Slow-Roasted Since 1995
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
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.
From the Middle East to Chicago
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chicago's Best Falafel