Assal Pastry

A visit to Assal Pastry in Irvine, California, offers local residents a unique and indulgent journey into the world of confectionery. This esteemed establishment is classified primarily as a Pastry shop, but its offerings transcend that simple label. Assal Pastry is renowned for its delightful fusion of authentic Persian and classic French pastries, a specialty that has garnered it a loyal following across Orange County’s vibrant culinary landscape, specifically within what is locally known as Irvine’s "Little Tehran" enclave. Established in 1997, this family-owned business has built a reputation over more than two decades for exceptional quality and unique flavors that are both rich in tradition and expertly crafted.

Assal Pastry has earned a significant Highlight for offering "Great dessert," a reputation built on the lightness, freshness, and sophisticated flavor profiles of its products. Patrons frequently seek out their specialty items, whether for a quick afternoon treat, a last-minute celebratory dessert, or a large gathering. The ambiance is focused on displaying the dozens of delicious offerings, encouraging a Quick visit where customers can easily select from the impressive array of freshly baked trays steaming behind the glass counters. The products are reasonably priced, appealing to a wide local audience looking for high-quality, gourmet desserts that are perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings, as noted by enthusiastic patrons. This specialization in celebratory and gift-worthy desserts, often beautifully packaged in unique boxes, makes Assal Pastry a unique and valued part of the Southern California dessert scene.

Assal Pastry is conveniently located at 14130 Culver Dr h1, Irvine, CA 92604, USA, placing it within a central and popular shopping area that is highly accessible to the surrounding communities. However, as is often the case in busy Orange County retail centers, prospective visitors should plan their trip carefully. The property features accessibility accommodations important to the local community, including a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and a designated **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**. These features ensure that the bakery is available to all customers.

Despite the official parking facilities, the shopping center the bakery is situated in is known to draw heavy traffic. Customer reviews specifically point out that the "Parking lot gets crowded on weekends" and that the "parking spaces are very tight there." This is a key piece of local knowledge that frequent visitors share, emphasizing the high demand for the area. Due to its nature as a takeout destination—the venue confirms it does not have a dedicated seating area—patrons are encouraged to plan for a quick entry and exit, especially during peak weekend hours. The centrality of the location, however, makes it a favored spot for picking up specialty items on the way to parties, events, or simply returning home.

Layer Cake Bakery operates with a clear focus on efficiency and product quality, offering service options that cater strictly to a takeaway model for its specialty desserts. Since there is no dedicated seating, the services are designed for customers to select their items and enjoy them at their leisure elsewhere.

Services Offered:

• Takeout: The primary service model, allowing customers to purchase items directly from the counters to take home or to an event.
• In-store pickup: Enabling customers to place orders—especially for custom cakes—ahead of time and quickly collect them at the location.
• Dessert Focus: All dining options are centered exclusively around Dessert, reflecting their specialization as a pastry and cake shop.
• Beverage Offerings: The shop also provides Coffee, which serves as a perfect complement to the rich and often intensely flavored pastries, particularly those meant to be enjoyed with tea or coffee.
• Custom Cake Orders: The venue confirms it offers custom cake orders for various special occasions such as birthdays and weddings, requiring customers to inquire in advance for availability and details.
• Payment Versatility: Accepting a variety of modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for swift transactions.

The fame of Assal Pastry is built upon its exceptional range of signature Persian and French-influenced delights, which are the core attraction for local dessert enthusiasts. These offerings showcase the bakery’s unique expertise in crafting complex, authentic flavors:

Features / Highlights:

• Authentic Persian Desserts: The bakery is a regional go-to for traditional Persian sweets. Highly popular items include Zoolbia and Bamieh—deep-fried, crunchy pastries soaked in fragrant saffron-rose water syrup—with one customer noting the Zoolbia’s taste is "very similar to Indian jalebi." Other Persian specialties include Sholeh Zard (saffron-infused rice pudding) and various Persian Cookies like rice-flour berenjis and chickpea-flour nokhodchis.
• Flaky and Creamy Offerings: Patrons rave about the light texture of their core products, specifically the Napoleon pastry (Mille Feuille), described as melting "in your mouth" with crunchy layers and delicious cream (not custard). The Baklava is also highly praised for its light, flaky texture and filling of tiny nuts.
• Specialty Cakes: Assal is distinguished by its light and moist custom cakes, including highly recommended **fresh fruit cakes** made with whipped cream. These are popular choices for major California celebrations, including weddings and birthdays.
• Exceptional Flavor Intensity: Many of the Persian sweets are noted for their "EXTREMELY strong" flavor in terms of sweetness and floral notes, specifically rosewater and saffron, as these are traditionally paired with black tea or chai. The flavors are intentional and authentic to the culture.
• Gift and Presentation: The bakery offers a variety of beautifully packaged items, including special **gift boxes** for holidays like Mother's Day, making their products excellent presents. Staff members are helpful in guiding customers to less sweet or more "snacky" options.

To place a specialty order, inquire about catering, or for general questions, please use the following contact details for the Assal Pastry location in Irvine:

Contact Information:

Address: 14130 Culver Dr h1, Irvine, CA 92604, USA

Phone: (949) 733-3262

Mobile Phone (Alternative Contact): +1 949-733-3262

When considering a visit to Assal Pastry, what is worth choosing is its ability to deliver an unparalleled, authentic Persian dessert experience that is otherwise difficult to find in Southern California. Patrons should choose Assal for its **unique and expertly made sweets** such as the Zoolbia and Bamieh, the exceptional cream puffs, and the famously light, non-custard **Napoleon pastries**. The expertise in custom cakes, distinguished by their lightness and moist quality, also makes Assal a prime choice for important celebrations like weddings and birthdays. The staff's willingness to guide customers through the different levels of sweetness and flavor profiles is a definite advantage for new visitors.

However, as a professional profile for local users, it is necessary to present a balanced view, acknowledging the critical feedback received regarding product information and service. While many customers experience friendly service, the severe complaint regarding **lack of clear allergen labeling** and reported "unhelpful attitude" from staff concerning a life-threatening allergic reaction is a serious matter that necessitates cautious awareness from potential customers, especially those with food sensitivities. The business's primary value is in its **niche, authentic product offering**—a feature that continues to draw crowds seeking traditional Persian flavor. Customers who value speed (quick visit model) and convenience (takeout and easy payment) will appreciate the operational side of the business. Ultimately, Assal Pastry is a local gem for its specific, gourmet desserts, and customers are encouraged to communicate any dietary restrictions clearly and directly to the staff during their purchase to ensure a safe and satisfying experience. The choice is a commitment to unique, flavorful Persian treats, but one that requires personal diligence regarding safety protocols.

Assal Pastry

14130 Culver Dr h1, Irvine, CA 92604, USA