Soumaya & Sons is Middle Eastern Food at its Best

It’s easy to zoom past Soumaya & Sons, an unassuming white building on Fullerton Avenue in Whitehall. But walk once through the doors to this Middle Eastern bakery, deli and grocery store, and I can assure you, it won’t be your last.

The Ballan family, originally from Lebanon, is there to greet you upon entering their establishment, with friendly hellos and how can I help yous? Let them help you, as navigating the rows of exotic spices, candies and foodstuffs can be daunting as a first-timer.

The shelves are filled with exotic items such as zaatar bread, harissa and hookah pipes. I had never heard of many of the products, but as an amateur chef, I had to resist the urge to buy them all just for an excuse to google them.

As you pull yourself away from the food aisles, you’ll spot a cluster of dinette tables in front of a row of deli counters. And we know what those tables mean: Lunch.

On your way over, make sure to grab a bag or two of their fresh baked breads. And I mean fresh. Soumaya makes much of the pita for the restaurants throughout the Lehigh Valley, Philly and beyond, and it shows. The pita I chose was still warm – a very good sign that it was going to be some of the best I’d ever had. (Note: This bakery does not add any preservatives to their breads, so make sure and enjoy your pitas within the first few days after purchase.)

While you’re there, please ignore the whispers of Dr. Atkins and pick up a few packages of Soumaya’s zaatar bread, a personal pizza-sized disc topped with thyme, sesame, sumac and olive oil.

This bread is moist, packed with flavor and absolutely addictive. It’s also light enough to (be tempted to) eat an entire bag in one sitting – don’t though. You’ll only kick yourself that you didn’t save any for dinner.

Finally, arms already loaded with Middle Eastern goodness, hit up the deli. Order up the succulent shawarma, marinated chicken or beef, grilled and wrapped in one of their famous pitas. When they ask if you would like garlic paste and banana peppers, say yes.

Wanna go veggie instead? Try the falafel with tahini, tabbouleh or the mouthwatering spinach pies. Both the meat and spinach pies display Soumaya’s baking and seasoning skills well, and are a steal at $1.50 a piece.

I know you’re starting to get full, but please don’t miss out on the baba ghanouj. This eggplant dip is far and away the best I’ve ever tasted, with just the right amount of lemon, garlic and tahini.

On your way out, pick up a couple pieces of baklava – a spectacular dessert made with phyllo dough, sweetened with honey and pistachios. A perfect end to your Middle Eastern meal.

Too full? Don’t worry. You’ll be back.

Soumaya & Sons

Address: 264 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, Pa.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone:610-432-0405