JEDDAH, 4 December — It has come to my attention that Ramadan is the season for self indulgence in sweets and yummy treats. I mean the hunger we suffer during the day makes us crave all sorts of naughty things. Every house you visit has a display of wonderful Arabic sweets and dates.

The patisseries are very happy about this since it means that sales skyrocket. Patisserie Swiss is quite a sight, a small place and very cozy looking.

The decor is very interesting actually; they have four windows up high with cute awnings, pots and plants. The shop sells all kinds of candies, chocolates, petit fours and cakes. They have pastries as well as dates, ice cream and tarts. I absolutely adore their chocolate petit fours and their amazing sables. They are so soft and crumbly.

They also have appetizing cumin sticks and tiny biscuits filled with jam. Their best-sellers during Ramadan are Arabic desserts.

They’re famous for their kunafa, basboosa, mamoul and kataif. I love their guraiiba, which is a buttery sweet that in my opinion resembles what is called a Russian teacake.

Everything is freshly baked at this patisserie; and you can taste it. Now as for their chocolates, I think it’s safe to say that Swiss chocolates sell themselves. How long have they had such a reputation?

They also sell some nice silver trays and some lovely baskets for presentation. Patisserie Swiss also offers a catering service.

They do a mean turkey for SR600. They also prepare all sorts of sandwiches and even cakes for special occasions. They make a seven-story wedding cake for SR1,700 and a three-story one for SR700. As for their ice cream, it’s pretty good.

They have the Italian ice cream known as casatta. I am crazy about their ice cream cake with strawberry, lemon, pistachio, chocolate and mango. It’s refreshing and one of a kind.

The place has been around for 25 years — since 1978.

To place an order call 6511704.