Discover These Flavorful Spice Shops

By: Carolyn Hall | September 5, 2024
rack of spices from walking lightly

Photo courtesy of Walking Lightly

Exploring the world through spices is a journey of the senses, allowing you to experience different cultures and cuisines without leaving home. Metro Detroit is thankfully equipped with a variety of specialty shops that offer an incredible range of spices, herbs, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, these spice shops will inspire your culinary creativity and help you discover new flavors. 

SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS

134 East Main Street, Northville

Spice & Tea Merchants is a paradise for spice enthusiasts. This shop offers an extensive variety of spices, blends, salts, sugars, and loose-leaf teas from around the world. Whether you’re searching for something exciting like citrus habanero to green peppercorn or Hungarian sweet paprika, Spice and Tea Merchants has something for everyone. As for blends, these stand out for elevating your cooking, with options like Balsamic Fish Rub, Hops & Honey Rub, Saugatuck Steak Rub, and Shichimi Togarashi. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to help you choose the right spices for your next culinary adventure. From rare spices to everyday essentials like cinnamon and cumin, this shop is a treasure trove of flavor.

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GIUSEPPE’S INTERNATIONAL OILS & VINEGARS

16841 Kercheval Place, 2nd Floor, Grosse Pointe

17330 Hall Road, Suite 199, Clinton Township

Though known primarily for its premium oils and vinegars, Giuseppe’s International Oils & Vinegars also carries a small curated selection of spices and seasonings. This locally owned and operated family business is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Their collection includes Tuscan Wedding Seasoning, Mediterranean Spiced Sea Salt, and unique spice blends like Luigi’s Magic Spice that pair perfectly with their high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The shop also offers a tasting experience that allows you to explore different oils helping you find the perfect match for your culinary creations.

HASHEM’S ROASTERY & MEAT MARKET

13041 West Warren Avenue, Dearborn

13661 Colson Street, Dearborn

26509 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights

What started over 60 years ago in a Lebanese village has developed into a staple in the Dearborn community. Hashem’s Roastery & Meat Market offers a vast selection of Middle Eastern spices, teas, and fresh-roasted coffee. This family-owned business is known for its high-quality products, from hand-mixed spices to daily-roasted nuts. The rich scents of roasting coffee beans and freshly ground spices greet you as soon as you step inside, making Hashem’s a must-visit for anyone looking to add authentic Middle Eastern flavors to their cooking. Spices are available ground, whole, or as mixes, ready for everything from shawarmas to curries. You can find spices like sumac baladi, Spanish paprika, and saffron, to name a few. In addition to spices, Hashem’s also offers a range of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern groceries, making it a one-stop shop for your culinary needs.

WALKING LIGHTLY

1031 Hilton Road, Ferndale

Walking Lightly is a sustainable dream. Owner/Founder Tessa Benziger shares, “Walking Lightly is Metro Detroit’s first zero-waste shop & refillery. We help Detroiters reduce their plastic waste by providing refills of home, body & pantry goods. We’re happy to help neighbors live more sustainably by offering composting, recycling of hard-to-recycle items & workshops on sustainable living. This is a judgment-free zone, and we’re happy to answer questions and help you find sustainable swaps that work for your life.” Amongst the refill options here, the spice section is extensive, ranging from organic whole cardamom pods and elderberries to Garam Masala, pickling spice, star anise, and whole vanilla beans. This spot is great if you want to try a new spice or just need a little bit in a recipe. When you find your favorites, you can easily refill them, ultimately reducing waste. 

jars of spices from walking lightly
Photo courtesy of Walking Lightly

TASTE OF PETRA

3909 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor

If you’re looking to explore the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, Taste of Petra is the place to go. Specializing in authentic Jordanian olive oil, Taste of Petra was started to share the flavors of Jordanian culture with Metro Detroiters. As for spices, you’ll find options that pair with its olive oil, like za’atar dipping herbs or stone ground sumac. Taste of Petra prides itself on sourcing high-quality, authentic spices that bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. In addition to spices, the shop also offers pomegranate molasses, which is a great addition to many Middle Eastern recipes. Check out Taste of Petra when preparing a flavorful meal at home. 

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