Mississippi Has A Family-Run Mediterranean Market Serving Baklava, Rich Hummus, And Hard-To-Find Spices

I walked in looking for a quick lunch and walked out with a bag of pita, a jar of something I could not pronounce, and a box of baklava I had no plan to share. Places like that are rare in Mississippi, where Mediterranean groceries are not exactly on every corner.

Tucked into a plain strip of storefronts, this family-run market packs a bakery, a halal butcher counter, a spice aisle, and a hot kitchen under one roof. If you love bold flavors or simply want to cook something new at home, this stop deserves a spot on your map.

A Halal Market on Airways Boulevard

Southaven sits just across the state line from Memphis, and along Airways Boulevard you will find a modest storefront at 6717, Suite 101. From the parking lot, it looks like any other shop in a row of businesses.

Step inside, though, and the smell of warm bread and grilled meat tells a different story.

The place goes by a long, honest name that covers everything it does: Halal Mediterranean bakery, grocery and restaurant. Some local sources call it Mediterranean Bakery and More, which fits just as well.

It works as a halal grocery, a bakery, and a sit-down eatery all at once.

Need a landmark? It sits right next to Maria’s Cantina, so it is easy to spot once you know where to look.

The location also makes it handy for travelers, since Memphis International Airport is only a short drive north.

Shoppers come for halal meat, cheeses, fresh produce, and imported goods from countries like Turkey and India. Diners come for gyros, falafel, shawarma, and plates of smoked rice.

Many people end up doing both in a single trip, filling a basket while their lunch is being made. That mix of market and kitchen is what sets the stage for everything else here.

First of Its Kind in DeSoto County

August 2022 marked a small milestone for DeSoto County. That was when this market opened its doors, becoming the first business of its kind in the county.

Before then, local families hunting for halal meat or Middle Eastern pantry staples often had to drive into Memphis.

Behind the counter is a family operation, and visitors pick up on that quickly. Some guests have noted that the family appears to have Jordanian roots, which helps explain the strong Levantine touch on the menu.

Recipes feel like they come from a home kitchen rather than a corporate playbook.

Plenty of shoppers describe the place as a true mom and pop shop. They come back partly for the food and partly to support a small local business that brought something new to the area.

A few longtime customers have also mentioned that newer management has made the store even better over time.

Former Detroit residents, who are used to finding Mediterranean food on nearly every block, have called it a breath of fresh air for Southaven. In a region better known for barbecue and catfish, that kind of welcome says a lot.

The story is still young, but it already feels rooted in the community.

Baklava Worth the Extra Box

Flaky, sticky, and layered with nuts, baklava is the most talked-about item in the building. Thin sheets of pastry are stacked, filled, baked until golden, and soaked in sweet syrup.

One bite usually leads to a second piece before you even reach the car.

Choosing just one flavor can be tough. Pistachio is a common favorite, with its bright green filling and buttery crunch.

Coconut baklava also shows up in the case, offering a softer, slightly tropical twist on the classic.

Many guests grab two different kinds so they can compare. Others treat a piece of baklava as the perfect ending to a hot meal from the kitchen.

Some regulars even say they finish every visit with it, no matter what else they bought.

Here is a fun bit of history: versions of layered nut pastry have been made for centuries across the old Ottoman lands, from Turkey to the Levant. Every region claims its own style.

At this bakery, you get a taste of that long tradition without leaving Mississippi.

Planning a gathering? A box of mixed pieces makes an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Grandparents, coworkers, and picky teens alike tend to find a flavor they enjoy.

Rich, Creamy Hummus That Tastes Homemade

Chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. That simple list forms the base of the hummus here, and the result is smooth, rich, and full of flavor.

It is a long way from the bland tubs found in many supermarket coolers.

Guests often wonder out loud whether the hummus is made in house, because it tastes that fresh. Diners who have worked in the Middle East and eaten at many authentic restaurants have praised it as one of the standouts.

Others simply call it creamy and say they could eat it with a spoon.

You can enjoy it several ways. It comes as a side on many plates, it anchors the vegetable plate, and it stars in a hummus sandwich.

Pair it with soft pita for scooping, or spread it alongside lamb gyro meat for a heartier bite.

Tip for home cooks: a good hummus depends on balance. Too much garlic overwhelms, and too little lemon makes it flat.

Tasting a well-made version like this one gives you a target to aim for if you try making your own.

Either way, plan to order more pita than you think you need.

Aisles of Hard-To-Find Spices and Pantry Treasures

Ever searched three stores for sumac or a specific spice blend and come home empty-handed? The shelves here solve that problem.

Shoppers regularly point to the selection of hard-to-find spices as one of the biggest reasons to stop in.

Beyond seasonings, the grocery side is packed with items that rarely show up at chain stores. Look for dates, mixed nuts, jars of pickled vegetables, and even apricot paste for baking.

Imported goods arrive from places like Turkey and India, so the variety stretches well past one single cuisine.

Fresh produce, fruits, and a range of cheeses round out the selection. Some customers have even taken home ready-made falafel mix, fresh pita, and tabbouleh to enjoy later.

It makes recreating a restaurant meal in your own kitchen much easier.

