Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery

For residents across the Illinois region, especially those dedicated to culinary exploration or seeking the authentic flavors of the Middle East and Persia, **Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery** in Chicago represents a true local treasure. Located in the culturally rich Albany Park neighborhood, this establishment is a unique, three-in-one destination: a renowned bakery, a specialty grocery store, and a source for delightful Middle Eastern prepared foods. It is a vital hub for the community, providing essential, high-quality ingredients and a taste of home for many.

The reputation of Al Khyam extends well beyond its storefront on Kedzie Avenue. This is not just a neighborhood bakery; it is a serious supplier whose signature product, its pita bread, is distributed to other Chicago-area grocery stores and restaurants. As one customer from Rockford noted, they get the "Alkhayam pita bread at Valli's Produce," a testament to its widespread recognition for having "the best taste and texture." This wholesale-level quality is brought directly to the consumer in their Albany Park location, making it the premier source for freshly baked goods and specialty ingredients.

Al Khyam’s dual nature as a bakery and a full grocery store offers unparalleled convenience. Patrons can step in for a bag of famously fresh pita, linger over the deli counter for authentic Middle Eastern cheeses and olives, and stock up on specialized dry goods and spices—including "lots of Persian stuff"—all in one visit. This comprehensive offering is what makes Al Khyam indispensable for local cooks and food enthusiasts in Illinois who demand authenticity and quality in their kitchen staples. The atmosphere is that of a bustling, traditional market, connecting the local Chicago community directly to the rich culinary traditions of the Levant and beyond.

Location and Accessibility

Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery is conveniently situated at **4738 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA**. This prime location in the Albany Park neighborhood—a diverse area known for its strong concentration of international businesses and restaurants—positions it as an easy-to-reach resource for people across the city and surrounding suburbs.

The establishment demonstrates a commitment to serving all members of the Illinois community by ensuring full accessibility. Key features include a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, making it easy for customers with mobility issues to navigate the store and access the fresh baked goods and groceries. Critically, it also offers a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, significantly reducing the barrier for customers driving from further distances in Illinois and ensuring a hassle-free visit from the moment of arrival.

The Kedzie Avenue location is central to a major commercial corridor, making it a prominent and practical stop for daily grocery shopping or for picking up fresh, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine ingredients. Its hours of operation, generally 9:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, also provide flexibility for customers with varying schedules, ensuring that the freshest pita and ingredients are available throughout the day and into the evening.

Services Offered

Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery provides a powerful combination of three distinct services under one roof, catering to a wide range of culinary needs for the Illinois public.

• **In-House Bakery and Pita Production:** The primary service is the large-scale production of high-quality, authentic **Lebanese Pita Bread (Arabic Bread)**. This bread is noted for its superior flavor and texture and is baked in special ovens imported from Lebanon. The bakery also produces other sweet and savory baked goods, including delicious sweets and prepared Middle Eastern pastries.

• **Specialty Middle Eastern & Persian Grocery Store:** Al Khyam functions as a comprehensive international market, stocking a vast inventory of imported and domestic goods essential for Middle Eastern and Persian cooking. This includes hard-to-find spices, lentils, grains, unique canned goods, teas, and an extensive selection of olives and pickled vegetables.

• **Deli and Fresh Goods Counter:** The grocery section features a dedicated deli area with fresh dairy products, including various types of authentic cheeses like feta and halloumi, and creamy *labneh*. This counter is the go-to spot for fresh items that perfectly complement the bakery’s fresh pita.

• **Ready-to-Eat Middle Eastern Fare:** Categorized as a Middle Eastern restaurant, the store offers quick, prepared foods, which typically include items like *Manakish* (savory flatbreads), various savory pies, and the aforementioned "delicious sweets," perfect for a quick snack or a take-home dessert.

Features / Highlights

The true value of Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery lies in the specific, high-quality features that distinguish it as a premier destination for Middle Eastern food lovers in Illinois.

• **The Best Pita Bread in Illinois:** The store’s greatest highlight is its fresh, authentic pita bread. Described as thin, soft, and having the "best taste and texture," this is the genuine Lebanese *kimaj*—baked quickly at high temperatures in specialized imported ovens. The pita is the staple of the business and is recognized and sold by other markets, affirming its excellent reputation and quality.

• **Extensive Persian and Middle Eastern Selection:** The grocery offers a deep inventory of products catering specifically to Middle Eastern and Persian recipes. Customers seeking authentic ingredients will find a wealth of options, including fresh and pickled olives, various legumes, rice varieties, and a wide array of spices like Za'atar—making it a superior resource compared to conventional supermarkets.

• **Authentic Dairy and Deli Items:** The deli counter is a highlight, offering specialty dairy products such as authentic *labneh* (a thick yogurt cheese), fresh *feta*, and *halloumi*. These fresh, imported products are crucial for creating authentic Middle Eastern mezes and meals at home.

• **Delicious and Authentic Sweets:** A noted feature by customers is the selection of "delicious sweets" and baked goods. While the focus is on the savory pita, the bakery’s skill extends to traditional desserts and pastries, which are a must-try after stocking up on groceries.

• **Unbeatable Convenience and Accessibility:** The combination of a top-tier bakery, a specialty grocery, and a deli, coupled with its excellent accessibility including **Wheelchair accessible parking**, makes it a one-stop shop that saves time and guarantees authentic quality for cooks across the Chicago metropolitan area.

Contact Information

For customers in the Illinois region looking to inquire about product availability, wholesale pita orders, or general store information, please use the provided contact details.

Address: 4738 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

Phone: (773) 583-3077

What is Worth Choosing

Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery is a necessary choice for anyone in Illinois who values authentic Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine and ingredients. It stands out in the Chicago landscape not just as a local business, but as a culinary institution known for supplying a foundational staple: its exceptionally high-quality Lebanese pita bread. This signature product, known throughout the region, is reason enough to visit.

Beyond the bakery, the full grocery store offering provides an essential service to both Middle Eastern households and adventurous home cooks. The ability to source specialty items, from extensive Persian groceries to authentic *Za'atar* and fresh *labneh*, all in one place, elevates the shopping experience. It removes the guesswork and provides a direct, trustworthy source for ingredients required for dishes that simply cannot be replicated with conventional supermarket supplies. The store’s commitment to making this experience accessible to everyone, proven by its wheelchair accessibility and convenient location, further solidifies its value. For an authentic taste, unparalleled quality in baked goods, and a comprehensive selection of Middle Eastern and Persian provisions, Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery is a highly recommended and invaluable destination in the Chicago area for the entire Illinois community.

Al Khyam Bakery & Grocery

4738 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA