What is baklava? It is a rich, sweet pastry made from layers of thin filo dough. First, cooks brush each layer with butter. Then they add chopped nuts and bake it until golden. Finally, they soak it in sweet syrup. As a result, every piece turns crisp, flaky and indulgent.
In this guide, we explain where baklava comes from and how cooks make it. We also cover how it tastes and how to serve it. Finally, we show you where to try it in Kuala Lumpur.
The origin of baklava
Baklava has deep roots in Ottoman Turkish cuisine. In fact, chefs perfected it in the kitchens of Topkapı Palace. Over time, it spread across the Middle East and beyond. Today, many countries claim their own version. Still, Turkey remains famous for it.
What is baklava made of?
So what goes into baklava? It relies on a few simple parts:
- Filo dough: dozens of paper-thin pastry layers.
- Butter: brushed between the layers for a crisp finish.
- Nuts: pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts.
- Syrup: sugar syrup or honey to sweeten.
Together, these parts create a crisp, sweet treat. Above all, the nuts give it richness.
How is baklava made?
Making baklava takes patience. First, cooks stack many sheets of filo, brushing each with butter. Then they add a layer of chopped nuts. Next, they bake it until golden and crisp. Finally, they pour over sweet syrup and let it soak.
What does it taste like?
It tastes sweet, buttery and nutty, with a satisfying crunch. The crisp filo shatters with each bite. Meanwhile, the syrup adds rich sweetness. Because the nuts balance it, it never feels one-note. So a small piece goes a long way.
How it is served
Cooks usually cut it into small diamonds or squares. Often, it comes with Turkish tea or coffee. At Lalezar, we serve it fresh, paired with our teas. So it makes the perfect sweet finish.
Is baklava halal?
Is baklava halal? Yes, when the kitchen prepares it that way. The pastry itself has no meat, only filo, butter, nuts and syrup. Of course, a halal kitchen still checks every ingredient. At Lalezar, we prepare every dish halal.
Where to try baklava in Kuala Lumpur
Craving something sweet? Then come and enjoy baklava at Lalezar, a halal Turkish, Mediterranean and Persian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. We pair it beautifully with our Turkish tea and herbal blends. So explore the full Lalezar menu, or find your nearest branch. We welcome you across three locations: Ampang, USJ Heights and Centrepoint Bandar Utama.
Frequently asked questions
What is baklava in simple terms?
Simply put, it is a sweet pastry of layered filo, nuts and syrup, baked until crisp.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes. It contains no meat — just filo, butter, nuts and syrup. It is not vegan, though, because of the butter.
What drink pairs with it?
Turkish tea is the classic match. Its warmth balances the sweet pastry. Our spiced Adani tea works well too.