My mother didn’t make aish el saraya herself when she was younger, but it was something my grandmother always made during Ramadan. After a warm iftar meal, the family would sit together in the living room to watch “Fawazeer Ramadan.” On rainy nights, my grandmother would bring out a tray of aish el saraya, and my mom always felt it was the best part of the evening. She remembers the syrup-soaked bread melting in her mouth, the creamy topping feeling so smooth, and the caramel glaze tasting like pure gold.
Since my grandmother passed away, my mom hasn’t made it herself. She says it doesn’t feel the same without my grandmother, who put so much care into it. Even though it’s still served in some restaurants during Ramadan, it’s never as good. For my mom, it’s not just the dessert; it's the memories of my grandmother and the love she poured into making it that make it special.