Kalustyan's

Kalustyan's is a New York City institution and a paradise for home cooks and food enthusiasts. Located on Lexington Avenue in the Kips Bay neighborhood, this compact but densely packed market has been serving the city since 1944. As you step inside, you're greeted by towering shelves lined with hundreds of spices, dried herbs, and seasonings, from common cumin to exotic sumac and asafoetida. The store also stocks a wide selection of grains, lentils, rices, teas, coffees, and Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean specialty items like rose water, tahini, and preserved lemons. The experience is sensory overload: the mingling aromas of curry, cinnamon, and cardamom fill the air, and the friendly staff are happy to help you find that elusive ingredient. What makes Kalustyan's distinctive is its curated global selection and the sense of discovery, you might walk in for saffron and leave with Turkish delight, dried mango, or a bag of unusual chiles. It's a working market for local cooks and a destination for food lovers seeking authentic flavors.

Don't miss

• Browse the floor-to-ceiling spice wall with over 250 varieties
• Explore the bulk bins of grains, lentils, and exotic rices
• Find hard-to-get Middle Eastern ingredients like pomegranate molasses and za'atar
• Sample or purchase Turkish delight, dried fruits, and nuts
• Pick up unique teas and coffees from around the world

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Kalustyan's

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Getting there

Know before you go

• Bring cash or card; they accept both.
• Spices are sold in small bags; you can ask for help finding items.
• The store is small, expect to navigate crowded aisles during peak times.
• Check the website for seasonal specialties or events.

A bit of history

Kalustyan's was founded in 1944 by an Armenian immigrant, originally as a small store selling Middle Eastern and Indian groceries. Over decades, it expanded its inventory to become one of New York's most renowned spice and specialty food shops, serving generations of home cooks and professional chefs.