This 72-year-old international market just keeps growing and growing and growing. It now encompasses three buildings. But the aisles still feel cramped because they’re so crammed with goodies from all corners of the globe: Korean chili paste, candied violets, Tunisian harissa, Sicilian pistachios, 100 different types of salt, za’atar spice mix from 17 corners of the globe, and every type of spice known to man. Best of all, the store doesn’t let any herb or spice sit on the shelves for more than 3 months. Upstairs is a place to dine on prepared foods. For home cooks, Kalustyan’s is mecca.
Odd but true fact: Vice President Chester A. Arthur was living in this building when he learned that his predecessor President James Garfield had died (he had been shot two months earlier). Arthur took the oath of office here, making this the only building in New York City to see this kind of national milestone (Federal Hall downtown is a recreation of the building George Washington took the oath of office in).
New York City
Travel Guide
New York City› Shopping
Kalustyan’s
123 Lexington Ave. (btw. 28th and 29th St.)
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Transportation
Subway: 6 to 28th St.
Phone
212/685-3451
Web site
Kalustyans
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