It’s not common at most American creameries, but I believe rose-flavored ice cream should know no borders. Historically, I’ve had to go to Persian restaurants or Indian scoop shops for my fix outside the house. But a new dessert spot imported from DC is feeding my mania with Levantine frozen treats.
Pasha Castle in Annandale just celebrated its grand opening. But lines are already forming in the cute two-story red house that holds it. Guests will find hot mini pancakes and Middle Eastern and Turkish treats such as baklava, knafeh and lokum (Turkish delight) on offer. The star of the show, however, is the booza.
One staffer I spoke to at the family-owned shop referred to booza as “Lebanese gelato,” but there’s more to it. Because the dessert is typically made with mastic (tree resin) instead of eggs, it has a natural elasticity that makes every bite slightly chewy as it melts on the palate.
And the stretchiest flavor at Pasha Castle is the ashta, which is based on a beloved rosewater cream dessert. I tried my ashta booza packed into the Pasha Special — three scoops between two layers of baklava.
The layered bite of the honey-laden pastry, combined with the stretch of the booza, makes for an unusual but compelling texture. The wash of rosewater is strong enough for an obsessive like me, but won’t taste like grandma’s perfume to the uninitiated, either.
I tried three other flavors in a cup. Coconut has dried shreds mixed into its creamy body to further enhance its flavor. Pistachio is an excellent choice as well, especially given the fact that diners can upgrade with a shower of the nuts and pistachio sauce. I was less enchanted with the mango, which had a granular texture.
The truth is, when I return, it will be for the Pasha Special with three scoops of ashta every time. This summer, I have a standing date with some rosy booza. 7228 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Feature photo courtesy Tyson Bateman
