What Kalustyan's Is and Where to Find It

Kalustyan's is a specialty spice and ingredient shop located at 123 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, between 28th and 29th Streets. The store has operated continuously since 1911 and stocks over 3,000 spices, dried herbs, grains, legumes, nuts, and prepared pastes from around the world, with a particular depth in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian ingredients. The shop is independently owned and does not operate branches elsewhere.

The store occupies a narrow, multi-level space with merchandise stacked floor to ceiling. Most customers enter on the ground floor, where bulk spices, dried peppers, and prepared items like tahini, pomegranate molasses, and sumac are displayed in bins and on shelves. A second floor holds additional inventory, and staff can retrieve items from upper levels if you ask.

Kalustyan's is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store does not take online orders or ship, so you must visit in person. Parking is street parking only; the nearest subway stations are 28th Street on the Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5, 6 trains) and 23rd Street on the same line.

Key Takeaways

  • Kalustyan's stocks over 3,000 spices and Middle Eastern ingredients in bulk, with prices typically lower than supermarket jars for the same items.
  • The store is cash-preferred but accepts credit and debit cards; staff can weigh and bag items in quantities you choose, from a few ounces to pounds.
  • You must visit the physical location in Manhattan; the store does not ship or take phone orders for individual items.
  • Peak hours are weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons, when lines can be long and staff are slower to answer questions.
  • The store layout is cramped and inventory is not always organized by cuisine or ingredient type, so knowing what you want before you arrive saves time.

Middle Eastern Ingredients Available at Kalustyan's

Kalustyan's carries a wide range of Middle Eastern staples. Dried peppers include Aleppo pepper, urfa biber, and various chili varieties. Spices include sumac, za'atar, cumin, coriander, caraway, and fenugreek. The store stocks dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, and mint in bulk.

For prepared items, the store carries tahini (both hulled and unhulled), pomegranate molasses, rose water, orange blossom water, and various nut butters. Dried legumes include chickpeas, lentils (red, green, and brown), split peas, and fava beans. Grains include bulgur, freekeh, and various types of rice. The store also stocks dried fruits such as apricots, dates, and raisins, as well as nuts including pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds.

Inventory changes seasonally and by supplier availability. If you are looking for a specific item, you can call the store at (212) 683-3550 to ask whether it is currently in stock before making the trip.

How Pricing and Bulk Purchasing Work

Kalustyan's prices items by weight. Most spices and dried herbs cost between $0.50 and $3.00 per ounce, depending on the item and current market price. Prepared items like tahini and pomegranate molasses are priced per pound or per jar. Bulk items like grains and legumes are typically cheaper per pound than supermarket packages of the same product.

You can purchase any quantity you want. If you need one ounce of sumac or five pounds of chickpeas, staff will weigh and bag it. This is useful if you want to try an ingredient without committing to a full jar, or if you need a large quantity for cooking or preserving. Staff use a scale behind the counter and charge by weight at the register.

The store is cash-preferred and historically offered a small discount for cash payment, though this policy may have changed. Credit and debit cards are accepted. There is no minimum purchase. Bags are provided, though you can bring your own containers if you prefer.

What to Expect When You Visit

The store is small and can become crowded, especially on Saturday afternoons and weekday evenings after work. During busy times, you may wait in line for 10 to 20 minutes before reaching the counter. If you visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon, the store is usually quieter.

The layout is not organized by cuisine or ingredient type in a way that is when ready obvious. Spices are grouped loosely by type (whole spices, ground spices, peppers), but you may need to ask staff where to find a specific item. Staff are knowledgeable and willing to help, but they move slowly during peak hours and may not have time for detailed questions when the line is long.

Bring a list of what you want. The store does not have a website or printed catalog, so you cannot browse inventory remotely. If you are unsure whether an item is in stock, call ahead. The store does not hold items, so if you call and ask them to set something aside, you must pick it up the same day.

Payment and No-Shipping Policy

Kalustyan's operates as a walk-in retail store only. The store does not take phone orders, does not ship, and does not have an online store. You must visit in person to purchase anything. This means that if you live outside New York City or cannot visit the physical location, you cannot buy from Kalustyan's directly.

Some specialty food retailers and online marketplaces resell Kalustyan's products or similar items from other bulk spice suppliers, but these are third-party sellers and not Kalustyan's itself. Prices on resale platforms are typically higher than buying directly at the store.

Alternatives If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you need Middle Eastern ingredients but cannot reach Manhattan, several alternatives exist. Other bulk spice shops in New York City include The Spice House (with locations in multiple states) and various ethnic markets in neighborhoods with large Middle Eastern populations, such as Bay Ridge in Brooklyn or Astoria in Queens. These stores may have different inventory and pricing than Kalustyan's.

Online retailers specializing in Middle Eastern and spice ingredients include Burlap & Barrel, Penzey's Spices, The Spice House online, and various smaller vendors on platforms like Amazon and Etsy. Prices and quality vary widely. Local supermarkets with international sections, Indian grocery stores, and Middle Eastern markets in your area may also carry some of the items you need at lower prices than online shipping would add.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order from Kalustyan's online or by phone?

No. Kalustyan's does not take phone orders for individual items, does not ship, and does not have an online store. You must visit the physical location at 123 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan to purchase anything. You can call (212) 683-3550 to ask whether a specific item is in stock before you visit.

What are the hours and how do I get there?

Kalustyan's is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store is at 123 Lexington Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets in Manhattan. The nearest subway is 28th Street on the Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5, 6 trains). Parking is street parking only.

Do I have to buy a full jar or can I buy a small amount?

You can buy any quantity you want. Staff weigh items at the counter and bag them in the amount you request, from a few ounces to several pounds. This is one of the main advantages of shopping at Kalustyan's instead of buying pre-packaged jars at a supermarket.

Is Kalustyan's cheaper than the supermarket?

For most spices and bulk items, Kalustyan's is cheaper per ounce or pound than supermarket jars of the same product. However, you are paying for the ability to buy small quantities and for the selection. If you buy in bulk and use items regularly, the savings are significant. For a single ounce of an expensive spice you may never use again, the savings are smaller.

What if I cannot find what I am looking for?

Call the store at (212) 683-3550 to ask whether a specific item is in stock. If Kalustyan's does not carry it, staff may be able to suggest a substitute or recommend another store. The store does not hold items, so if you call and they confirm it is in stock, you should visit the same day.