My Favorite Spice Shops in NYC
For home cooks, bakers, and anyone who loves to wander through shelves of aromatic, globally inspired ingredients, New York City is a paradise. These are the places I return to again and again—iconic institutions, chef-loved boutiques, and small neighborhood shops that always surprise me. if you’re not in NYC, you can order from their sites. Just click on the name, photo, or link within the description. And let me know what you discover—and cook!
Kalustyans
Among New Yorkers who love to cook, this is a beloved NYC institution and it’s no mystery why: Kalustyans sells every spice under the sun and then some. Looking for a rare spice? They probably have it. Or wander through the aisles and pick up seasonings you’ve tried before—and some you haven’t. Either way, you will not leave here empty-handed.
La Boite
The spices and spice blends here are among my favorite ingredients that I keep stocked in my kitchen always because the blends are so unique, thanks to chef, owner, and spice blender Lior Lev Secarz. Among my favorites are O.M.G. (so good on roasted chicken), Iris No. 9, Moruno No. 21, and Sofrico, which is a collaboration with chef Eric Ripert. If you’re looking for spices that are truly captivating, definitely visit La Boîte.
Sahadi’s
This Middle Eastern shop on an historic stretch of Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn is a NYC icon. People flock here for Middle Eastern delicacies and spices. Visit their famed store on Atlantic Ave or their new location in Industry City. You can also order locally in NYC from Mercato and nation-wide from Goldbelly.
Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company
Just south of Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village sits the charming Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company. Stop in here for freshly-steeped tea, organic salts, sugars, rubs, and spice blends, including Jamaican Jerk Rub, Taco Seasoning, Herbes de Provence, or the New York Pizza Seasoning Kit. Order on their site or on Etsy.
Sacred Spice
This family-owned tea and spice shop in Brooklyn, an extension of the Sacred Vibes Apothecary, has its roots in the Caribbean so you’ll find ingredients inspired by the owner’s Caribbean roots, including Ethiopian Berbere, Cajun Seasoning, and Habanero Powder and spice blends. The shop also has a nice selection of organic oils, hot sauces, and teas.
The NY Spice Shop in Queens is a woman-owned business that “seeks to honor the ideals and dreams from all the communities that make up our glorious melting pot of a city.” This shop sells a wide array of spices including rare and hard to find ones such as isinglass, ajwain seeds, and mahlab.
Moroccan olive oils and spices are the focal point at this shop located in the Essex Market. Owner Saad Bourkadi’s family has owned a farm and olive grove in Morocco for four generations—and now he’s sharing these goods with New Yorkers. Locally, you can order from Mercato.
This adorable store in Brooklyn Heights is the place to go for coffee and tea, but they also have a decent selection of spices and jams, too. If you live nearby, or you’re wandering around all the Middle Eastern shops on Atlantic Avenue, turn the corner onto Clinton Street and visit Two for the Pot, which has been a neighborhood favorite since 1973. Cash only and no web site.
More Places to Explore
Dual Natural — East Village & Lower East Side
A destination for South Asian spices, herbs, dals, chiles, and specialty flours. If you want garam masala blends, mustard oil, Kashmiri chile powder, or whole spices at great prices, this is the place.
Despaña — Soho
A boutique Spanish market with smoked paprika, saffron, olive oils, and regional Spanish ingredients. Perfect for anyone who cooks paella, seafood, or tapas-style dishes.
Eataly — Flatiron & Downtown
Not technically a “spice shop,” but a strong source for imported Italian spices, herbs, salts, and infused olive oils. A great one-stop for high-quality pantry items.
Visit The NYC Kitchen Store on Amazon for my recommendations: The NYC Kitchen