Phillistines produces a gorgeous display of Middle Eastern sweets

You may be reluctant to drive all the way out to industrial northeast Calgary for a few pieces of honey-soaked baklava. But it’s well worth the effort to experience arguably the most spectacular display of hand-crafted sweets in the city. And while you’re loading up on delectable Arabic desserts, you might want to go next door to order a pita pie that rivals many of Calgary’s best pizzas.

But at Phillistines Bakery & Sweets, I’d start with a treat or two, washed down with an espresso or a Turkish coffee. There are more than 15 types of “baklawa” on offer, ranging from assobeh and pistachio rolled pastry fingers to the divine ash al bulbul (bird’s nest). Or how about seven varieties of show-stopping baked kunufa dessert?

I’m just scratching the surface of sweets I’ve never heard of, inspired mostly by a grandmother’s Palestinian recipes. Like ma’amool mad with kishta, sable cookies or creamy warbat. Even the familiar has a fusion twist: see za’atar croissants.

A flock of birds’ nests

Obviously, I need a few more journeys up Deerfoot Trail to sample just a slice of these Middle Eastern delicacies. Or I can simply follow the lead of seasoned customers and fill up a bag with goodies

To balance the honey loading, walk next door to the affiliated Mr. Meat Pie, a newish place that produces Middle Eastern flatbreads known as manakeesh. Choose from more than a dozen toppings—from za’atar spice and cheese to a spicy beef sausage known as sujuk—and then watch your pie bake to blistered perfection in a giant, high-temperature oven.

Giant “pizza”oven at Mr. Meat Pie

Best eaten piping hot, the four slices make an ample meal for one, mostly for less than $10.

Fabulous flatbreads

Phillistines Bakery & Sweets (Mr. Meat Pie is next door, opens at 8 am)
3003 21 Street NE, Calgary
Opens daily at 9 am except 10 am Sunday
587-968-6050