As we continue to practice social distancing, especially in densely populated areas, it’s a good idea to limit trips to the grocery store. But what if you just got back from stocking up and realize your jars of za’atar and sumac are dangerously low? You’re not going to go back out for one or two ingredients, but of course, you don’t want to be without the items that make good food taste even better.
Enter: online shopping. There are myriad online stores that specialize in your favorite spices and seasoning blends. In fact, these smaller purveyors’ quality is typically markedly higher than grocery store versions, without being much more expensive. Here are some of our favorites, all of which ship around the country.
New York Shuk
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For some of the best za’atar, baharat, ras el hanout, sumac, and hawaij the internet can provide, look no further than New York Shuk. They also sell crackers seasoned with their spice blends, harissa, and preserved lemon paste. To order visit: https://www.nyshuk.com/.
And make sure to check out NY Shuk’s recipe for Harissa bloody marys.
Burlap and Barrel
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A favorite among food editors and chefs alike, Burlap and Barrel specializes in sourcing incredibly high-quality single-origin spices from small farmers, paying the growers fairly for their product. To order visit: https://www.burlapandbarrel.com/
Spicewalla
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Started by a four-time James Beard Award-nominated chef, Spicewalla’s expansive spice collection goes far beyond the Middle East. Once you’ve purchased spices in their stunning tins, you can buy refills packaged in compostable pouches. To order visit: https://www.spicewallabrand.com/
Kalustyan’s
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Though nothing compares to wandering through the aisles of Kalustyan’s in person, the Manhattan shop’s online store is open for business. In addition to top-notch spices from around the world, they also sell legumes, dried fruit, grains, syrups, and so much more. To order visit: https://foodsofnations.com/product-category/spiceseaoning
The Spice House
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The Spice House has a dedicated Middle Eastern section, spanning the global influence on the cuisine. They’ve also curated sections of spices typically used in, among others, Caribbean, Eastern European, Latin American, Thai, Korean, Greek, and North African cooking. To order visit: https://www.thespicehouse.com
Hashem’s
Specializing in high-quality Middle Eastern whole and ground spices, as well as spice blends, Hashem’s also sells canned legumes, coffee, dairy products, tahini, tinned fish, oils, breads, and kitchenware. To order visit: https://www.hashems.com/store/spices-and-herbs