I don't get out to the Sauson International Grocery as often as I used to, but I still make the trip 1-2 times a month for mainly one thing: some of the freshest and tastiest bread in all of the DMV. Every culture has their own interpretation of taking the basic ingredients of flour, yeast, salt and water and transforming it via various baking methods into their version of "bread." There is a long history of using circular oval shaped ovens in Asia and the Middle East as a way of both conserving space and to efficiently cook foods with even heat distribution and small footprints in otherwise cramped kitchens. In India these ovens are called tandoors while in Japan they are referenced as kamados. Sauson International Grocery has been in operation since 2011, and the owner, who everyone knows as "Mr. Rashid," is of Persian descent having emigrated from Iran. He is always super friendly and willing to answer questions I may have about the wide variety of Middle Eastern spices and foods this place stocks. Don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with him, and he offers you a cup of wonderfully spiced tea and a cookie or pastry from the delectable dessert case. As some of the reviews have noted, parking is tricky. There is a small covered garage under the building. But you may have to park at the nearby church or on the street and then walk over to the store. This place is well known for their bread, which is being made throughout the day. I came a bit later today, so they had just finished making a few batches. But it's not uncommon to witness skilled bakers kneading and rolling, and then slapping the dough onto the circular metallic oven for a few minutes, before piping hot fresh bread emerges. The bread is amazing. It is pliable, without being overly chewy. It is slightly salty, with a great smoky almost charred flavor. I've had it cut into pieces and then dipped with hummus or rolled into gyros or used to sandwich kabob meat. And believe it or not, it's even pretty good as a PB&J. Everyone, and I mean everyone, I've introduced this product to usually asks: (1). What type of bread is this? and (2). Where can I buy it? Note: As of this review, the current price is $8.05 for FOUR large round pieces of bread. Apart from the bread, there is also a small butcher shop in the back, and a kitchen where hot foods like kabob platters are made. There is also a small seating area in front of the store, where folks can sip tea and relax while enjoying sweets from the display case. Sauson is a really cool place and while I usually go with the intention of only buying bread, it's not uncommon for me to walk out with a few bags of unique Middle Eastern groceries. read more

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Impressive variety of selection and wonderful hospitality. Can't wait to go back soon.

Great selection of Persian spices and international food great customer service too. They can cook fresh food or you can take stuff home to make when you are ready. read more

Small business in the neighborhood that I would love to support. We love love LOVE the fresh bread made in the store----- simply wonderful! I love their pastry. They also do kabob and cater....I will definitely try. read more

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Although I live in Vienna traveling to Sterling to shop here is my preference. They are courteous attentive and quick to help customers. The owner climbed a ladder immediately to get something for me without hesitation. Appreciate their extra effort to make me feel welcomed. Be back !!! read more

Mr. Rashid Soldozy is a very kind and generous person, with all customers and not just the ones has known for a while. Whenever I stop by, he'd offer me tea (and some pastries, or whatever he has then). I've almost always found what I looked for. And I usually go there to get the Caleh Pacha and he makes it the best of all other places I've tried. I've also recently tried the kabob and other meals he makes and I was just as impressed by the kabob as I have been by the Pacha. read more

Sauson International Grocery - Pacha I ordered from him. He usually makes it fresh on Fridays. - Convenience Stores Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

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Cool mix of Turkish foods, etc. with a great assortment of raw ingredients to prepared foods and candies.

Best kebabs I've had in the US. Owner is great. Try the pistachio cotton candy. Love this place

The proprietor is quite chatty, however, the cleanliness of the store leaves much to be desired. There is a notable presence of cockroaches and I have even spotted mice. read more

We stopped by because we happened to be in the neighborhood - the first time my husband tried to go there, they were completely slammed with holiday orders and customers. We ordered some kielbasas after talking to the deli staff, got some pierogis after asking for some recommendations, picked some pastries because they looked good, and a pretty mug. They're a bit far to go to regularly but I'd definitely go back - the food was good and everyone was really friendly which is what you always hope for when you walk into a small grocery store like that (but usually don't get). read more

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Rashid or Sauson the owner is pathetic, Do not Go to this store. they Bought produce from everywhere and never pay them. He is crook & Con artist. We are farmers and the money he owed is a farmers money. read more

This gem is a go-to for literally everything you need for a perfect Persian dish, treat, or trinket. Fully stocked aside, it's the lavash you HAVE to go for. Fresh, delicious, and made with incredible skill. We always buy in bulk to freeze so we never run out! read more

After coming here for several years this place never disappoints. Although the food is absolutely incredible- the friendliness and hospitality of the owner keeps us coming back. Get the combo platter of chicken and kubideh- you won't regret. Also, don't hesitate to try any of the delicious Persian sweets. This market is a gem and we look forward to our next visit. read more

This is a wonderful international market. The homemade bread and pastries are off the charts good and reason enough to make the trip. The selection of delicious hard to find snacks, drinks, and other staples from the Middle East are huge bonus. read more

