Phoenicia refers to the ancient civilization in modern-day Lebanon, Israel and Syria, known in particular for its alphabet and as a center of trade in the region.

Phoenicia Specialty Foods is a grocery store in Downtown Houston focusing on the food of that region. Whether you’re on a lunch run downtown, cooking a Middle Eastern spread for dinner, or picking up your favorite brand of olive oil, Phoenicia is the perfect spot.

First things first. My favorite item on the Uber Eats menu is the Lamb kofte wrap at the grab-and-go counter. But for those with the time to grocery shop, and the luck to find a parking spot downtown, there are a number of fun items to explore.

For those like myself who can’t get enough carbs, Phoenicia has a nice bread selection, from zataar and cheese flatbreads to Iraqi khubz. Phoenicia’s other, larger location just outside the loop even has a conveyor belt delivering fresh pita bread down to salivating customers.

Phoenicia’s pre-made section is fantastic – from dolmathes and Armenian stuffed grape leaves, to tabouli, to muhammarra – which is a roasted red pepper and walnut dip, originating from Aleppo, Syria. Also an Uber Eats favorite.

But the best thing about Phoenicia is variety. It’s the perfect place for spices, olive oil, black tea and other goodies. They offer over 50 kinds of olive oil alone, from more than 20 countries across the world. If you’re planning an olive spread for friends, there’s an entire olive bar here with dozens of varieties, from salty to spicy.

And for dessert, who could miss the fresh, flaky baklava or variety of boxed halva – a sweet dessert from the region, often made from sesame or sunflower seeds.