Mariam's Sweets and Treats: Hand-Rolled Pastries and Middle Eastern Desserts in Columbia

What Mariam's Sweets and Treats offers

Mariam's Sweets and Treats is a family-run bakery in Columbia specializing in hand-rolled Middle Eastern pastries, baklava, and traditional desserts made fresh daily. The shop focuses on authentic recipes passed down through generations, using phyllo dough rolled by hand and filled with nuts, honey, and spices. You'll find baklava in multiple varieties—pistachio, walnut, and mixed nut—alongside ma'amoul (date-filled shortbread cookies), knafeh (shredded pastry with cheese and syrup), and seasonal offerings that change with availability of ingredients.

The bakery operates as a walk-in counter where you order and pay at the register, then pick up your items. Most pastries are sold by the piece or by the pound, depending on what you're buying. The space is small and focused on production rather than seating, though some customers grab items to go or eat standing at a high counter near the window.

Key Takeaways

• Mariam's specializes in hand-rolled baklava and traditional Middle Eastern pastries made fresh daily, not mass-produced items.
• Pastries are sold by the piece or by weight, with prices varying by filling type and current ingredient costs.
• The bakery is a counter-service operation with limited seating, designed for quick purchases and takeout.
• Seasonal offerings and special orders are available, so calling ahead ensures the specific item you want is in stock.
• The shop reflects Columbia's growing Middle Eastern community and offers an authentic alternative to chain bakeries.

Signature pastries and what makes them different

Baklava at Mariam's is made the traditional way: phyllo sheets are layered by hand, brushed with butter or oil between each layer, filled with chopped pistachios or walnuts, then cut into triangles or diamonds before baking. After baking, the pastries are immediately soaked in warm honey syrup infused with rose water or orange blossom water, depending on the variety. This method—soaking hot pastry in warm syrup—is what distinguishes hand-made baklava from the drier, pre-packaged versions sold in supermarkets.

Ma'amoul cookies are shortbread-based and typically filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, then pressed in a wooden mold to create decorative patterns on top. These are less sweet than baklava and have a crumbly, buttery texture. Knafeh is a warm dessert made with shredded phyllo, white cheese (usually akkawi or similar), and topped with pistachios, then soaked in simple syrup. It's often served warm and is more of a special-order item than a daily stock item.

Pricing and what to expect when you visit

Prices at Mariam's vary depending on the filling and current ingredient costs, but baklava typically ranges from a few dollars per piece to around $12 to $18 per pound when bought by weight. Ma'amoul and other cookies are usually priced per piece or per box. The bakery does not post a full menu online, so calling ahead is the best way to confirm what's available and get exact pricing for the day.

Payment is cash or card at the register. The bakery does not take online orders for delivery, but you can call to reserve items if you're buying in bulk or want to ensure a specific variety is set aside. Holiday seasons and special occasions (Eid, weddings, celebrations) often bring custom orders, and the owner can discuss those by phone.

Hours, location, and how to find it

Mariam's Sweets and Treats is located in Columbia and operates during afternoon and evening hours, typical of bakeries that bake fresh items throughout the day. Hours vary by day, so calling before you visit is important—the bakery may close earlier on slower days or stay open later during busy periods. The shop is small and easy to miss if you're not looking for it, so having the exact address and calling for directions is helpful if you're visiting for the first time.

The bakery is not located in a major shopping center, so parking is street-level or in a small lot nearby. It's accessible by car, and the counter is at ground level with no steps. If you're using GPS or a map app, search for the business name directly rather than relying on older listings, as some online directories may have outdated information.

Why Mariam's matters in Columbia's food scene

Mariam's Sweets and Treats represents the growing Middle Eastern community in Columbia and offers residents and visitors a genuine alternative to mass-produced bakery items. Hand-rolled pastries require skill and time, and the use of traditional techniques and authentic ingredients sets this bakery apart from chain operations. The business is family-owned and operated, meaning the recipes and methods reflect real culinary heritage rather than a corporate formula.

For people familiar with Middle Eastern desserts, Mariam's provides the real thing. For those new to these pastries, it's a chance to taste what authentic baklava and ma'amoul actually are—something many people have only encountered in supermarket versions. The bakery also serves as a gathering point for the local Middle Eastern community and a cultural touchstone for the broader Columbia food landscape.

Ordering for events and special occasions

If you're planning a wedding, party, or large gathering, Mariam's takes custom orders for bulk quantities of pastries. These orders require advance notice—typically at least a week or two, depending on the size and complexity. You'll need to call to discuss quantities, flavors, delivery options, and pricing. The bakery can provide pastries for events, though delivery may not be available for all locations, so confirm that detail when you call.

Seasonal items and holiday specialties are also available during specific times of year. Eid celebrations, for example, often bring special varieties or larger batches of particular pastries. Calling ahead during holiday seasons ensures you can reserve what you want before items sell out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy baklava by the piece or do I have to buy a full box?

Mariam's sells baklava both by the piece and by weight, so you can buy as little as one piece or as much as a pound or more. Pricing differs depending on which way you purchase, with bulk purchases typically offering better per-piece value. Call ahead to confirm current pricing and what varieties are available that day.

Are these pastries made with nuts, and do you have nut-free options?

Most of Mariam's signature pastries contain nuts—pistachios, walnuts, or both. If you have a nut allergy, call the bakery to ask about nut-free options or items made in a separate area. Cross-contamination is a concern in small bakeries, so discuss your specific allergy with the owner before purchasing.

How long do the pastries stay fresh, and can I freeze them?

Baklava and ma'amoul stay fresh for several days in an airtight container at room temperature. Both freeze well for several weeks if wrapped tightly. Thaw at room temperature before eating. Knafeh is best eaten fresh and warm, so it's less suitable for freezing, but ask the bakery for their recommendation if you want to store it.

Do you have a website or social media where I can see what's available today?

Mariam's is a small, family-run operation and may not maintain an active social media presence or website. Calling by phone is the most reliable way to find out what's in stock, confirm hours, and place orders. The owner can answer questions about ingredients, flavors, and availability directly.

Can I order online or have pastries delivered?

Mariam's does not currently offer online ordering or delivery through third-party apps. You can call to place a phone order and pick it up in person, or arrange a custom order for events. For large orders, discuss pickup or delivery options directly with the bakery when you call.