Kalustyan's
Ships within the USA only. Widely regarded as “the spice shop mecca of the US.”
Located at 123 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016.
Plan your restocking accordingly—shipping and handling fees can be costly, and local sales taxes (where applicable) will apply. Visit their website for current pricing and availability, or contact them directly for stock inquiries.
Ingredient names are provided in transliterated Hindi and Urdu—often how they appear in aforementioned books. Common English name(s) are provided in parenthesis. Scientific (botanical) names are provided in brackets for clarity, ensuring accuracy and avoiding confusion or misnomers. All prices are in US Dollars (USD).
- Nagkesar (Ceylon ironwood buds / cobra saffron) [Mesua ferrea]. Used in Maharashtrian and Konkani cuisines and spice blends. Reference: Pangat, a Feast: Food and Lore from Marathi Kitchens by Saee Koranne-Khandekar, where nagkesar is referred to as "cobra saffron." 3 oz nagkesar cost $17.97 + $15.00 (USPS Ground Advantage) = $32.97.
- Kala Nagkesar (cassia buds) [Cinnamomum cassia / Cinnamomum aromaticum]. There is often confusion due to similar terminology in regional Indian languages. References: The Essential Marathi Cookbook by Kaumudi Marathé and Rare Gems: A Non-Vegetarian Gourmet Collection from Maharashtra by Aditya Mehendale, where nagkesar refers to "cassia buds." 3 oz kala nagkesar cost $19.99 + $10.80 (USPS Ground Advantage) = $30.79.
- Kababchini (cubeb berry / tailed pepper) [Piper cubeba]. Frequently mislabeled as "allspice" in regional Indian cookbooks published in India. This is a common misnomer. Piper cubeba is different from Pimenta dioica (allspice); they differ in both appearance and flavor. 3 oz kababchini cost $14.99 + $10.80 (USPS Ground Advantage) = $25.79.
- Peeli Mirch (yellow chili powder). Used in Awadhi and Rampuri cuisine for its mild piquency and cosmetic purposes. Kalustyan’s sources theirs from chilies grown in Punjab and south of Kashmir. 6 oz peeli mirch cost $8.99 + $10.80 (USPS Ground Advantage) = $19.79.
- Ajmod / Radhuni (wild celery seeds) [Trachyspermum roxburghianum / Carum roxburghianum]. A compulsory ingredient in Bengali Panch Phoron and an essential cornerstone of Bengali cooking across both West Bengal and Bangladesh. Omitting radhuni from Panch Phoron is sacrilegious to Bengalis! Do not confuse with commonly available locally ajwain (carom seeds) [Trachyspermum ammi / Trachyspermum copticum]—they are distinct spices. 3 oz ajmod / radhuni cost $17.97 + $10.80 (USPS Ground Advantage) = $28.77.
