Persian Pastry Heritage Comes to Ottawa
A Journey Across Continents
In 1970, in a bustling neighborhood of Tehran, our grandparents opened a small bakery. The aroma of honey-soaked baklava, rosewater-infused pastries, and freshly baked bread filled the air each morning, drawing neighbors and strangers alike. That bakery wasn't just a business—it was a gathering place, a source of comfort, and a keeper of tradition.
More than fifty years later, that same spirit has found a new home in Ottawa.
Why Ottawa?
Ottawa's rich multicultural tapestry reminded us of Tehran's vibrant markets and diverse neighborhoods. We saw a city hungry for authentic international flavors, a community that celebrates different cultures, and—most importantly—people who appreciate food made with care and tradition.
Canada welcomed us with open arms, and we wanted to give back by sharing the flavors that have defined our family for generations.
Bridging Two Worlds
Bringing Persian pastries to Ottawa meant more than recreating recipes. It meant:
Sourcing Authentic Ingredients
We import pistachios from Kerman, rosewater from Kashan, and saffron from Mashhad. These aren't just ingredients—they're connections to our homeland, ensuring every bite is authentically Persian.
Preserving Traditional Techniques
In a world of industrial baking, we still layer each sheet of phyllo by hand, grind nuts fresh daily, and simmer our syrups with whole spices. These methods take time, but they're non-negotiable. They're what our grandparents taught us, and what makes our pastries genuinely authentic.
Sharing Stories, Not Just Sweets
Every customer who walks through our door isn't just buying baklava—they're experiencing a piece of Persian culture. We love sharing the stories behind each pastry: why Gaz is traditionally from Isfahan, why baklava is cut into diamonds, why saffron is so precious.
The Response
The Ottawa community's response has been overwhelming. We've served customers from Iran who tell us our baklava reminds them of home. We've introduced Canadian-born neighbors to flavors they'd never experienced. We've catered events where Persian and Canadian traditions merged beautifully over plates of pastries.
Food as a Universal Language
One of our most cherished moments came when a customer said, "I don't speak Farsi, but your baklava tells me everything I need to know about Persian hospitality."
That's when we knew we'd succeeded. Food transcends language barriers. A perfectly made baklava—crispy, sweet, nutty, and fragrant—needs no translation.
What Makes Persian Pastries Special?
Balance of Flavors
Persian sweets are never cloyingly sweet. They balance honey's sweetness with rosewater's floral notes, cardamom's warmth, and saffron's earthy undertones.
Attention to Texture
From the crispy layers of baklava to the chewy softness of Gaz, Persian pastries offer diverse textural experiences in every bite.
Heritage in Every Recipe
Each pastry carries centuries of refinement. Recipes have been passed down and perfected through generations, surviving wars, migrations, and the passage of time.
Looking Forward
As we establish roots in Ottawa, we're excited about the future. We're planning:
- Baking classes to teach the community how to make Persian pastries
- Cultural events celebrating Persian holidays and traditions
- Collaborations with other local businesses to create unique fusion offerings
- A cookbook featuring family recipes with stories from our journey
An Invitation
Whether you're Persian and missing the taste of home, or you're curious about exploring new flavors, we invite you to visit Injy Baklava. Come for the pastries, stay for the stories, and become part of our extended family.
After all, that's what Persian hospitality is all about—treating every guest like family, and every meal like a celebration.
Visit us: Injy Baklava, Ottawa, Ontario Connect with us: Share your Persian pastry experiences on Instagram @injybaklava
We can't wait to serve you.