Pilsen’s Newest Middle Eastern Food Staple: Sultan’s Market
Pilsen neighbors now have a Middle Eastern food staple in their neighborhood. Sultan’s Market opened Monday at 1738 W. 18th St., the former home of Nitecap Coffee Bar.
A Warm Welcome
Neighbors were "very warm and welcoming" and filled the new restaurant on opening day, owner Shadi Ramli told Block Club. "Neighbors are very nice. They are very excited to [see us] bring more energy to this side of Ashland Avenue," Ramli said.
A Family Tradition
Ramli and his family, originally from Jordan, opened the first Sultan’s Market at 2057 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park in 1995. The family expanded to 2521 N. Clark St. in Lincoln Park about a decade ago and to 2204 N. California Ave. in Logan Square in September 2020.
Ramli has promised a Pilsen location for years and bought the 18th Street building in 2020, but he couldn’t finish construction during the height of the pandemic. The opening was further delayed by high material costs and working to keep the other locations afloat, he said.
A Taste of Tradition
Pilsen’s Sultan’s Market offers the same menu as its other locations, serving fresh Middle Eastern food, including a salad bar offering a mix of cold and hot foods. Food is made from scratch daily and does not use "MSG, preservatives or chemicals," Ramli said.
"It takes us three days to make falafel. It takes us three days to make hummus. We soak the beans, boil the beans, cool the beans, then whip them, cool it again and then send it out. That’s the difference," he said.
A Beautiful Setting
The restaurant has indoor seating in a room decorated with traditional Moroccan art and lamps and a hand-painted roof fixture imported from Morocco. There is also outdoor seating.
A Family Affair
Seeing his mother, who also serves as the restaurant’s produce buyer, "smile and brighten up" while visiting the new restaurant was a great moment, Ramli said.
Hours of Operation
Sultan’s Market is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday.
FAQs
Q: What kind of food does Sultan’s Market serve?
A: Sultan’s Market serves fresh Middle Eastern food, including a salad bar offering a mix of cold and hot foods.
Q: Is the food made from scratch?
A: Yes, the food is made from scratch daily and does not use "MSG, preservatives or chemicals."
Q: What is the atmosphere like inside the restaurant?
A: The restaurant has indoor seating in a room decorated with traditional Moroccan art and lamps and a hand-painted roof fixture imported from Morocco.
Q: Is there outdoor seating available?
A: Yes, there is outdoor seating available.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Sultan’s Market is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday.
