Sahara Market — Local services in Warren

Had the feeling I was entering a Souk somewhere in Morocco. Kept scrupulously clean this market has any spice or spice blend you can imagine. I always pick up some cordamon, or hail in arabic which gives a slightly astringent but sweet touch when added to tea in a samovar. You can skip the samovar, Nuts and seeds? As they are very popular with their many Chaldean customers they are always fresh. Want a fresh rotisserie chicken? They got it. The produce department has Eastern Market prices. Breads, and freshly baked assorted baclavas, cakes for all occasions and scrumptious date filled pastry. One reason for freshness is that the owners Saad and Zeana supply their famous restaurants including a new one with banquet facilities that will open any day. Before I left I had to pick up a branch of seasonal unripened dates considered a delicacy, about a pound of loose whole walnuts, and a bag of sweet pluot plums. Almost forgot to mention their generous custom party platters made for any occasion, office or private. My home away from home is Sahara in Oak Park just off the Coolidge 696 exit on the corner of ten in the Parkwood Mall. Sahara an Oak Park fixture for thirty years is the first restaurant to be granted a wine and beer license in the history of the city. All their restaurants have banquet and catering for any occasion. Service for the market is hand picked, not just anyone can walk in and get that job as friendliness is their trademark and if you have any questions they bend over backwards to help you. Use a lot of rice and want to save bucks? Try any of their imported fragrant brands of "basmati" the king of white rice in bags that could last you for months at a fraction of the price groceries charge. It is impossible walk out with only one or two items. They make your average supermarket look like a 7-11. I have been a treated like family at their Oak Park restaurant for...

The Sahara is such an amazing place, not just for its beautiful deserts and warm sunshine, but for the incredible food that makes your mouth water just thinking about it! The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the smell of sizzling kebabs, perfectly spiced and grilled to juicy perfection. The kebabs are tender, flavorful, and cooked just right every single time. Their shawarma sandwiches are packed with flavor—thinly sliced meat wrapped in soft, warm pita with creamy garlic sauce, crunchy pickles, and fresh veggies that all come together like magic. Every bite is like a flavor explosion. And don’t even get started on the salad—it’s so fresh and tasty, with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together perfectly. It’s refreshing, healthy, and full of flavor. The bread? Oh wow—fresh out of the oven, warm and fluffy on the inside with just the right golden crust on the outside. It melts in your mouth and goes perfectly with everything on the menu. And what really makes Sahara extra special are the workers—they’re kind, welcoming, and treat you like family from the second you walk in. They smile, remember your name, check on you to make sure you’re happy, and put so much love and care into everything they serve. It’s more than just a place to eat—it’s a whole experience filled with delicious food and amazing people that keep you coming back again and again. Honestly, my favorite worker...

Sahara Market is honestly one of my favorite places to shop. Every time I go in I’m greeted with friendly faces and great customer service. The store is always clean and super organized which makes it easy to find what I need. Their selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products is amazing from fresh halal meats to all kinds of spices, breads, snacks and imported groceries you can’t find in regular stores. The produce is fresh and I love that they carry unique items I grew up with but don’t see often. The meat counter is always stocked with quality cuts and the butchers are happy to help with special requests. You can tell they care about offering quality and variety. Prices are fair and I always feel like I’m getting good value. It’s not just a grocery store it feels like part of the community. I highly recommend Sahara Market if you’re looking for authentic ingredients and a...