Indiana is a state that is known for its agricultural bounty and its status as a college town. It’s no surprise then that there is plenty of Middle Eastern catering in the state, restaurants to the desires of people of all backgrounds and dietary restrictions.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 9 of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Bloomington (also Indianapolis), Indiana. From traditional shawarma joints to specialty restaurants that specialize in one specific type of Middle Eastern cuisine, this list has something for everyone. So put on your gastronomic hat, sharpen your appetite, and read on for some delicious Middle Eastern food!
Middle Eastern Catering in Bloomington Indianapolis
Indiana is home to a diverse population of people, which means there are a variety of cuisines available. From Lebanese cuisine to Jordanian cuisine to Turkish cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Fall is a great time to try out some of the local favorites, as the weather cools down and the flavors are at their peak. With so many great options available, there’s no reason to miss out on the best Middle Eastern catering in Bloomington and also in Indianapolis.
One World Catering & Events
Address: 2250 W Sunstone Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403
Menu: oneworldcaters.com
Phone: (812) 334-3663
One World Catering, a renowned catering and event company situated in Bloomington, Indiana, will assist you in planning the wedding celebration of your dreams.
One World Catering has the skills and resources to ensure the success of every function leading up to your special day, whether it be a small family wedding luncheon or a sizable sit-down celebration.
Bridal showers, wedding rehearsal dinners, and honeymoon breakfasts are also handled by the culinary staff. One World Catering employs chefs with formal training who prepare all of the meals on-site utilizing the best local products. Choose One World Catering for unique culinary dishes that will make your special day unique!
Services Provided
One World Catering offers a broad range of catering services. The following cuisine serving styles are available to customers:
- Breakfast/brunch
- Buffet
- Cake
- Cocktail reception
- Custom menu
- Dessert
- French service
- Hors d’oeuvres
- Lunch
- Plated
- Stations
Cuisine
One World Catering provides a wide range of cuisines and dishes to its customers. Among the cuisine types available are, but are not restricted to:
- American
- BBQ
- French
- Greek
- Indian
- Italian
- Mediterranean
- Mexican
- Southern
- Southwestern
- Thai
McAlister’s Deli
The easygoing counter-service chain is known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes, and sweet tea.
Address in Bloomington: 2510 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401
Phone: (812) 333-4800
Address in Indianapolis:
5822 Crawsfordsville Road Indianapolis, IN 46224 – Phone: (317) 610-0510
6020 East 82nd St Suite 1500 Indianapolis, IN 46250 – Phone: (317) 813-9000
8487 Union Chapel Road Indianapolis, IN 46240 – Phone: (317) 259-4000
8840 N Michigan Rd. Suite 104 Indianapolis, IN 46268 – Phone: (317) 872-6500
8860 South Emerson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46237 – Phone: (463) 999-0190
9140 Rockville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46234 – Phone: (317) 273-9400
9450 N. Meridian St. Suite C Indianapolis, IN 46260 – Phone: (317) 569-8900
9702 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46229 – Phone: (317) 890-0500
Website: mcalistersdeli.com
At McAlister’s, our sandwiches are piled high, our tea is famous, and our salads, soups and giant spuds are packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Find a new favorite or try a classic, all handcrafted just for you.
According to restaurantguru.com, this restaurant’s tasty potato salads, tortilla soup, and hot sandwiches are the secret to its success. Try some yummy cookies. Don’t pass up the chance to taste it if you enjoy flavorful iced tea.
Customers may unwind at McAlister’s Deli after a long day of work thanks to the cozy ambiance. Many comments on how accommodating the staff are at this location. Visitors agree that the service is great here. You will be pleasantly surprised by the place’s reasonable costs.