This Grocery store is a special place. They make the best breads (middle eastern style) and the selection of groceries is superb. The pastries are exceptional. They also make fantastic kabobs and other Food dishes. The teas are the best your will find, the Persian tea and the earl grey tea are exceptional. The boss/host is very knowledgeable about his food products and lets you know the health benefits from the products. The have a vast supply of assorted nuts, specialty cheese and other food accessories. I really like this place! read more

A must try amazing food and great customer service. Tried lamb shank and was not disappointed one of the best. Had a falafel sandwich which is was really good. Will definitely be going there again. read more

No shipping baskets and not a very friendly atmosphere. I bought a few items today. The guy at the register did not return my greeting and turned his back on me to mix his tea before ringing up my items. Not a "thank you" from him either after handing me my receipt, he kept on chatting with other people there. My first AND last time there. read more

Great family owned establishment. Loved the carry out food and friendly owner. They have a great selection of nuts, deserts, meats, and fresh Naan bread. read more

Visited this hidden gem for the first time today. I was blown away by the quality and service! Definitely my new goto spot for gyros, kabobs, fresh bread and meats. Try the Persian tea! read more

Be mindful... This is probably the most disgusting (Hygiene) grocery store I have ever been to. Do not shop or eat their food as I have witnessed some very graphic and nasty things they do in the back) Those cookies and pasteries are filthy and the food they prepare for you in the back is even worse. They don't wash hands (I have witnessed). The owner Mr. Sausan is a huge liar and all he does is sweet talk people and wish them well when in reality it is the absolute the other way around. H lures people into buying things they don't need just like a furniture salesman. Earlier this week I walked in and went in the back to see someone for help. There I witnessed a lady smoking a cigarette with one hand and organizing the cookie tray to be displayed in the front with the other hand. I told her she should put the cigarette out and she abruptly stated if I have a problem with her smoking and handling food, I need to talk to Mr. Sausan (The awful pathological lying owner) and that she wasn't going to stop because he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. On my way back to the front of the store, I witnessed an employee digging his bare hands (NO GLOVES) in the feta cheese pan looking for a piece of cheese while he was holding a fresh piece of bread with the other hand for a snack of some sort. Another employee while baking laughably yelled out "You're digging in the pan again with your bare hands and no gloves as usual?" As they both laughed. The employee with his elbow deep in the cheese brine responded "The best part about it is that I just came out of doing #2 in the bathroom and didn't even wash my hands" "You need to shut your mouth and mind your own business. I do whatever I want when I want" of course this was all said in their native language Farsi which I share and they didn't think there was anyone that could understand that or whatever the case may be. When I approached the Owner and told him about it these different incidences, he told me to not worry about it. The employees have families to feed and he was not going to get rid of them or reprimand them. Mr. Sauson gives Persian people a very bad name and awful picture. I have personally gotten sick multiple times when I have purchased products from them. Overall a very nasty and dirty environment (Especially behind closed doors in the back). And awfully managed store. You can do better as there are much better Persian grocery stores in NOVA. I just wanted to share my experience with you. I hope you take that into consideration the next time you think about stepping a foot into Sauson international Grocery inc. read more

This is one of those little stores that packs a big punch. Shelves stacked to the ceiling with pretty much everything you could imagine at a middle easter grocery and many things I have never seen before. Who knew there was such a thing as dill water, fennel water and numerous other waters. I have no idea what you do with many of these ingredients, but that's what makes it more fun! I also got a chicken wrap. I was huge and quite tasty. I could only eat half of it. Saved the other half for dinner. read more

The best Persian baklava and pastries. To be honest, since I am always watching my figure I avoid this place!! Delicious everything. I take their pastries to every party I am invited to. Kabob are excellent. The store is packed with all you need to prepare middle-eastern food too. Very clean establishment and the owner is lovely. read more

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Our favorite place to get gyros. They gyros come as a wrap, but the bread they use is much better than a plain tortilla. It is some type of flat bread and tastes great. The wraps are huge, and more than enough for one person. The owner is extremely friendly, which makes the wait for the food very pleasant. They also have a large selection of baked goods, dried fruits and nuts and other groceries you can't find in a normal supermarket. If you want a good gyro, give this place a try. read more

Wonderful hospitality and clean. I've had there gyros and they are all delicious (chicken, beef, and lamb). I tried a few of their pastries and only because the owner generously offered treats along with a cup of there Persian tea as I waited for my order. This place is great! read more

Sauson International Grocery - Persian tea and a few of there pasteries ... all delicious ! - Convenience Stores Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

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Very cool store. The owner here is a trip he played Celine Deion music for me when I walked for no reason lol. He also makes killer haleem. The location is a bit peculiar but kinda easy to find. Also will stay late for you if you call him. Overall a very nice man and a very good store! read more

You must this place if you are looking for gulton free pastery also they have very nice customer service :

Sauson international is the best and most authentic persian grocery store I have ever visited. Their product are all fresh. Bread is made in house and more than likely right in front of you. Most importantly the owner of the store is the nicest man alive. The minute you meet him you feel as if he has been a member of your family forever. I really recommend the store and suggest you visit the store if you happen to be in Sterning, VA or the vicinity. read more

Not the best. The store seems Unorganized, and not very clean. You have to wait a while to get your questions answered.

