The Sultan's Market

With a name like, The Sultan’s Market, you can expect there to be a significant amount of traffic or at the very least a stop and pause, “What’s that all about” response? Metromixchicago readers gave this place 4 out of 5 stars; so needless to say, I had to check it out for myself. To give you a bit of an overview, The Sultan’s Market is a local Lincoln Park dine in/carry out type of establishment and it falls in the category of Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean style cuisine. From what I’ve heard, parking is much more accessible at the Wicker Park location. To your advantage, The Sultan Market is BYOB and their most expensive item is under $9 dollars.

According to spicedepot.com, Drier fruitier wines like Riesling and Chardonnay pair well with mezzas or (appetizers) and fruitier more mild flavored red wines like Beaujolais, Pinot Noirs and Merlots tend to complement many of the main courses. Common spices used in Middle Eastern cuisine include, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander, ginger, tumeric, sumac, baharat (blend), caraway, anise seed, allspice and cinnamon. Lamb and chicken schwarmas are among the most predominantly ordered cuisines among patrons. Expect an extensive salad bar featuring a variety of vegetables not limited to: marinated artichokes, toasted cauliflower, fresh mozzarella, tasty feta cheese, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes.

Popular mezzes (or appetizers) are hummus, savory phyllo pastries, baba ghanouj, and stuffed grape leaves. I’ve had the privilege of tasting all but baba ghanouj at The Sultan’s Market. The hummus was perfectly seasoned; I wouldn’t add or eliminate a thing. The flatbread is ordered from a local bakery off of Kedzie Ave, and it just so happens to be one of the most recognized bakeries in the city of Chicago. The lamb was on the drier side, but everything else compensated for the lack of meat quality.

Though the restaurant only seats a comfortable 12 on the inside, it didn’t seem to deter people from waiting in line. Customer service at The Sultan’s Market for the type of establishment it is, was phenomenal; product knowledge was there, sincere recommendations, and chill atmosphere.

It’s too soon to rate The Sultan’s Market, but they definitely win points on authenticity, friendliness, and affordability; three of the most important criteria for consumers, if you ask me.