Pizza X
Basic counter-serve joint offering quirky specialty pizzas, plus delivery & late-night hours.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery
Address:
PIZZA X CAMPUS: 1791 E. 10th St. Bloomington, IN, 47408 – phone: 812-339-7737
PIZZA X WEST: 1610 W. Third St. Bloomington, IN 47404 – phone: 812-332-2522
PIZZA X EAST: 877 S College Mall Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401 – phone: 812-355-5000
PIZZA X SOUTH: 2443 S. Walnut St. Pk. Bloomington, IN 47401 – phone: 812-332-8500
PIZZA X ELLETTSVILLE: 4621 W. Richland Plaza Dr. Bloomington, IN 47404 – phone: 812-876-4443
PIZZA X NORTH: Only delivery store – phone: 812-333-0000
Website: pizzaxbloomington.com
Since 1982, Pizza X has been delivering Bloomington’s preferred pizza. For more than 30 years, we have been known for producing the freshest, quickest pies on campus and elsewhere.
When you’re around, order some tasty pizza, breadsticks, and pork at this pizzeria. An important benefit of Pizza X East is food delivery. The majority of users mention how knowledgeable the staff is.
You should go to this location if you want to receive professional service. Many individuals claim that the costs of the dishes are reasonable.
Chick-fil-A
Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Service options: Dine-in · Drive-through · Delivery
Bloomington addresses:
3020 E 3rd St College Mall pad, Bloomington, IN 47401 – Phone: (812) 330-5590
2856 E 3rd St Spc C-9, Bloomington, IN 47401 – Phone: (812) 332-4877
Indianapolis Addresses:
49 W Maryland St Spc VC-10, Indianapolis, IN 46204 – Phone: (317) 822-8501
420 University Blvd Ste 120, Indianapolis, IN 46202 – Phone: (317) 231-0215
6231 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 – Phone: (317) 257-7207
3360 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268 – Phone: (317) 871-5330
5240 E Southport Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46237 – Phone: (317) 780-7477
3802 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46240 – Phone: (317) 578-4511
10 E Washington St Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204 – Phone: (463) 224-6777
2020 E County Line Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227 – Phone: (317) 888-4996
6020 E 82nd St Ste 1012, Indianapolis, IN 46250 – Phone: (317) 842-3288
9961 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46229 – Phone: (317) 497-0565
7800 Col H Weir Cook Mem Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Website: chick-fil-a.com
The excellent grilled chicken, chicken sandwiches, and spicy chicken are these fast food’s distinguishing features. If you’re hungry, come here for delicious waffles and tasty biscuits. The best drinks to try include superb lemonade and delicious tea.
Chick-fil-A is renowned for its excellent customer service and helpful staff that are always willing to assist you. It is a good location with a serene atmosphere.
Panera Bread
Known for its bread and free WiFi, this counter-serve bakery/café chain serves sandwiches, salads, and more.
Service options: Rapid Pick-Up · Delivery · Group Order · Catering
Bloomington Address: 2748 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401 – Phone: (812) 335-9785
Indianapolis Addresses:
110 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 – Phone: (317) 822-8385
5335 E Southport Rd Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46237 – Phone: (317) 881–3150
6055 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 – Phone: (317) 259-7882
2902 W 86th St Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46268 – Phone: (317) 334-7800
6050 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46278 – Phone: (317) 871-0833
3824 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46240 – Phone: (317) 576-6100
55 S Raceway Rd Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46231 – Phone: (317) 273-8820
9145 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46216 – Phone: (317) 542-7450
Website: panerabread.com
Catering Website: catering.panerabread.com
And we believe that good food, food you can feel good about, can bring out the best in all of us. Food served in a warm, welcoming environment, by people who care. To us, that’s good eating and that’s why we’re here.
Types of Catering:
- Catering – Panera Catering offers mouthwatering meals for any group and occasion, whether it’s for a business conference or family get-together.
- Panera Day @ Work – Everyone may easily grab lunch or dinner with Panera Day @ Work. Order in advance set your own schedule, and we’ll deliver to the location and time that you specify.
- Panera Connects Virtual Events – Panera Connects provides tasty individually prepared meals to every participant during virtual meetings and events.
