Baba Kabob Market and Deli: Middle Eastern Sandwiches and Groceries in Columbia

What you'll find at Baba Kabob Market and Deli

Baba Kabob Market and Deli is a family-run spot in Columbia that serves made-to-order Middle Eastern sandwiches and stocks a grocery section with imported ingredients. The deli counter makes kabob sandwiches, shawarma, and falafel wraps to order, and the market side carries spices, oils, flatbreads, and prepared foods you won't find at a standard grocery store. It's the kind of place where the owner knows regulars by name and can tell you exactly which brand of sumac or tahini works best for what you're cooking.

The sandwich menu centers on grilled meats and vegetables wrapped in pita or flatbread, with options to customize heat level and toppings. Prices run modest—most sandwiches fall in the $8 to $12 range. The grocery section lets you buy ingredients to cook at home, or grab ready-made items like hummus, baba ganoush, or prepared rice dishes if you're short on time.

Key Takeaways

• Baba Kabob makes fresh sandwiches to order, with kabob, shawarma, and falafel as the main proteins.
• The market stocks Middle Eastern spices, oils, flatbreads, and prepared foods that standard supermarkets don't carry.
• Prices for sandwiches typically range from $8 to $12, making it affordable for a quick lunch or dinner.
• The deli counter staff can advise on ingredients and cooking methods if you're new to Middle Eastern cooking.

The sandwich menu and how to order

Walk up to the counter and tell them what you want. The most popular order is a kabob sandwich—grilled meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) with tomatoes, onions, and sauce wrapped in warm pita. Shawarma sandwiches use thinly sliced, seasoned meat that's been cooked on a vertical spit, giving it a different texture and flavor. Falafel sandwiches are the vegetarian option: fried chickpea patties with lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce.

You can ask for extra vegetables, request the sauce on the side, or ask them to go light on the spice if you prefer milder food. Most orders come with a choice of sauce—garlic sauce, hot sauce, or tahini are standard. They'll wrap it in foil and hand it to you warm. Eating there isn't really an option; it's a counter operation with minimal seating, so most people take their food to go.

The grocery section and what to stock

Beyond the deli counter, the market carries dry goods and specialty items organized by type. You'll find multiple brands of olive oil, including some imported from the Middle East and Mediterranean. The spice section includes sumac, za'atar, cumin, coriander, and other staples for Middle Eastern cooking. They stock different types of flatbread and pita, some fresh and some frozen, plus rice varieties like jasmine and basmati.

The refrigerated section holds hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, and other prepared dips and spreads. They also carry feta cheese, halloumi, and other cheeses that work well in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. If you're looking for a specific ingredient and don't see it, ask—they may have it in the back or can order it for you.

When to go and what to expect

Lunch hours (roughly 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and early evening (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) are busiest. If you're going during those times, expect a short line and a wait of 5 to 10 minutes for your sandwich. Off-peak hours move faster. The staff works efficiently even when busy, so the wait rarely stretches longer than 15 minutes.

The space is small and functional—clean, but not designed for lingering. If you want to eat there, you'll need to stand or take your food elsewhere. Most people grab their sandwich and eat in their car, at work, or at home. The market section is easy to browse while you wait for your order.

Location, parking, and how to find it

Baba Kabob is located on Devine Street in Columbia, in a small shopping center with street parking and a small lot. Parking is usually easy to find, even during lunch rush. The storefront is modest and easy to miss if you're not looking for it, so it helps to know the address or look for the sign.

The neighborhood is walkable if you're coming from nearby offices or residential areas. The shopping center sits in a mixed-use part of Devine Street with other small businesses nearby, making it convenient to combine a deli run with other errands.

Pricing and payment methods

Sandwiches typically cost between $8 and $12 depending on the protein and size. Grocery items are priced competitively with specialty markets—spices and oils cost more than supermarket brands but less than you'd pay at a high-end specialty store. They accept cash and card, though it's worth asking about payment methods when you order.

If you shop regularly for bulk spices or oils, ask about pricing on larger quantities. Small markets often offer discounts for repeat customers or larger purchases, especially on dry goods that don't expire quickly.

Why locals go there

People return to Baba Kabob for consistent quality and authenticity. The sandwiches taste like they're made by someone who knows the food, not someone following a corporate recipe. The grocery section fills a real gap for people cooking Middle Eastern food at home or looking for ingredients they can't find elsewhere in Columbia.

It's also one of the few places in the area where you can get a fresh, made-to-order Middle Eastern sandwich at a fair price. The staff's knowledge of ingredients and willingness to answer questions about cooking methods makes it a resource, not just a transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead by phone?

Call ahead to ask if they take phone orders—some delis do, some don't. If they do, ordering ahead can cut your wait time, especially during lunch rush. Even if they don't take orders, calling to confirm they're open or ask about a specific ingredient is worth doing.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Falafel sandwiches are the main vegetarian sandwich option. The market also carries hummus, baba ganoush, and other vegetable-based prepared foods. Ask the counter staff what other vegetarian options they might have on a given day.

Do they have halal meat?

Many Middle Eastern delis source halal meat, but you should ask directly to confirm. The staff can tell you about their meat sourcing and preparation methods.

What if I'm allergic to nuts or sesame?

Tell the counter staff about your allergy before ordering. Tahini (made from sesame) is common in sauces and dips, and nuts may be used in some prepared items. They can tell you which items are safe and prepare your sandwich carefully to avoid cross-contact.

Can I buy ingredients in bulk?

Ask about bulk pricing on spices, oils, or other items you buy regularly. Small markets often offer discounts for larger quantities, especially on dry goods.