01
Filo pastry, in very thin stacked sheets
An unleavened dough stretched until almost transparent, layered with clarified butter.
بقلاوة
The blog · Lebanese pastry
What is baklava?
A flaky, golden, fragrant bite: the natural ending to a mezze meal.
In short: Baklava is a layered pastry of thin buttered filo sheets filled with chopped nuts, baked and soaked in syrup. In Lebanon the syrup is often scented with orange blossom or rose water. It is cut into diamonds, squares, rolls or nests and enjoyed at the end of a meal with coffee or tea. It keeps for several days at room temperature.
Every dish has a story
Baklava in a few words: definition
Baklava is a pastry of the eastern Mediterranean made of thin buttered filo sheets enclosing chopped nuts, cut before baking and soaked in syrup.
The result is a small bite of contrasting textures, crisp on top and melting underneath, meant to be shared.
Behind one name lies a whole family of pastries, with variations from country to country.
“Everything happens between the crisp top sheet and the syrup-soaked bottom one.”
01 · Ingredients
The ingredients of baklava
02
The nut filling
Pistachios, walnuts or almonds depending on tradition, chopped more or less finely.
03
Syrup and scents
Sugar syrup with lemon, scented with orange blossom or rose water in the Levant, honey or spices elsewhere.
Simple ingredients that forgive nothing: thin filo, fresh nuts and well-balanced syrup.
Quality lies in freshness and proportions rather than in a secret recipe.
Making · Key steps
How baklava is made
Buttered filo sheets are stacked, topped with nuts, then covered with more sheets.
The pastry is cut raw, before baking, so the layers do not shatter.
It bakes slowly until golden and cooked through.
Syrup is poured on using a hot/cold contrast, then the pastry rests for several hours.
02 · Shapes
The different shapes of baklava
The technique is shared, but shapes vary and change the balance of pastry and filling.
Assortments often mix these shapes to vary textures.
03 · Comparison
Lebanese, Turkish or Greek baklava: what are the differences?
Baklava's history is shared across several cuisines; these are general tendencies, not rules.
The Lebanese version often stands out for its floral scent and small bites.
Tasting · The moment
How to enjoy baklava
In Lebanon it arrives at the end of the meal, shared from a platter.
Lebanese coffee or tea balance the sweetness of the syrup.
Serve it at room temperature, never chilled.
Storage · Good habits
How to store baklava
Thanks to the syrup, it keeps several days in an airtight box, somewhere dry.
Avoid the fridge, which softens the layers and dulls the flavours.
At room temperature: airtight box, single layer, dry and cool place.
Takeaway: carry the box flat and enjoy within a few days.
In Lyon · At Layali
Baklava at Layali Beyrouth
At our family restaurant at 38 rue du Dauphiné, Lyon 3, open since May 2010, baklava is made as in Lebanon, from produce chosen fresh each day.
It opens our dessert menu, alongside mouhalabieh, katayef and namoura.
Lebanese pastries can also be included in our catering services.
End your meal on a baklava: book a table, Monday to Saturday, 12pm–2pm and 7pm–11pm, or add it to your takeaway order. Phone: 04 72 34 94 05.
FAQ
Your questions about baklava
What exactly is baklava?
A layered pastry of buttered filo, chopped nuts and syrup, often scented with orange blossom in Lebanon.
Why do French speakers say “la” or “le” baklava?
The word is borrowed and its gender is not fixed in French usage; both forms are common.
Does baklava contain tree nuts (allergens)?
Yes, tree nuts such as pistachio or walnut, plus gluten and dairy. Always ask for the exact composition.
Is baklava very sweet?
It is sweet by nature, but Lebanese versions often use a lighter, floral syrup.
How long does baklava keep?
Several days at room temperature in an airtight box, away from moisture.
What should baklava be served with?
Lebanese coffee or tea, at the end of the meal.
Can I take baklava away from Layali Beyrouth?
Yes, dine-in Monday to Saturday, or as takeaway and delivery.
Going further
Explore the Lebanese table, from mezze to pastries.
Want to taste ours? Discover our baklava Lyon, made fresh in Lyon 3.
Visiting Layali Beyrouth
Three ways
to spend a good evening.
Book a table
Online booking, from lunch to dinner. Groups up to 30 people on request, with an adapted menu.
Delivery & Click and Collect
Order online for delivery or pick up your meal at the time that suits you.
Find us
38 rue du Dauphiné, 69003 Lyon
Mon, Sat · 12-2 PM / 7-11 PM
Free street parking
Mercière car park, 5 min walk