Restaurant & Bar Awards 2026

4 | LUXlife Magazine ounded by Mahmoud Hallab in Tripoli, Lebanon, in 1881, Hallab 1881 quickly became popular for its traditional sweets and Middle Eastern delicacies, which captivated the hearts of countless people from across the region. Having manufactured these delights and built equity in its family brand ever since, brick by brick and generation after generation, this enterprise has grown into a unique success story defined by both quality products and the generosity inherent in Tripolitan hospitality. Evolving from a small provider of local confectionery into one of the region’s most sought-after food destinations and an authentic cultural experience that thousands of people from around the world attend when they visit any one of the locations where it is based, the brand may have faced exponential growth since opening its doors in what was a different world, but the core values and original taste it stands for remain unchanged. In fact, these have only become more deeply rooted as the seed first planted by Mahmoud Hallab has blossomed. “Guided by strong core values placing people first, pursuing excellence, embracing innovation, acting with integrity, and celebrating diversity, Hallab 1881 remains responsive to its customers’ needs, all whilst staying true to both its heritage and uncompromising standards.” Driven by the ethos of ‘Do it Perfectly, or Don’t do it at All’, a philosophy that started with the third-generation owner Hajj Abdul Rahman Hallab and which continues to distinguish Hallab 1881 and shape its longstanding success to this day, the company still blends tradition with innovation across its time-honoured secret recipes. Tasked with bringing these creations to life are true artisans capable of preserving the authenticity of the brand whilst still making alterations where necessary to keep these products relevant in the 21st century. A great example of this innovative streak is the Hallab Academy, which the company has established to bridge the gap between the raw talent it recruits and the standards of excellence the brand has become renowned for over the decades. Raneem added: “This internal institution ensures that every new recruit – whether in the kitchen or serving customers – is schooled in the specific techniques and values which define our remarkable 145-year heritage.” Best Heritage Patisserie 2026 – Lebanon Back in the early 1880s, the city of Tripoli in Lebanon saw the rising of a new dawn in the world of traditional sweets, led by the family-owned patisserie Hallab 1881. More than 140 years after this manufacturing began, the family business continues to operate, and is today well into its fourth generation. Such prestige has led to the business becoming the top destination for traditional sweets across the Lebanese and Arab populations, resulting in both this award and a place in the programme. For more on the brand, we spoke with Raneem Hallab. These initiatives and the subsequent grow they have fostered can be attributed to the latest generation to take the reins of this esteemed family business. Since 1981, which happened to mark the centenary of Hallab 1881, the company has been led by the fourth generation of the Hallab Family, namely Samer and his brothers. Together, they have worked tirelessly to develop new partnerships and franchise opportunities for the brand, having expanded its presence across Lebanese regions and both the Arab and Gulf countries in the process. Their efforts have been a resounding success, to such an extent that the company today employs more than 675 staff and operates two production facilities and ten retail outlets in Lebanon alone. This is just the beginning, as the franchise partners mentioned above are responsible for operating and managing more branches across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. Such expansion has truly positioned Hallab 1881 as a pioneer in the world of Lebanese sweets, and a brand whose impact can be felt right across the world’s stage. A big part of why it translates so well is the commitment Hallab 1881 has to demonstrating excellence, particularly when it comes to quality, safety, and consistency. Raneem told us: “To ensure only the finest food is served, our company follows rigorous food safety and quality management systems and is fully compliant with international ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018 standards. Advanced laboratory testing and strict quality control procedures are also applied at every stage of production, reflecting these industry-high standards.” F AIM-Jan26261

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