Our Story
The Story of Swisslava
Welcome to Swisslava, where flavors, resilience, and cultural exchange come together in a heartwarming tale. In 2014, fleeing conflict in our homeland, my family and I immigrated to the Netherlands in search of safety. Missing the authentic taste of Syrian Baklava as it was difficult to find in the Netherlands, we decided to master the art of making it ourselves. Through Baklava, we connected with our new community, bridging cultural gaps and integrating into Dutch society and connecting with people through food and stories.
In a tale of two paths, my wife chose to embrace motherhood and her culinary passion, dedicating her days to our children and the art of patisserie. Meanwhile, as her supportive husband, I pursued and completed my master's studies, venturing into the corporate world. As my career flourished in a large Dutch company, I couldn't help but notice the commonality of wine and chocolate as employee gifts, which didn't resonate with my non-alcoholic lifestyle. Feeling a lack of personal connection and inclusivity in these offerings, I envisioned a workplace where gifts reflected diverse cultures, believing that personalized tokens would bring a deeper sense of joy and appreciation to the diverse tapestry of employees. Therefore, we decided to challenge the status quo by enhancing the diversity of corporate gifting, aiming to foster a greater sense of inclusion and belonging among employees and clients alike.
Now, we proudly introduce the Swisslava Baklava gift boxes and baskets, a celebration of diversity and inclusion. These specially designed packages are crafted for easy sharing, making them accessible to individuals and businesses alike. They are intended to enrich lives, promote unity, and cultivate an appreciation for diverse cultures.
Driven by our love for food and entrepreneurship, we strive to promote social cohesion by sharing something from our heritage with the Dutch market. Join us on this remarkable journey where each bite tells a story of heritage, belonging, and shared happiness.
Every single Baklava gift box has the potential to connect two or more people.
We stand for that connection!
Our business isn't just about profit; it's about making a difference by connecting people through food and stories.
By choosing to purchase our products, you are actively supporting diversity and inclusion, empowering women-owned businesses, and contributing to the growth of local communities.
The Story of Baklava
The history of this delectable treat is shrouded in controversy and lacks detailed documentation. Various ethnic groups like the Greeks, Turks, and Middle Easterners lay claim to baklava, each adding their unique touch to its preparation.
The tale of baklava dates back centuries, with one version tracing its roots to the mighty Assyrians who are said to have crafted it as early as the 8th century B.C. They layered unleavened flatbread with chopped nuts, soaked it in honey, and baked it in rudimentary wood-fired ovens. Over time, baklava evolved alongside the changing landscapes of the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, Balkans, and Caucasus regions.
Once part of the Ottoman Empire, today's Turks, Arabs, Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Bulgarians all claim baklava as their national dessert. Initially a delicacy enjoyed by royalty, it found a place of honor in the imperial kitchens of the Ottoman Sultans. Gaziantep in Turkey is renowned for its pistachio baklava, considered a local specialty despite its introduction from Damascus in 1871.
Damascus' baklava is celebrated for its abundance of pistachios and a lighter sugar syrup. Known by an Arabic name meaning "eat and give thanks," this pastry has evolved from a folded-over treat to one made with delicate filo dough and nut fillings. In Damascus, baklava holds a significant social value—it's a customary gift when visiting friends or relatives and a sought-after dessert after a satisfying meal. During major Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, baklava takes center stage as a traditional dessert enjoyed worldwide.