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ncsuemme Sep 29, 2009 06:59 AM

Affordable, fresh spices - where do you shop?

Normally, Sahadi's would be the place I would go for such needs, but I'm currently searching for somewhere in Manhattan or Brooklyn that sells affordable spices by the ounce/pod. I don't need that much but I need a few different things, so I'd rather be able to buy just what I need. Suggestions?

  1. f
    firni Oct 1, 2009 09:08 PM

    I have not bought spices from there, but have heard good things about Penzey's, which has a stall in the Grand Central Market.

    1. e
      edwardspk Sep 29, 2009 01:47 PM

      Aphrodisia on Bleecker St.

      1. Spends Rent on Food Sep 29, 2009 07:34 AM

        We usually get our spices from either Kalustyans (as mentioned above) or at Penzey's spices in the grand central market. Penzey's also has a strong delivery service either online: http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzey... or via catalog/ phone in.

        We've always been happy with the quality from Penzey's.

        4 Replies
        1. re: Spends Rent on Food
          w
          windycity Sep 29, 2009 01:32 PM

          Ditto Kalustan's. I also used to buy spices at the Hong Kong Supermarket in Chinatown but that apparently burned down. There are a number of other groceries in Chinatown; however I haven't needed to buy spices recently.

          1. re: windycity
            MMRuth Sep 29, 2009 01:35 PM

            I think that Hong Kong Supermarket has another branch in Chinatown, but I haven't checked it out.

            1. re: windycity
              JungMann Sep 30, 2009 07:18 AM

              There is another Hong Kong Supermarket on Hester and Elizabeth. I actually think it is better organized than the location that used to be by the Manhattan Bridge.

              1. re: JungMann
                thew Sep 30, 2009 07:35 AM

                yes - it's where dynasty used to be

          2. h
            Hurner Sep 29, 2009 07:25 AM

            I normally shop for spices at Kalustyan's, on Lexington Avenue between 28-29th Streets, because it's in my neighborhood and their selection is unsurpassed, although not necessarily affordable.

            For affordability and volume, I recommend the bulk spice market located on the west side of 9th Avenue between 40-41 Streets, near Sea Breeze Fish Market (sorry, but I can't seem to remember its name).

            Update: International Grocery, 543 9th Avenue - between 40th and 41st.

            3 Replies
            1. re: Hurner
              t
              travpard Sep 29, 2009 07:38 AM

              I also recommend "International Grocery." I had no idea what its name was either. Great selection and prices. I am pretty sure it is right next door to Sea Breeze.

              1. re: Hurner
                ncsuemme Sep 29, 2009 09:02 AM

                Oooh, International looks great. I've been to Kalustyan's but didn't think they had loose spices? Maybe I just didn't explore. Since I'm on the A/C line, the west side of Manhattan is easier to get to anyway. Might be time to check out International Grocery. :D

                1. re: ncsuemme
                  t
                  travpard Sep 29, 2009 12:39 PM

                  International has huge barrels of spices along with breads, cheeses, and other ethnic foods.

              2. JungMann Sep 29, 2009 07:01 AM

                I usually stock up at the Manhattan Fruit Exchange at Chelsea Market. Their prices are very fair and sometimes even beat what I would pay for a similar amount of spices at Patel Bros. in Queens.

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