Princess Market in Mesa: Excellent Hummus, Affordable Middle Eastern Fare

posted on: Jun 3, 2015

If you’re going to eat one thing at Princess Market in Mesa, make it the hummus. You’re probably thinking, “Seriously? Hummus?” But I’d be willing to bet that you’ve never tasted hummus this good.

The chickpea dip you know will pale in comparison to the feather-light hummus at this market and restaurant. Served under a thin layer of top-quality olive oil, sprinkled with cayenne, it’s whipped until the peaks of dip stand high. It’s rich in flavor — with deep, toasted notes from sesame paste and mellow piquant garlic, while a hint of lemon cuts through layers of fat and oil. Somehow, none of it overpowers the subtle nuttiness of the chickpeas themselves.

The restaurant’s hummus has become so popular that owner Noor Alsadi has started selling it at farmers markets as well as in containers in the market adjacent to his restaurant. In addition to the plain classic hummus, you can buy tubs in flavors including cilantro jalapeño.

For 13 years, this small Middle Eastern grocery, located on Broadway Road just east of Loop 101, has been selling market staples. Alsadi’s father originally started the business, but he died last year and the son has taken over the business along with his sister, Deena. You’ll almost always find either one or both of them bouncing back and forth between the restaurant and market checkout counter.

Noor aims to focus the business more on the restaurant than the market, and though there are only 18 tables and service can be slow, the affordable Middle Eastern fare at Princess Market makes it a worthwhile stop.

Aside from the spectacular hummus, Princess Market’s falafel also makes a grand impression. The uniformly shaped fava bean and chickpea patties come fried to a deep hue of brown with a crunchy coating that gives way to a tender, green inside. A top crust of toasted sesame seeds provides rich, deep flavors that make a nice contrast to the garlic, onion, cilantro, and parsley. They’re served six to an order with a cup of tahini in the middle, and I wouldn’t blame you for wanting the whole thing for yourself. You easily could make a meal strictly of small plates — order falafel with some hummus; lebni, a yogurt cheese spread; and kibbeh, deep-fried patties of bulgur wheat and meat made slightly sweet thanks to the inclusion of allspice and cinnamon.

Source: www.phoenixnewtimes.com