I've seen the "halal gyro" sign for a few weeks now while driving on Church Rd, so I decided to give it a try. My hope was that their gyro would be in the style of our neighboring food trucks in dc (tasty kabob, halal grill, Royal C&G, etc.). Well, that's not the case but still, they're pretty decent. The gyro is done "wrap" style, meaning that it's wrapped in one big piece of thin bread (more like naan), as opposed to the smaller and thicker greek style pita bread. The gyro meat was the best part, crispy on the outside as if they'd seared it on a griddle. The meat is sliced, not in chunks as with the food trucks. They give you two sauces, white and green. The white sauce is similar to the food trucks... seems to be mayo based and thinner than traditional tzatziki. The green sauce is simply pureed peppers I believe. All in all pretty good and nice staff, I'll be back. As far as I could tell, they only serve lamb and chicken gyros as far has hot meals. There is a ton of other stuff in there though, bakery items, Halal butcher market... even hookahs! read more

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the kabobs are pretty decent. the spicy chicken was very good. the kubideh was just ok. the store owner is a very nice gentleman. however...the macaroons are the best i've ever tasted! i would put them in my pie hole all of the time if they wouldn't fatten me more than i already am. just buy and eat the macaroons, you won't be sorry. read more

Great variety of items and, if you're looking for tea - you've hit the mother load! Proprietor is as nice as they come which is, from my experience, a rarity for this type of business. Parking is scarce and hidden around back - but worth the visit. Chicken kebob was moist and tasteful. read more

Wonderful place. Not just groceries, baked delights and delicious made to order food too. My daughter and I came in and shopped for a few Persian grocery items. When we took them to the front to check out, the owner presented us with a tray of tea and pastries. Told us wonderful stories, showed us how to drink tea the Persian way, gave us a sample of incredibly juicy and delicious chicken kabob. Because the food is cooked to order, there is a bit of a wait, so suggest you order and then stroll around the store. It's one of the most welcoming and genuine places I've visited on the East Coast. The owner is filled with warm hospitality. read more

Went yesterday to get some pastries for the first time. I was greeted by a man who I think was the owner, he was very welcoming and polite. There is so much more to this place than I realized, apart from all the authentic ingredients and produce, they serve food. So I decided to try it, I have been in a bit of a Persian mission lately and I was very pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious, oh my god it was so tasty! So I will be back for sure. read more

Amazing kabob! Best in the area. Fun Turkish and Persian market. Wonderful people and amazing food! Will definitely be coming back :)

This store is full of variety, you can find all kinds of fresh handmade deserts, teas, spices, fresh fruits, and they will make you fresh kabob, salads, bread, and the best handmade cookies you will ever eat! This is a grocery store with fantastic food and so many other things to offer. Mr Sauson himself is a very warm and kind man who will definitely make you feel at home. If you're new to Persian food come check this place out you will never want to leave! read more

At first glance everything looks very decent, but you must be very careful. Dig cautiously since there are plenty of expired groceries piled up here and there. prices are quite high( above real prices in such stores) and you should dig into the stuff to find the real decent Iranian or even Mediterranean stuff. They claim that everything over there is Halal! even Halal Butcher. Overall, every time you enter this Halal Market, you feel that this should be your last time. deserved no star not even a zero! read more

Absolutely amazing food. The owner is one of the kindest most humble people I've ever met. If I could give 6 stars I would.

My favorite steakhouse Kabob grocery store in Virginia . It Has the most and best quality in food, fruits, and vegetables. Moreover, Sauson Makes the best Persian bread, traditional Persian cookies and Or Shirini. It has the number one kabab and rice in the Virginia. Must try it yourSelf . I love the price too. It just won't stop getting better and better ! read more

I used to go to this place a lot to buy different like the bread , meat and groceries when he first opened but day after day he started to get worst , the prices of the bread get double, the meat is stinks, the soda is expired for couple months ago . The watermelon I bought it few days ago and I asked him specifically if it's fresh and the owner confirmed it but when I took home I found it bad and it looks like it's been stored for weeks and this is not the first time , he is dishonest.. will never go back to this stinky store again read more

Was driving by and saw their sign and decided to check it out. Truly glad we did! Great fresh food combined with wonderful hospitality and service. The bakery has a wonderful selection of sweets as well! All of the staff were very friendly and truly welcoming. You truly feel like a guest being welcomed in to someone's home from the moment you walk in the door! We plan to go back often! read more