In the world of Middle Eastern pastries, baklava reigns as the ultimate treat. However, my personal favorite is the Egyptian basbousa, a soft, syrup-soaked semolina-coconut cake with a delightful balance of sweetness and crunchiness from almonds.
Similarly, at Ragadan in Uptown Chicago, known for its Jordanian Okie falafel-burger shop, the milkshake selection is a real treat. While many rave about the baklava shake with salted caramel, my heart belongs to the basbousa shake.
Owner Danny Sweis brings in these pastries from Lincolnwood’s Libanais Restaurant, where a hint of rosewater adds a fragrant touch to the basbousa. When mixed into Ragadan’s creamy vanilla gelato with chunks of candied orange and almond brittle, it creates a luxurious and heavenly blend of textures and flavors. Paired with one of Sweis’s Oklahoma onion burgers, it’s a match made in fast food heaven.
If you’re craving a unique and indulgent treat, head to Ragadan at 4409 N. Broadway to try the basbousa milkshake for $8.95. It’s a taste of the Middle East right here in Chicago.
