The Story of Halva: A Sweet Tradition from Eastern Europe

Halva is one of the oldest and most beloved confections in Eastern European cuisine. Made primarily from sunflower seeds or sesame, this crumbly, sweet treat has been enjoyed across Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the Middle East for hundreds of years.

What Is Halva?

Halva (also spelled khalva or halwa) is a dense, crumbly confection made by grinding oilseeds — most commonly sunflower seeds in Eastern Europe — into a paste, then mixing with sugar syrup. The result is a sweet, slightly nutty treat with a distinctive flaky texture that melts on the tongue.

Types of Halva

Sunflower halva — the most common variety in Ukraine and Russia. Made from ground sunflower seeds, it has a distinctive grey-brown colour and rich, nutty flavour.

Sesame halva (tahini halva) — more common in Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. Lighter in colour with a smoother texture.

Cocoa halva — sunflower or sesame halva swirled with cocoa for a chocolate twist.

Vanilla halva — a lighter, more delicate variety flavoured with natural vanilla.

How to Eat Halva

Halva is traditionally served in slices alongside tea or coffee. It's also delicious crumbled over porridge, yoghurt, or ice cream. In Eastern Europe, halva is often given as a gift and served to guests as a sign of hospitality.

Nutritional Value

Because halva is made from seeds, it's naturally rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals including iron, magnesium, and zinc. It's a satisfying sweet treat that also provides genuine nutritional value — especially the sunflower seed variety.

Buy Halva in the UK

MAK Eastern European Foods stocks authentic halva from trusted Eastern European producers. Browse our Cakes & Sweets collection for halva and other traditional confections, available with UK-wide delivery.