Tayibeh and Mohsen Babakhani, along with their son Mohammad, had always wanted to introduce their traditional Persian Sweets to New Zealanders, and a chance meeting with celebrity chef Peter Gordon and our own Connie at Homeland Food Embassy, was the catalyst for putting that dream into motion. Tayibeh has always been an incredible cook, but she and Mohammad both went on to get their international degrees in culinary arts and certificates in French Patisserie so they could take their baking to the next level. The result is Ariana Sweets, a true taste of Persia right here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Customers can’t get enough of their crispy yet light biscuits – Nargeeli coconuts (French meringues), Italian Amaratees, Tahini Breakfast biscuits and of course their immaculate Baklava. You will find them regularly at Grey Lynn Markets, amongst others, and the trio also have plans to supply outlets across the country.

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