Kalustyans – A candy store for spice lovers

How or why would you pick an isolated spice store, particularly when the store is located in New York City. A city that never sleeps (had to put that in) and has anything a foodie could want. Well, Kalustyan’s on Lexington Ave, in the upper 20’s is what I call a candy store for spice lovers. The store has the most amazing selection spices, teas, coffee, and cookware that I can think of.

So, on lunch breaks where I am feeling splurgy (yes, nothing cheap about the place) and love to walk a few extra blocks at lunchtime, this is certainly one of my favorite go to destinations!

Most of the equipment and spices cover the Middle-East, and South and Far East of Asia. The store has organized shelves that stock the spices in categories and then in Alphabetical order. I love to get there at any excuse that I can think of, when I am lonely and feeling blue, when I am excited, when I really need something and of course most of all, when I am taking my students over. The last week when I was over I picked up some oat flour, mosty because I had never seen it before, pink peppercorns because they looked so pretty and ancho chili powder. I sustained myself with some of the tea and delicate sandwiches that they were selling in their cafe, which in itself is a very worthwhile place to visit.  But seriously, folks it has been rare that I have been looking for something and have been disappointed with what they have to offer. Yes, I have mentioned the price factor, but let’s fact it on a day when your grocery list includes oat flour, pistachios and kecap manis, there is certainly a happiness to finding it all in the same place and difficult to put a price to the lack of aggravation of meandering from place to place.

I dolefully eyed the tagines, that the husband will not let me buy until I clear up some space for them in the house, sigh! Maybe I will mark it down as a birthday gift to myself! I know, I know, some girls like jewelry and I like cookwear.  So if you want to browse spices or want a place to check out spices, cookware and cookbooks be sure check out Kalustyans. While you are at it, feel free to walk further up and grab some Indian Food further up on Lexington. Some of my favorite spots include, Desi Galli and Madras Mahal.

New York, NY 10016
USA