Famished Girl
Kalustyan’s Market, New York City
Desperate to jet off somewhere exotic? Maybe Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, Holland, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Vietnam, West Indies, Yugoslavia, but you’re short on cash and you haven’t renewed your passport? Try Kalustyan’s. Opened in 1944, the market is the eminent destination for premium Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Indian herbs (no kidding: they carry 4,000 variety of spices, herbs, sweets, coffee, tea and healthy snacks and over 180 variety of imported tea and 50 variety of imported coffee.), stocking a comprehensive array of condiments, dried fruits, prepared foods, lentils, dal, beans and more. Indian chutneys, Mujjaddara, hummus, wrapped grape leaves, falafel - if your mouth isn’t watering yet, trust me, it will.
The small, but impeccably tidy shop boasts a colorful array of those fresh, hard-to-find ingredients to make that ultimate passport dinner. On the second floor is the cafe where the energetic proprietor, well into his late 60’s, will urge you to try everything, and he means business. You purchase a little sausage, he will spoon-feed you his otherworldly Mujjaddara (lentils and onions fried in olive oil and other spices) or his impressive selection of Mediterranean olives. Succulent does even encapsulate the flavorful food made with care. Warning, the food isn’t for the timid as portions are huge (I’ve had my two item plate for lunch and dinner, and trust me, I can put it away). But for the budget-minded gal, this is a treat for most dishes don’t exceed $7. And service is quick and friendly to boot. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through the complex, yet delectable inventory.
Tip: Not in New York but want the experience? Kalustyan’s offers easy and convenient online shopping all with a mouse-click.
Kalustyan’s
123 Lexington Avenue (28th Street)
New York, NY 10016
Subway: 6 to 28th Street
212-685-3451
http://www.kalustyans.com/
