"Hassan is the grandson of the founder of Maison Hallab, one of the most renowned pastry shops in Tripoli,” says Mazen, the co-founder of the Maison Hallab stand, alongside Hassan. Not wanting to turn it into a chain, they aimed to bring the essence of Maison Hallab to France—a traditional Lebanese bakery established back in 1881.
What’s on the menu? You’ll find classic Lebanese desserts, most of which are crafted with semolina, dried fruits (pistachios, walnuts, or cashews), sugar syrup, and cream. But not just any cream—Mazen specifies it as "milk cream", which has a light, cloud-like texture and is unsweetened, unlike the custards and whipped creams we're used to in French pastries.
Come and indulge in homemade baklavas, available in pistachio or cashew nut variations, alongside kunefe filled with cream or cheese, served warm with a drizzle of sugar syrup. You can also enjoy Osmalliyyeh—fried, sweet strands of angel hair topped with cream, reminiscent of a mille-feuille—, Maamoul filled with pistachios or walnuts (layered between semolina with a mix of chopped dried fruits and dates), or Mouchabak, which quickly brings to mind oriental-style churros. Fans of Turkish coffee will be pleased to know that Maison Hallab also serves a traditional version—strong, short, and flavored with ground cardamom. As Mazen explains, "In Arab countries, that's how coffee is traditionally enjoyed."
To sample these delights, the Maison offers unbeatable prices (or close to it), with the simplest pastries priced at just €1 and the more elaborate ones around €3.50. There are a few tables and chairs on-site where you can sit down to enjoy a coffee and indulge in delicious Lebanese pastries, right around the kiosk of Maison Hallab in the La Défense shopping center. Calling all Lebanese pastry lovers: don’t miss out on this must-visit spot!
Location
Hallab House
15 Parvis de la Défense
Prices
Gâteau (unité): €1 - €3.5
Official website
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