Prices are another pleasant surprise. Shoppers have described the deals as surprisingly good and the pricing as fair compared to other stores.

As with any grocery, give packaged items a quick glance for dates before checking out, since a few older products were once spotted on shelves.

Some fans drive in from Arkansas just to stock up. That alone tells you how much the grocery aisles matter.

The Halal Butcher Counter

Early birds get the best cuts. Regular shoppers warn that the fresh meat often sells out, so arriving soon after the 9 AM opening is a smart move if you have specific cuts in mind.

Every item at the counter meets halal standards. For Muslim families in DeSoto County, that convenience is a big deal, since reliable halal sources were once a longer drive away.

Plenty of non-Muslim shoppers buy here too, and some say the meat simply tastes better.

Lamb gets plenty of attention, both at the counter and on the menu. Lamb chops, lamb kabseh, and lamb gyros all come out of the same commitment to quality.

Chicken and beef are also available for home cooking.

Cleanliness stands out as well. People often describe the store as clean, clutter free, and fully stocked.

A tidy space matters even more when fresh meat is involved, and it builds trust with first-time visitors.

Quick fact: halal refers to food prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines, which include specific practices for how animals are handled and processed. For many families, buying halal is about faith and tradition as much as flavor.

Here, both needs are met in one place.

Gyros, Shawarma, and Smoked Rice From the Kitchen

Picture a plate piled with seasoned gyro meat, a scoop of smoky rice, crisp salad, and warm pita on the side. That is a typical lunch at the in-store kitchen, and it is the reason many first-timers come back.

Gyros are among the most mentioned dishes, often paired with crunchy falafel. Chicken shawarma, served as a wrap or with rice, is a favorite for quick meals on the go.

The beef and lamb shawarma sandwich and the kofta kebab also have loyal fans.

Smoked rice deserves its own mention. Its deep, slightly smoky flavor surprises many diners who expect plain white rice.

Most love it, though tastes vary, so try a forkful before committing to a whole plate if you are unsure.

Larger dishes like Baked Ouzai, Lamb Kabseh, and Baked Salmon show up on the menu too. Vegetarians can lean on the vegetable plate, which brings hummus, salad, falafel with dip, smoked rice, and pita together.

Food is made to order, so each plate arrives fresh. Portions are filling, and prices are often called very fair for the amount you get.

Bring an appetite, then bring home leftovers.

Warm Welcomes and a Comfy Dining Corner

Hospitality here feels personal. Guests describe the owners as sweet, fun to talk to, and quick with friendly banter or helpful advice about the menu.

Some have even received a couple of free sweets with their order.

The small dining area is comfortable and relaxed. Families have enjoyed long lunches at the tables, with children happily digging into ice cream while grown-ups sip green tea.

One rainy afternoon, a couple waited out a heavy storm inside, browsing the aisles and chatting with the staff.

Thoughtful touches stand out. A motorcyclist once had his meal packed carefully to fit in a bag, with dressing placed under the salad so nothing spilled during the ride.

Small gestures like that stick with people.

Who will love it? Families looking for a casual meal, curious eaters trying Mediterranean food for the first time, and home cooks hunting for ingredients all fit right in.

Travelers have detoured from the highway or the airport just to eat here.

Language is not a barrier either. Even guests who do not understand Arabic say they feel cared for.

Good food and genuine kindness tend to speak for themselves.

Practical Notes for Planning a Visit

Good news for busy schedules: the doors open every single day from 9 AM to 9 PM. Weekends keep the same hours as weekdays, so a Sunday trip works just as well as a Tuesday one.

Finding it is simple. Head to 6717 Airways Blvd, Suite 101, in Southaven, and look for the shop beside Maria’s Cantina.

Coming from Memphis or the airport, the drive is short, which makes it an easy stop before or after a flight.

Timing matters for a few things. Fresh meat can sell out, so mornings are best for butcher counter shopping.

The kitchen may close before the store does, so if you want a hot plate, aim to arrive a bit earlier in the evening.

Prices are reasonable for both groceries and meals. Diners often mention filling portions and fair costs, making it a solid choice for feeding a family without overspending.

Specific menu prices are best confirmed in person, since they can change.

A few quick tips:

Bring a cooler if you plan to buy meat. Leave room in your bag for pita and pastries.

Ask the staff for suggestions, since they enjoy helping newcomers.

Why Southaven’s Mediterranean Market Earns a Return Trip

Some stores sell groceries, and some restaurants serve meals. Few manage to do both while also running a bakery that keeps people talking.

This family-run spot in Southaven handles all three with care.

Stack up what it offers: buttery baklava in several flavors, hummus rich enough to steal the show, a spice aisle full of items you cannot find elsewhere, and halal meat that draws shoppers from across state lines. Add made-to-order plates of gyros, shawarma, and smoked rice, and you have a full day of eating in one building.

Equally important is the feeling of the place. Clean aisles, friendly conversation, and a family behind the counter make it more than a quick errand.

Visitors leave feeling like they were cooked for, not just served.

For locals, it fills a gap that DeSoto County went without for years. For travelers, it is an easy and satisfying detour near the Memphis area.

So grab a basket, order a plate, and save room for something sweet. Chances are good you will be planning your next trip before the last piece of baklava is gone.