Basbousa bil Qishta
Basbousa bil Qishta is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert featuring a sweet, semolina-based cake soaked in fragrant syrup and topped with a layer of creamy ashta (clotted cream). It is typically flavored with rose or orange blossom water and often garnished with nuts like pistachios or almonds. This treat is a staple in Levantine and Egyptian cuisines, enjoyed during celebrations and everyday gatherings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Basbousa bil Qishta is high in carbohydrates and fats, providing a quick energy boost but with limited protein. A typical serving offers a mix of simple sugars from the syrup and semolina, along with some calcium and iron, and generally ranges from 300 to 400 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 100 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin A | 50 IU |
Per 1 piece (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dessert is a symbol of hospitality and generosity in the Arab world, often served to guests with coffee or tea. Nutritionally, the semolina provides some B vitamins and iron, while the ashta adds a source of dairy-based fat and calcium, though it's best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
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AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms