Lebanese flavour
Several customers say the sweets taste like those in Lebanon, including the hard-to-find halawet el jeben.
Hallab 1881 Kasr El Helou
Downtown Dubai
Hallab 1881 Kasr El Helou is a Lebanese sweets bakery in Downtown Dubai, located in Dubai Mall. Reviews point to it for kunafa, baklava and traditional desserts such as halawet el jeben, with a polished Lebanese setting for dining in or takeaway.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
110 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Fresh kunafa
Kunafa and baklava were described as fresh and balanced, with kunafa also available in a kaak format.
Broad selection
The shop carries a wide range of Arabic and Lebanese sweets, both freshly made and prepacked.
Elegant setting
Customers mention the picturesque decor, elegant setup and a distinctly authentic Lebanese touch.
Quick service
One review found service quick even during busy hours, making it convenient after shopping.
Gift-ready orders
A customer praised the freshly prepared maamoul and baklawa, on-time delivery and careful packaging.
Tips for a Better Visit
Choose syrup. If ordering halawet el jeben, ask for it with or without sugar syrup, then choose rolled or loose pieces.
Check kunafa. For kunafa kaake, confirm that sugar syrup is included; one customer received it dry without any.
Avoid rushes. If you want table service, consider a quieter period: one visit during a busy time involved a ten-minute wait.
Try specialties. Look beyond standard baklava and ask about Mafrouket and Madlouka, which were praised for their light sweetness.
Compare portions. Before ordering laham bil ajen, check the serving size and price, as one review found four pieces notably small.
Plan the visit
Practical details
LG Level - Cinema Parking, Dubai Mall
Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai, Dubai
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
Mixed Ashta plate
The mixed Ashta plate was singled out as a standout choice alongside halawet el jeben and kunafa.
Mafrouket and Madlouka
These two desserts were described as delicate combinations of nuts, cheese and cream with restrained sweetness.
Laham Bil Ajen
Laham bil ajen is mentioned as a Lebanon-sourced item, though one reviewer found the portion smaller than expected.
Common Concerns
Inconsistent quality
Reviews conflict on quality: one customer found spoiled ashta, chemical-tasting jazarieh and hard ice cream.
Small portions
The laham bil ajen portion was called much smaller than portions typically enjoyed in Lebanon.
Service delays
One Dubai Mall visit involved a ten-minute wait before anyone attended to the table.
Kaak disappointment
A customer found the kaak used with kunafa to be whole-grain bread and disliked the overall combination.
High pricing
Some reviewers considered prices high for the experience, including AED 69 for four small lahem b ajin pieces.
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The Bottom Line
Hallab 1881 Kasr El Helou is a Lebanese sweets bakery in Downtown Dubai, inside Dubai Mall. It suits an afternoon dessert stop, a coffee or tea break, or a takeaway box. The reviews most often point to kunafa, baklava and halawet el jeben; the last is available with or without sugar syrup and as rolled or loose pieces.
There is plenty to explore beyond the familiar favourites. Customers mention mixed Ashta, Mafrouket and Madlouka, while another review enjoyed kunafa with chocolate. The shop also sells freshly made and prepacked sweets, so it can work for gifts as well as eating in.
One customer reported maamoul and baklawa arriving freshly prepared, on time and in excellent packaging. The elegant decor and Lebanese atmosphere add to the appeal, and several visitors found the staff welcoming and service quick. Still, experiences vary.
One table waited ten minutes for attention, while other reviews criticised the kaak bread, inconsistent dessert quality and high prices. A review specifically recorded AED 69 for four small laham bil ajen pieces. If ordering kunafa kaake, check that sugar syrup is included; one customer received it without syrup and found it completely dry.
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