Slow-Roasted Since 1995

A Chicago Tradition: The Sultan’s Lamb Shawarma Story

Rich, savory, and slow-roasted on the spit. Sultan’s Lamb Shawarma has been part of our Chicago story since 1995.

A Sultan’s Original

LAMB SHAWARMA, THE SULTAN’S WAY

Some flavors have been with us from the beginning. Lamb Shawarma is one of them.

At Sultan’s Market, seasoned lamb is stacked onto the vertical spit and slow-roasted as it turns, allowing the outside to develop rich, browned edges while the layers inside stay tender and full of flavor.

When it’s ready, we shave it fresh and serve it tucked into warm pita, over rice, or as part of a hearty dinner with Hummus, salad, and your favorite Middle Eastern sides.

Rich, savory, slow-roasted and part of the Sultan’s story since 1995.

A vertical spit of roasting lamb shawarma being sliced with a long knife above a tray of carved meat.

From the Middle East to Chicago

THE STORY BEHIND LAMB SHAWARMA

Shawarma has roots in the centuries-old tradition of roasting meat on a turning spit. The vertical cooking method developed in the Middle East during the Ottoman era, allowing layers of seasoned meat to roast slowly while the cooked exterior could be shaved away for serving.

Lamb became one of the meats closely associated with Shawarma throughout the region, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices and served in different ways from one community to another.

As Middle Eastern communities carried their food traditions around the world, Shawarma traveled with them. What was once primarily a regional street food became familiar in cities across Europe and North America—including Chicago.

At Sultan’s Market, Lamb Shawarma became part of our own Chicago story in 1995. More than three decades later, the spit is still turning.

Different city. Same timeless idea: season it well, roast it slowly, and shave it fresh.

A SULTAN’S FAVORITE SINCE 1995

When Sultan’s Market opened in Wicker Park in 1995, Lamb Shawarma was already part of the story.

Through the years, menus have grown, neighborhoods have changed, and Sultan’s has expanded across Chicago; but that familiar turning spit and the rich aroma of Shawarma roasting have remained part of our kitchens.

Today, you’ll find that same Lamb Shawarma at Sultan’s Market in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, and Pilsen, served to longtime regulars and first-time visitors alike.

Some things don't need reinventing. They just need to keep turning.

From the Spit to Your Plate

Lamb Shawarma gets its deep, savory character from seasoning, heat, and time.

Seasoned lamb is stacked onto a vertical spit and slowly rotated beside the heat. As it turns, the outside roasts and develops deeply browned edges while the layers inside stay tender and flavorful.

When the outer layer is ready, it’s shaved fresh for serving while the rest continues to roast.

It’s a simple rhythm—turn, roast, shave, and serve that Sultan’s has followed for more than three decades.

How to order it

LAMB SHAWARMA SANDWICH

Slow-roasted Lamb Shawarma tucked into warm pita with fresh toppings and sauce.

LAMB SHAWARMA DINNER

A generous serving of Lamb Shawarma with rice, Hummus, salad, and Middle Eastern sides.

LAMB SHAWARMA SALAD

Savory Lamb Shawarma served over fresh greens with your favorite salad-bar toppings.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Pair it with Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Lentil Soup, salads, or another Sultan’s favorite.

Discover More Middle Eastern Favorites

Love our Lamb Shawarma? Be sure to try Sulta’s Market’s award-winning Falafel, our flavorful Chicken Shawarma, browse our complete Middle Eastern Menu, or stop by your nearest Chicago location for fresh, authentic flavors.

FAQs About Lamb Shawarma

Lamb shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned lamb stacked on a vertical rotisserie. As the lamb slowly cooks, flavorful slices are shaved off and served with fresh accompaniments. At Sultan’s Market, our Lamb Shawarma is seasoned with authentic Middle Eastern spices and cooked to tender, juicy perfection.

Yes. The lamb and other meats served at Sultan’s Market are sourced as halal. Please contact your preferred location if you need additional information about sourcing or preparation.

Lamb Shawarma can be part of a balanced meal when paired with vegetables and salads. Lamb is rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins, and when served with fresh sides and moderate sauces, it can be a satisfying, flavorful choice. Nutritional content varies based on portion size and sides.

Our lamb shawarma is seasoned with traditional Middle Eastern spices that provide a flavorful and aromatic experience without being overly spicy. You can request additional spice or sauce to adjust heat to your preference.

Yes. At Sultan’s Market, our lamb shawarma is prepared and cooked fresh daily. The lamb is slow-roasted on the rotisserie to ensure a tender texture and rich, savory flavor.

The lamb meat itself does not contain dairy or gluten. Standard servings may include pita bread or sauces that contain gluten or dairy. For dietary needs, you can order a lamb shawarma plate without pita, and our team can help you customize sauces or sides.

Nutritional values can vary slightly based on serving size and preparation, but here’s a general guide:

  • Lamb Shawarma Sandwich/Wrap: Approximately 25–30g of protein and 20–25g of fat

  • Lamb Shawarma Plate: Includes lamb over rice or salad and provides about 30–40g of protein and 25–30g of fat

  • Single Serving of Shawarma Meat: Rich in protein, iron, and essential B vitamins

Note: Exact amounts can vary based on toppings, sauces, and sides.

For a classic experience, enjoy Lamb Shawarma in a warm pita with fresh veggies and tahini or garlic sauce. You can also enjoy it as a plate with rice, Salad, Hummus, or Falafel for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Yes. Sultan’s Market offers Middle Eastern catering options featuring Lamb Shawarma trays, Sandwiches, and full platters, perfect for events, parties, and business lunches across Chicago.

Chicago's Best Falafel

If It's not our Falafel,
it's freakin' awful!

Two hands holding an open pita pocket filled with crispy green falafel, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and creamy tahini sauce from Sultan’s Market.