54. Baklava at Middle Eastern Bakery and Deli
So it's after lunch and you're looking for something to pick you up from the afternoon lull. And maybe something sweet to go along with it. Simple solution: head to Middle Eastern Bakery and Deli in Phoenix, a well-loved market and restaurant that serves some of the best baklava in town. Owner Isam Saed comes to the Valley by way of Nazareth, so he knows a thing or two about this dessert, and he'll happily serve you a Turkish coffee, too.
The restaurant actually serves three different types of baklava. You'll find the traditional layered version, a rolled version that's called finger-style, and a visually-stunning bird's nest baklava that's topped with whole pistachio nuts. Of all the options, our favorite is still the classic baklava, which is made in house every day.
Each triangular piece of baklava features delicate layers of paper-thin phyllo dough on top of a thick blanket of spiced walnut filling. The rich mixture of nuts and spices delivers a dose of warming flavors that's perfectly paired with a cup of strong Turkish coffee. The bottom layers of the phyllo dough soak up excess rose water and orange blossom infused syrup, giving the baklava just the right amount of sweetness.
Anatomy of Baklava with Rocio Gutierrez and Hussein Chahin of Middle Eastern Bakery from Voice Media Group on Vimeo.
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95. Key Lime Doughnut at Welcome Chicken + Donuts
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92. Deep Fried Squid with Salt and Pepper from Nee House Chinese Cuisine
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90. Fried Chicken at Phoenix Public Market Cafe
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87. Ceviche at El Chullo
86. Date Shake at Couscous Express
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84. Banh Thit Nguoi at Da Vang
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82. Crispy Pig Ears at Crudo
81. Parillada at Asadero Norte De Sonora
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66. Oysters Rockefeller at The Salt Cellar Restaurant
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64. Pistachio Chicken Liver Pate at The Gladly
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