The Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2026. Discover the full 1-50 list and special award winners.