- Host a Group Order – Use a special link to invite guests to a single order. Take a look at our menu and add items to your order. Orders placed by your visitors will show up in your cart. Exempt from taxes and CCA.
Trojan Horse
The kitschy tavern is known for its menu of Greek and American entrees, pub grub, milkshakes, and cocktails.
Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · Delivery
Address: 100 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
Website: thetrojanhorse.com
Phone: (812) 332-1101
Even a few years before we opened the door of The Trojan Horse, we were perfecting our secret Gyro recipe.
All guests will enjoy the Greek and Mediterranean cuisines here. This restaurant is worth visiting for the excellently cooked fish tacos, double cheeseburgers, and chicken gyros. You’ll enjoy the meals there, especially the cheesecakes, baklava, and vanilla ice cream.
Customers claim that Trojan Horse’s draft beer is excellent in their reviews. Your dinner will be much more amazing if you get great juice or delectable milkshakes; you’ll definitely want to return.
The fact that food is delivered here is a significant plus. Many visitors comment on how kind the staff is at this restaurant. Clients concur that the service is excellent. You may get food at this eatery for a reasonable price. Visitors can unwind in this space due to the attractive decor and welcoming ambiance.
The kitschy tavern is known for its menu of Greek and American entrees, pub grub, milkshakes, and cocktails.
IU Catering
Located in: Indiana Memorial Union
Address: 900 E 7th St #017, Bloomington, IN 47405
Website: imu.indiana.edu
Phone: (812) 855-1777
Specialties
Your event can benefit from a full range of top-notch catering services from Indiana Memorial Union Catering, which is supported by a skilled and knowledgeable team and a fun and imaginative menu. They are pleased to collaborate with you to cater a range of events, including social gatherings, conferences, and corporate events as well as wedding receptions. They can deftly create delectable food alternatives to suit a variety of dietary restrictions.
It was founded in 1909.
Whatever you choose for your special occasion, Indiana Memorial Union Catering can offer you a full range of top-notch catering services supported by a qualified crew who work with original and enjoyable cuisine.
They are pleased to collaborate with you to cater a range of events, including social gatherings, conferences, and corporate events as well as wedding receptions.
Eleven spaces, including Alumni Hall, Federal Room, Frangipani Room, Georgian Room, KP Williams Room, State Room East and West, and Tudor Room, are available at the Union and are perfect for fully catered gatherings.
Their culinary staff has produced an infinite Menu Guide and is capable of providing catering for on-and off-campus events outside of the Union.
Turkuaz Cafe
A cozy spot offering traditional Turkish dishes and coffee, plus a small Mediterranean grocery.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery
Address: 301 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401
Website: turkuazcafe.com
Phone: (812) 333-7908
You may get fantastic Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine delicacies at this tavern. The majority of customers recommend ordering well-cooked beef kebabs, lentil soup, and red soup.
At Turkuaz Cafe, you may always indulge in delectable baklava, tiramisu, and yogurt. Your lunch will be improved by good wine, and you’ll undoubtedly return. It is mandatory to sample wonderful coffee, juice, or tea while visiting this location.
Customers can unwind in this establishment’s cozy setting after a long day at work. The personnel is attractive, according to the majority of tourists. The cool service at this pub demonstrates its high degree of excellence. Reviews generally mention how inexpensive things are for what you get. Visitors can unwind in the adorable design.
A cozy spot offering traditional Turkish dishes & coffee, plus a small Mediterranean grocery.
Samira Restaurant
An upmarket eatery serving Afghan recipes, including kebabs and dumplings, plus wine.
Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · Delivery
Address: 100 W 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47404
Website: samirarestaurant.com
Phone: (812) 331-3761
Celebrate our flavors! We serve a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees and appetizers made from scratch.
