Halawa Tahinia is made from tahini (sesame seed paste), combined with sugar, and shaped into blocks.

Traditionally, halawa was made in two varieties, a hard brittle type, and a less common chewy dough like variety. Both were sold in tins. 

Nowadays, many additions and variations exist, such as halwa with pistachios, halwa with chocolate, halwa with hazelnuts, and more.

Halwa is eaten as a filling in sandwiches made from pita bread.

Because it is rich in calories and filling, and not expensive, it is a staple of the working class. It also need no fridge to keep for a long time.

Tahini is made from sesame seeds, pressed into a paste. The closest resemblance to North  American food would be peanut butter.

Tahini is used in Egyptian and other Middle Eastern dishes.

It is a major ingredient in many dips, such as Baba Ghanoug, as well as sweets like Halva/Halawa.