Phoenicia Bakery & Deli

Phoenicia Bakery & Deli

Phoenicia Bakery and Deli on 4701 Burnet is a literal oasis in a city like Austin that’s pretty much a dry desert for Middle Eastern fare. The sister store to the South Lamar location, this location unlike the older store, also has a dining area where the numerous ethnic sandwiches, wraps and spreads can be enjoyed. But first let’s take a quick look at the store.

My favorite place to begin is the olive counter. You want juicy Greek Kalamata olives, exotic black colossals, and literally dozens of other choices, this is for olive lovers. And I am one!

Next it’s on to the bakery area where you can get the Halawa. This is a confection that begins with sesame paste and sugar and you can get it plain, with pistachio or chocolate marble. I prefer the plain as the others are a bit too sweet for me. Another tasty and historic treat is the Locum. This is Turkish in origin and can be likened to powdered gummy bears. And the Maamoul is a butter cookie infused with dates and possessed of a very mellow flavor. And there’s a Lebanese holiday, similar to our Halloween, called Barbara. To celebrate they serve a funnel cake dipped in syrup called Zulbia Biehmeh. Don’t wait for Halloween to try this!

But sweets notwithstanding, the raison d’être for my visits to Phoenicia lies in the enticing food that awaits in their little restaurant area. I have yet to have a chicken Shawarma that approaches Phoenicia in flavor. The shawarma is done on the rotisserie and the flavors are amazing! I am equally fond of the classic Gyro, a blend of pressed beef and lamb served on hot pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a zesty yogurt and cucumber sauce. I often just get a pound of the meat to go and snack on it at my office: it’s that tasty.

The Roasted Chicken is another hugely popular sandwich. The house blend of spices and the garlic sauce lifts this one up the taste chain. And you have to try the Kafta which is broiled ground beef seasoned with onions, parsley and spices. This has a very comforting yet engaging flavor. And no trip here would be complete without the classic Falafel. This is chick peas, fava beans, cilantro and spices made into a paste and deep fried. Phoenicia really nails this one: it’s the best I’ve tried in the city.

And they have deli style sandwiches as well. The Genoa salami priced at only $3.89 is a bargain considering how tasty it is. And the Mortadella, the classic Italian bologna is another very intriguing sandwich. Likewise for the Ham and Cheese. And like all their sandwiches they use fresh baked bread from the Phoenicia bakery. And what’s better than that?

So head out to Phoenicia bakery and deli when the mood for Middle Eastern cuisine and food products strikes you. And once you’ve tried this place, that mood will occur more frequently!