About Baba Saj

10 Years of Tradition: Family-Owned Mediterranean Restaurant Chicago

The journey of Baba Saj began in September 2014, when I relocated to Chicago, USA, at the age of 29. Holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing and with over five years of professional experience, I was initially surprised by the lengthy procedures required to practice nursing in the U.S. During the waiting period, I found myself longing for the authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, which was hard to come by in local Chicago restaurants. This nostalgia and passion for the flavors of my homeland led me to experiment with recreating these dishes in my own kitchen. As I dedicated more time to perfecting these recipes, I realized that achieving the authentic taste of Middle Eastern food required not only passion but also patience, effort, and an extensive understanding of the flavors. With this in mind, I began gathering a wide variety of spices and ingredients to craft the perfect dishes. After two years of trials and fine-tuning, I finally succeeded in creating the flavors I had been seeking. In 2015, I acquired an artisanal pita bakery in Oak Lawn, IL, and gradually expanded its menu. The response from customers was overwhelmingly positive, and by 2017, I had completed the menu and was ready to take the next step. With the support of my wife and loyal team, we transformed the bakery into a full-fledged Middle Eastern restaurant, which we named Baba Saj. The name quickly became synonymous with exceptional taste and service in the region, and by 2019, we had opened a second branch in the same area. Over time, Baba Saj gained widespread recognition across the South Chicago area and beyond. The demand for expansion grew, leading us to consider opening additional locations across the country. By early 2023, I made the decision to officially launch the Baba Saj restaurant chain, with the goal of bringing the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to every home in the United States.