Hallab 1881

I was born and raised in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, and I lived there until I was 18. My best friend’s dad just so happened to be one of the sons of Abdul Rahman Al Hallab—the man behind the legendary Hallab Sweets, founded all the way back in 1881!

Now, you can probably guess what that meant for me. From the age of 12 till 18, almost every single week, we’d find ourselves at Hallab. Breakfast, lahm bi ajin, desserts—you name it, we had it. And since we were basically family, we got to try all the new menu items before anyone else (VIP treatment, haha!).

We knew the waiters, we knew what was coming before it even dropped—it truly felt like a second home. Some of my best memories were made there, laughing, stuffing our faces, and hitting that all-too-familiar "oof, I wish I could eat more" moment. Hallab has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and honestly? It always will be.

Anyone from Tripoli—or even anyone who's ever lived there—knows the attachment we all have to this iconic spot. It’s been there for our Sundays, our birthdays, our family gatherings, our Eid and New Year celebrations… it’s just part of who we are.

Now that I live in Dubai, I can’t tell you how excited I am that Hallab 1881 is finally opening at Dubai Mall! Just thinking about it makes me drool. 😍

What’s your all-time favourite Hallab 1881 treat? Let me know—I’m curious!