Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries

- 24-39 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103

## Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries: A Taste of Authentic Middle Eastern Tradition in Astoria

In the culturally rich and culinarily diverse neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries stands as a local landmark and a true culinary gem. Specializing in traditional Arabic sweets and pastries, this authentic bakery offers New Yorkers a genuine taste of the Middle East, far beyond the typical sugar-filled fare. It is the destination for anyone seeking high-quality, freshly made treats, particularly the flaky, honey-drenched layers of baklava and the legendary kunafa.

For years, Al-Sham has cemented its reputation among both local residents and immigrant communities as a reliable source for authentic desserts, often mirroring the quality and traditional recipes found overseas. Customers repeatedly praise the incredible flavor and authenticity of their offerings. One long-time patron notes, "This is the first place I've ever had kanafeh, and one of the best ones I've had to date. They have tons of Arabic sweets, baklava's, cookies & pastries."

The ambiance is straightforward and focused on the product, designed for a quick, satisfying visit. The rich, sweet aromas of honey, nuts, and freshly baked phyllo dough immediately transport you, promising an escape into a world of rich, centuries-old dessert traditions. Whether you are looking for a dozen pieces of assorted baklava to take to a gathering or a comforting piece of kunafa, Al-Sham provides a delightful, high-quality experience that brings back cherished memories for many and creates new ones for all.

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## Convenient Location and Accessibility in Queens

Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries is situated in one of Astoria's most active and accessible corridors, making it a simple stop for locals and those traveling from other boroughs of New York City.

The address is: 24-39 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, USA.

Steinway Street is a major thoroughfare in Queens, easily reachable by various bus lines and within a reasonable distance of subway stations serving the N and W lines. The bakery’s accessibility features are important for ensuring all community members can enjoy their treats. The establishment includes a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a vital detail for ease of entry for all customers.

For those driving, Paid street parking is available in the surrounding area, though, as with any bustling New York neighborhood, availability can vary. The focus on a Quick visit experience, characteristic of a specialty sweet shop, means customers can typically be in and out efficiently to continue their day, whether they are picking up a pre-ordered tray or selecting an assortment of treats on the spot.

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## Specialized Services Offered

Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries concentrates its operations to provide a focused and high-quality customer experience centered around convenience and the freshness of its products.

• Takeout Service: This is a primary service model, allowing customers to purchase items to go, whether by weight, by the piece, or as pre-selected assortments and trays.
• Onsite Services: Customers have the option for Onsite services, suggesting a comfortable area where patrons can enjoy their selected pastries, perhaps paired with a traditional Turkish or Arabic coffee.
• Quick Visit Optimization: The bakery is optimized for a Quick visit, ensuring fast and efficient service, perfect for busy New Yorkers on their lunch break or grabbing a dessert on their commute home.
• Specialty Sweets Retail: The core service is the retail sale of a wide selection of Arabic sweets, including various forms of baklava, cookies, and other pastries.
• Catering/Party Trays: While not explicitly listed, the sale of "tons of Arabic sweets" and various baklavas implies a robust service for larger quantities, ideal for local events, parties, and holidays.

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## Distinctive Features and Culinary Highlights

Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries has earned its devoted following through unique features and a steadfast commitment to traditional, high-quality ingredients and recipes.

• Legendary Kunafa (Kanafeh): The star of the show. Multiple customer reviews highlight the kunafa, with one American customer whose family are Egyptian immigrants stating the treat "is incredible" and brings back genuine "childhood memories," a profound testimonial to its authenticity.
• Authentic Arabic Sweets Selection: The bakery offers a deep catalog beyond simple baklava, including "tons of Arabic sweets, baklava's, cookies & pastries," ensuring a comprehensive selection of Middle Eastern dessert traditions.
• Late Operating Hours: The shop is known to be open late, which is a significant advantage in the New York dining scene, making it an excellent spot for a dessert after a late dinner or during an evening stroll.
• High-Praise Authenticity: Customer feedback strongly emphasizes the authenticity and quality, often comparing it favorably to treats from family traditions and making it a genuine cultural experience, not just a sweet shop.
• Cash-Only Policy: The establishment maintains a Cash-only policy for payments, a common feature among highly specialized, traditional local businesses, which contributes to its authentic and focused operation.

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## Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit or needing to inquire about availability and large orders, the contact details for Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries are provided below.

• Address: 24-39 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, USA
• Phone: (718) 777-0876

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## Why Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries is Worth Choosing

Choosing Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries is choosing to indulge in authenticity, quality, and a cultural experience deeply rooted in Astoria. For New Yorkers—whether you're an Arab-American looking for a taste of home or a local resident eager to explore the world-class culinary offerings of Queens—this bakery offers a unique value proposition.

The most compelling reason to choose Al-Sham is the stellar reputation of its signature items, particularly the kunafa. The powerful, positive testimonials from customers with genuine ties to the region confirm that the quality here is exceptional and authentic. This is a place where every pastry is crafted with care, using traditional methods that ensure the perfect texture, balance of sweetness, and fresh nuttiness that define great Arabic sweets.

The combination of being open late, offering a wide array of specialized desserts like various baklava's and cookies, and maintaining a commitment to reasonable prices (as noted in customer reviews) makes it an invaluable local resource. While the Cash-only and Paid street parking details are worth noting for planning your visit, the reward is a taste experience that is often described as the best in New York City. Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries is more than a simple bakery; it is an authentic cultural sweet haven, ready to satisfy any sophisticated sweet tooth.

Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries

24-39 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103, USA