Mahalab Bakery

Small counter-serve Middle-Eastern bakery offering savory pastries. Stumbled upon this place while hunting for some light pastries and coffee this past weekend. The store was seemingly dwarfed by the long line at Bagelsaurus next door, but despite its modest storefront, the pastries looked really tempting. They specialize in savory pastries—mostly Sfiha and Fatayer—and some large focaccias. While they claim to be artisanal pastries, they struck me as more simple and authentic. Along with the Olive & Rosemary Focaccia, I picked up some Sofia and Fatayer. I’m not sure if the natural fermentation made a huge difference, but all the pastries I tried were definitely top-notch. My favorite was undoubtedly the Beef and Tomato Sfiha, a Lebanese meat pie that tasted deliciously similar to a pizza. A close second was the Ajvar Sfiha, with its mix of red bell peppers and eggplant spread, which offered a smoother texture than the tomato spread on the first one. The focaccia was nice and spongy, though I must admit, I have a soft spot for the richer, olive oil-soaked versions from the North End. While I can’t say Mahalab is one of the best Middle-Eastern bakeries/cafes in the GBA, it certainly carves out a nice niche with its unique offerings. A cup of coffee paired with their beef and tomato sfiha is perfect for mornings when I don't have a big appetite, and I’ll definitely be dropping by occasionally for those bites.

Here's a tip: come here and grab a snack to eat while you wait in a long Bagelsaurus line. The owner was incredibly nice and the food was great! We got the Ajvar and Three Cheese fatayer, a butternut squash and mushroom one, and a blueberry focaccia. All were delicious

Small but friendly and unique options. I got the butternut squash, shiitake, and leek Fatayer. I wish wish I could say it was amazing, but I think maybe the mushrooms were bad. Everything else about it tasted delicious, but the mushrooms tasted very funky. I ended up picking them out and then I enjoyed the rest of the pastry. I’m not sure if it’s a day or what it is but mushrooms are very finicky, so that might be what happened. Everything about it was really really tasty, but that is kind of a significant issue. The staff were very friendly and people came in and seemed to know them, and everybody seemed like a small community, which was really nice. There is limited metered parking on the side streets, and some resident only parking. There is one or maybe two small steps to get inside.

Great bakery with amazing food and friendly staff! The Fatayer is delicious and the Rosemary Focaccia is perfectly baked. Everything is fresh and made with care. Highly recommend!

I generally am very picky about a food place and I thought the prices were a little expensive at first, but everything was absolutely phenomenal. The people working there were super sweet, and I’d definitely go back.

It’s a very small bakery in Porter Square. They sell discounted day-old focaccia and pita bread (all sourdough) which I appreciate. There are also samples of their savory focaccia to try :) overall their focaccia isn’t as oily as other places I’ve tried, which I appreciate. Also, really kind customer service! I will return again when I’m in the area. The blueberry focaccia is really good! Thank you!

Mahalab is incredible. The flavors of all the baked goods are balanced and they are the perfect combination of chewy and fluffy. The pita and focaccia are by far the best I’ve ever had. Highly recommended!

I was drawn in by the wonderful smells coming from this bakery, and it did not disappoint! Delicious food for breakfast, lunch, or a snack! Great on the go food options. Definitely different than a traditional bakery selection as they have a wide variety of savory options. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately there is no in-store seating, but absolutely worth a visit!

The blueberry focaccia was so light, fresh and perfectly cooked! The glaze on the top made it slightly chewy, so delicious! Also tried the cherry, pistachio and coconut muffin. I love anything with coconut and couldn't not get it! Very nice with a cappuccino. Will be back to try more of their savory items!

Stopped by to get a sandwich at Bagelsaurus and found this place! It's their brick and mortar-they're also currently at the farmers market in Somerville. I tried a piece of the blueberry focaccia bread and it was delicious. They have several savory and sweet bakery items. Service was fast and friendly. Next time you're in the area, come check it out for yourself!

This place is INCREDIBLY good. Just went on the way back from my barber. Both the sour cherry cake and coffee were way beyond my expectations. Planning to bring my husband back tomorrow. Bagelsaurus is good, but I wouldn't wait in line there for a single second when this place is four doors down.

super friendly staff and very quaint place. i loved the different options and felt like the food was very authentic and high quality. my pastry was great and i'd definitely go back

Got a za'atar focaccia bread when they were a vendor at the Wayland winter market. Absolutely delicious, and excellent texture and flavor balance! I look forward to learning more about their goods.

Local business that opened a couple of months ago--great variety of Mediterranean pastries (savory pastries). Service was great--super friendly, as it usually is with local businesses. Tried the Egg and Roasted Chili Fatayer which was awesome! Great flavor and the bread portion had the perfect texture. They offer to warm up any pastries purchased, which is nice. Also tried a sample of the Olive and Rosemary Focaccia--it was incredible. Would definitely come again to get a focaccia loaf.

Walking in, you're greeted with an array of breads and spreads. Anybody who is interested in trying Middle Eastern & Levantine flavors would love an establishment like this. There's fatayer, manakeesh, pita, focaccia with za'atar, and so much more. To eliminate food waste, there's also a small basket of day-old breads that customers can purchase for a discounted price. I thought that was really neat. Although there's no seating area, this is a great place to get your za'atar and olive oil fix. I would highly recommend this place!

Picked up a few types of vegetable flatbreads and some tasty dip. Humble little place with a lot of options for vegetarians and meat eaters. Can't wait to go back.

The counter service was terrific and friendly and I had the most fabulous sourdough/rosemary focaccia. I'll definitely be back!

Delicious Breads At the Waltham Farmer's Market, this past Saturday, I saw a tent with Mahalab Bakery and it peaked my curiosity. Thought the name might be Syrian or Lebanese, but I learned that the owner is actually, Jordanian. Close enough! The young lady, who waited on me, was delightful and helpful. The prices are fair and reasonable. Anyway, everything looked very delicious and, as for myself, I'm a bread fanatic! I purchased a loaf of Olive and Rosemary bread and took it home. I tried a slice of the bread with some tea, later in the afternoon. It was absolutely heaven! I really enjoyed the soft texture of the bread. The use of Kalamata olives, along with the rosemary, makes everything taste so yummy! Great combination of flavors. I don't have a vehicle, so I can't go to the bakery in Cambridge, but I look forward to seeing this bakery return to the Waltham Farmer's Market. (Fingers crossed!)