Another taste us Greeks have adopted from the orient, halva is known throughout the Balkans, North Africa, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and of course the Levant where it originated. Halva is a dessert rich in history, rooted in the medieval Arab world and tinged with a Persian influence. Perfect with tea or coffee, halva has seen many a glorious day. It used to be served to high-ranking Ottomans during their ostentatious banquets, usually with tea, pickles and other delicacies; what a delicious tea service that must have been!

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