by Aude
Few weeks ago, I met with beautiful Anaïs Beloubad and took her out of the kitchen where she cooking her new baby: LALLA.
LALLA ? A very yummy tribute to Anaïs’ Moroccan-French-Italian roots! Inspired by and the blissful hours spend in the kitchen with her grandmothers Anaïs has decided to bring the Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavours of her childhood to Hong Kong through the yummiest range of little handmade cookies!
“I grew up with two amazing grandmothers who taught me the beautiful dishes and flavours that are specific to the Mediterranean Region. After my beautiful baby girl was born, I felt compelled to create something close to my heart. LALLA combines my love for cooking, my cultural backgrounds and of course, my sweet tooth.”
And I can tell you, the three first recipes are totally addictive! Which one are you gonna try first (because believe me, you need to give it a go)?
DESERT SNOW mixing the delicate fragrance of Moroccan orange blossom and the sweetness of almonds? My fav! Or maybe SPRING BLOSSOM and its super yummy Moroccan rose water floral twist which perfectly soften the intensity of Iranian pistachios? Or last but not least SESAME RAIN, an almond cookie coated in a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds.
You know me by now, I feel like the best way to get to discover a new brand is not only by tasting it (but don’t get me wrong, I did love munching those super yummy treats) but also through getting to know the person behind it.
Few weeks ago, I met with beautiful Anaïs Beloubad and took her out of the kitchen where she cooking her new baby: LALLA.
LALLA ? A very yummy tribute to Anaïs’ Moroccan-French-Italian roots! Inspired by and the blissful hours spend in the kitchen with her grandmothers Anaïs has decided to bring the Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavours of her childhood to Hong Kong through the yummiest range of little handmade cookies!
“I grew up with two amazing grandmothers who taught me the beautiful dishes and flavours that are specific to the Mediterranean Region. After my beautiful baby girl was born, I felt compelled to create something close to my heart. LALLA combines my love for cooking, my cultural backgrounds and of course, my sweet tooth.”
And I can tell you, the three first recipes are totally addictive! Which one are you gonna try first (because believe me, you need to give it a go)?
DESERT SNOW mixing the delicate fragrance of Moroccan orange blossom and the sweetness of almonds? My fav! Or maybe SPRING BLOSSOM and its super yummy Moroccan rose water floral twist which perfectly soften the intensity of Iranian pistachios? Or last but not least SESAME RAIN, an almond cookie coated in a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds.
You know me by now, I feel like the best way to get to discover a new brand is not only by tasting it (but don’t get me wrong, I did love munching those super yummy treats) but also through getting to know the person behind it.
Anaïs
Founder of LALLA
Founder of LALLA
Hi Anais, can you tell us a little bit more about your background? How did you end up here in Hong Kong launching LALLA?
I moved in HK around 1 year and a half ago, following my husband. After having my baby girl, I wanted to do something that made sense to me. Having always enjoyed cooking and baking I decided that I wanted to share my love for cooking and baking, my mix Mediterranean background and my sweet tooth, and so LALLA was born
How have you chosen your first 3 cookies recipes? Have you tested many of them before deciding to go for those three or was it clear from the beginning you wanted those flavours?
The almond & orange blossom as well as the almond sesame are Moroccan classics, and one of my favourite so it just made sense to me. As for pistachio, it is not a nut you will find traditionally in Morocco it is more common in the Middle East. But I love pistachio so I twisted the Moroccan classic to incorporate pistachio, it took around 10 attempts to get something I am happy with.
And why this name LALLA?
LALLA is the Arabic Moroccan word given as a title to women of noble or royal background. It is also used to address older women like grandmothers as a sign of respect.
What a typical day in your life looks like those day, launching LALLA?
What a typical day in your life looks like those day, launching LALLA?
In the morning I spend time replying and sending emails, doing all the admin tasks. I will then plan my baking sessions which are every Monday and Thursdays, making sure I have enough ingredients, placing orders to my suppliers. I also always try to spend around 1 to 2 hours during the day with my baby girl, to play or go for a walk.
Trying to find a balance between professional ambitions and not missing out on this precious time with my daughter, is really challenging.
Any plans for LALLA in the upcoming months?
I have lot of ideas! Depending on how well I do, I want to add more recipes in the upcoming months, with special recipes on a seasonal basis.
I also want to develop the accessories offer, which I am planning to source from Morocco this summer. I am also working on a special Christmas hamper.
Finally, I am looking for a more environmental friendly packaging for the 10 cookies bag, with food grade paper bags made of 40% of recycled paper.
Thanks Anaïs! Letting you go back to your busy life and gonna treat myself to one more of your sweet yummy treats!
Trying to find a balance between professional ambitions and not missing out on this precious time with my daughter, is really challenging.
Any plans for LALLA in the upcoming months?
I have lot of ideas! Depending on how well I do, I want to add more recipes in the upcoming months, with special recipes on a seasonal basis.
I also want to develop the accessories offer, which I am planning to source from Morocco this summer. I am also working on a special Christmas hamper.
Finally, I am looking for a more environmental friendly packaging for the 10 cookies bag, with food grade paper bags made of 40% of recycled paper.
Thanks Anaïs! Letting you go back to your busy life and gonna treat myself to one more of your sweet yummy treats!