Samira Restaurant serves Afghan and Mediterranean delicacies. You can order perfectly prepared lamb salads, steaming dumplings, and lentil soup. At this location, sample the excellent yogurt and good baklava. Try this delicious wine while you’re here. It’s time to sample some excellent coffee.
Send an invitation to your girlfriend to this cozy location. Without the adorable personnel, the restaurant would not have received its great reviews. People mention excellent service in their comments. You may have cuisine at Samira Restaurant for reasonable costs. Many visitors believe the decor is contemporary.
An upmarket eatery serving Afghan recipes, including kebabs and dumplings, plus wine.
Types of Middle Eastern cuisine
“Middle East” cuisine is consumed by residents of Middle Eastern and West Asian nations. This distinct diet consists mostly of hummus, falafel, tahini, tabouleh, baklava, pita bread, baba ghannouj, foul mudammes, and lokum. This diet, which makes significant use of olive oil and a wide range of spicy foods, also includes various types of meat and vegetables.
Falafel
Falafel is what Americans would refer to as Middle Eastern “fast food.” Falafel is typically sold by street sellers as a sandwich, but it can also be served as an appetizer with salad, tahini, or hummus. Another variation is a pita bread sandwich loaded with tomatoes, tahini, and lettuce.
Falafel is a favorite among vegetarians since it is meatless and made with components like chickpeas, onions, garlic, parsley, and flour. Falafel balls are cooked till browned with a modest bit of oil.
Tahini
Tahini, a paste made from mashed sesame seeds, is typically used to produce hummus. Tahini is available to Middle Eastern consumers in jars, cans, and dried form.
Tahini comes in both hulled and unhulled varieties, but because the unhulled kind is so bitter, most consumers choose the latter. Tahini can be used in place of peanut butter in soups and sauces and is typically combined with salt, garlic, and lemon juice.
Tabouleh
Tabouleh is a salad that can be eaten with pita bread or by itself with a fork and is made with olive oil, spices, and fresh veggies. When pita bread is hollowed out and filled with tabouleh, large grape leaves are frequently utilized as scooping implements.
Cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and carrots are among the vegetables usually used in tabouleh, along with flavorings like parsley, mint, and lemon juice.
Baklava
The dessert known as baklava is made up of layers of sweet, buttery phyllo pastry, nuts, and spices. Extremely thin strips of unleavened flour dough are known as phyllo pastry, and it is popular throughout the Middle East and the Balkans.
After baking, the phyllo pastry is covered in a hot syrup made of lemon and honey until it is completely saturated. Arabic baklava, which is sweetened with a syrup produced from sugar and rose water, is a slightly different variation of the dessert.
Baba Ghanoush
Traditionally served with pita bread, tortilla chips, or potato chips, baba ghanoush is a creamy dip with a smokey flavor that is made with eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Olive oil is always used as a garnish for baba ghanoush, and sometimes cumin, parsley, or red pepper flakes are also added.
Foul Mudammas
Foul madammas is a typical Middle Eastern morning dish that includes mashed and spiced fava beans as well as garlic, cayenne pepper, tahini, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper are the topping ingredients for this dish.
Lokum
Lokum (rahat lokum, or “Turkish Delight”) are soft, gel-like confectionery cubes made from sugar, nuts, pistachios, rosewater, and lemon, and are thought to have been developed as a response to a Sultan’s hatred of hard candies. Lokum cubes are sprinkled with cinnamon, mint, icing sugar, or powdered cream of tartar.
A healthier diet than the conventional Western diet, Middle Eastern food encourages a lower intake of saturated fats, processed flour, and sweets while including more fresh fruits and vegetables. When combined with a regular exercise regimen, studies on the consequences of eating a Middle Eastern diet show that it can lower the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Conclusion
Looking for delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in Bloomington and Indianapolis, Indiana? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 9 best Middle Eastern cuisine restaurants in Bloomington, perfect for any foodie. From falafel to shawarma, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Dive into our list and enjoy some of the best Middle Eastern cuisines Indiana has to offer!
