Why All of Paris Is Flocking to Achta, the Lebanese Ice Cream Shop
Long lines outside shops, viral videos on social media, and a craze among foodies: Achta ice cream has become one of the new stars of the summer in Paris. Discover our top spots in Paris where you can enjoy the best Achta ice cream.
Originally, achta is a thick milk cream that is very popular in Lebanon and more broadly throughout the Middle East. Flavored with orange blossom or rose water, it is a key ingredient in many traditional desserts and has been used for generations in Lebanese and Syrian pastry-making. It is found in particular in knefeh, atayef, and maamouls.
Over the years, this cream has been reimagined as ice cream. The result is a dessert that is as refreshing as it is indulgent, retaining all the rich flavors of the original recipe. While it is now popular in Paris, it has long been part of the culinary heritage of the Middle East.
A Texture That Intrigues and Delights
What surprises you from the very first spoonful is its texture. Far from being light or airy, achta ice cream is dense, creamy, and particularly elastic. This consistency is achieved through the use of natural ingredients such as sahlab, a natural powdered thickener traditionally used in the Middle East, which gives it that characteristic melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
It is often generously rolled in pistachio slivers, adding a crunchy touch that contrasts with its creamy center.
Where can you find achta in Paris?
A departure from classic flavors, achta ice cream offers a unique taste experience: this ice cream reflects the French public’s growing interest in Middle Eastern specialties, which now hold a prominent place in Parisian gourmet spots. Here are our top 4 spots in Paris to enjoy achta ice cream:
- Baltis: 27 Rue Saint-Antoine, Paris 4, and 54 Rue Tiquetonne, Paris 2
- L’achta: 167 rue Saint-Martin, Paris 3, and 42 rue Poissonnière, Paris 2
- La Pistacherie: 5 Place de l’Alma, Paris 8
- Bachir: 7 rue Tardieu, Paris 18, and 58 rue Rambuteau, Paris 3
