Inside Maison Halwa, a Middle Eastern patisserie redefining tradition

Between Saint-Urbain and Esplanade on Laurier Ouest, there is a patisserie that has managed to transform a long, narrow space into a place of belonging.

Once inside Maison Halwa, you’ll find a story in every framed photo and every flavour. For pastry chef and founder Michele Halwaji, the concept of this pastry shop and café has always been rooted in intention—a place where Middle Eastern tradition is reimagined and where community is fostered through music, food and shared tables.

A sweet return to the neighbourhood

Halwaji officially opened the doors to Maison Halwa in 2023, after attending culinary school and dedicating years to pop-ups and custom cake orders. “I used to spend a lot of time at Arts Café in my 20s (before they closed), and have always had a love for Bar Henrietta. So when this space became available right beside it, I couldn’t believe it,” says Halwaji.

Now, she brings fresh energy to the Laurier Ouest neighbourhood (along with an enticing lemon and raspberry olive oil cake). Her launch had a clear vision: creative independence, cultural expression, and a delicious twist on the classics.

Inside, R&B and hip-hop play over the speakers. Walls are lined with mismatched frames, holding generations of family photos and cherished childhood moments. The pastry display case is filled with creations that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.

Flavours that feel like surprises at home

Halwaji’s family name quite literally translates to “sweet maker,” a meaningful detail for someone whose passions have always revolved around innovative desserts. Naturally, the menu at Maison Halwa focuses on telling stories.

You’ll find zaatar in the focaccia, sumac in the berry scones, and orange blossom in the cheesecake. Her now-signature sandwich (a housemade zaatar focaccia filled with labneh, cucumber, tomato, mint, and olives) was inspired by a text message from her brother. “It’s our staple. It’s our star. It’s not going anywhere,” Halwaji says.

Drinks are also inventive, like the orange cardamom and vanilla rose lattes, served either iced or hot. “I once thought about replacing the orange cardamom,” she laughs, “but everyone begged me to keep it.”

A love letter to family and community

At Maison Halwa, it’s not just the intricate pastries that leave a lasting impression. Togetherness is at the core of their presence on Laurier Ouest. “After the first year, I added this longer communal table meant to feel like a grandmother’s table,” she says. “Somewhere to sit and chat amongst regulars, friends, family or even strangers.”

Surrounded by memories in every corner—from time spent in California to her mother’s side of the family in Lebanon —Halwaji continues to push the boundaries of what a patisserie can be. After all, a casual Sunday visit might land you at Party at the Pastry Shop—a monthly gathering co-hosted with the party collective FRNDLY RMNDRS that blends local DJs and community. Each event features one exclusive pastry created just for the event, never to be repeated again.

As Halwaji puts it, “I wanted this to be a home that people look forward to coming to. Where they can try something new, stay a while, or grab something good to go.”