The New York–New Jersey region is home to one of the most diverse Iranian communities in the United States. From Manhattan and Queens to Fort Lee and Edison, Persian grocery stores keep the traditions of Iranian cooking alive; with shelves full of fragrant saffron, barberries, rosewater, and freshly baked sangak. These stores are more than markets; they’re cultural spaces that connect generations through food.
Discover verified Persian stores near you on Nazdikia, your reliable local guide for exploring real Iranian food and culture across NY and NJ.
Caspian Market – Ridgewood
Business Description
It’s a Persian supermarket filled with items needed in every Persian kitchen. In addition to the usual grocery items, this supermarket also offers nuts, sweets, and popular snacks like Lavashak and fruit rolls. That’s not all; you can find authentic Persian bakery products like Sangak bread and pastry products like Sohan and Gaz.
Kalustyan’s
Business Description
Let’s just say that any supermarket item you expect is stacked on some shelf in Kalustyan’s: Drinks, spices, beans, and other ingredients. There’s also a small section where you can find some kitchenware, like pots and food trays in different sizes.
Sahadi’s – Brooklyn Heights
Business Description
What makes this spot stand out is its warm, old-world charm paired with an incredible selection of Persian and Middle Eastern staples, specialty groceries, and fresh prepared foods. The staff knows their products well and makes the experience feel personal, whether you’re exploring spice blends or grabbing a quick lunch.
Balady Halal Foods
Business Description
If you live in Brooklyn, you should do all your grocery shopping at Balady Halal Foods. It’s not just for groceries; you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the produce section. You can also purchase some china or clay dishes to add a touch of class to your kitchen.
Where Can You Find Authentic Persian Grocery Stores in New York–New Jersey?
The Persian grocery scene across New York and New Jersey is enriched by specialty shops that help keep Iranian culinary traditions alive.
In North Jersey, Caspian Market in Ridgewood is a trusted stop for Iranian families seeking saffron, rosewater, barberries, Persian snacks like lavashak, and fresh sangak bread.
Across the river, New York offers several specialty markets where Persian ingredients are easy to find. Kalustyan’s in Manhattan is a legendary destination packed with global spices, grains, and pantry staples, including many items used in everyday Persian cooking.
Down in Brooklyn, Sahadi’s brings its old-world charm, offering Middle Eastern and Persian ingredients alongside prepared foods and artisanal snacks. If you’re in Bay Ridge, Balady Halal Foods provides an excellent selection of produce, halal meats, nuts, and Middle Eastern groceries with many overlaps with Iranian cooking essentials.
Whether you’re preparing a full Persian dinner or searching for unique regional staples, these markets help keep Iranian flavors accessible throughout the NY–NJ region.
Do Persian Stores in NY–NJ Sell Fresh Herbs, Bread, and Halal Meat?
Yes, freshness is essential in Persian cooking, and these local markets deliver.
- Caspian Market often carries herbs like mint, parsley, dill, and fenugreek, perfect for khoresh, ash, and kuku dishes. They also offer traditional Persian bakery items such as fresh sangak.
- Balady Halal Foods is widely known for high-quality halal meat, including lamb, beef, and chicken — ideal for kabob, khoresh, and grilling.
- Kalustyan’s provides an extensive range of dried herbs, spice blends, beans, and rice varieties used across Persian cuisine.
- Sahadi’s stocks bakery items, flatbreads, and a wide assortment of nuts and dried fruits that often appear in Persian recipes.
The aroma of warm bread and fresh herbs in these stores easily evokes memories of shopping in Tehran’s neighborhood markets.
Can You Find Persian Sweets and Desserts Like Gaz or Sohan in New York–New Jersey?
Persian sweets are well-represented across these markets.
Caspian Market sells classic Persian confections such as gaz, saffron sohan, fruit rolls, lavashak, and traditional Persian pastries. Kalustyan’s, known for its diverse international selection, also carries Middle Eastern sweets, nuts, and specialty treats popular in Iranian households.
Sahadi’s offers baklava, date-based desserts, and assorted nuts — items commonly enjoyed in Persian homes. Balady Halal Foods stocks sweet pastries, nuts, and dried fruits that cater to both Middle Eastern and Persian dessert preferences.
Whether for Nowruz, Yalda, or a simple afternoon tea, it’s easy to find authentic Iranian sweets in NY–NJ.
Do Persian Grocery Stores Offer Online Ordering or Delivery?
Several of these markets provide convenient online access or delivery options:
| Store | Online Service |
| Kalustyan’s | Extensive online ordering for spices, rice, herbs, sweets, and cooking essentials. |
| Sahadi’s | Provides online ordering and ships many pantry staples nationwide. |
| Balady Halal Foods | Partners with delivery platforms for grocery and produce orders in Brooklyn. |
| Caspian Market | Customers often use third-party delivery apps depending on availability in their area. |
This blend of in-person and online accessibility ensures you can enjoy Persian ingredients whether you’re cooking at home in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or North Jersey.
Where Can You Buy Nowruz or Yalda Supplies in NY–NJ?
When Nowruz or Yalda Night approaches, you’ll find festive essentials across the markets. Caspian Market offers haft-seen items, rosewater, ajil mixes, dried fruits, and seasonal sweets like sohan and gaz.
Kalustyan’s and Sahadi’s typically carry nuts, dried fruits, teas, candles, and decorative items that complement Persian holiday traditions. Balady Halal Foods provides fresh produce such as pomegranates, watermelons, herbs, and nuts that are commonly used for Yalda gatherings.
Whether you prepare a traditional haft-seen or host a winter solstice celebration, these stores make it easy to find what you need.
Are Persian Grocery Stores in NY–NJ Expensive?
Generally, no. While certain imported items like saffron, pistachios, or premium sweets cost more, most staples remain reasonably priced.
- Caspian Market is known for fair pricing on everyday Persian essentials.
- Kalustyan’s and Sahadi’s offer both premium imports and affordable bulk selections.
- Balady Halal Foods is especially popular for its value on meat, produce, and multicultural groceries.
You’re paying for authenticity and quality — and most shoppers agree it’s worth it.
Which Persian Grocery Stores Are Closest to Manhattan and Brooklyn?
If you’re in:
- Manhattan: Kalustyan’s in Midtown is the closest and most comprehensive option.
- Brooklyn: Sahadi’s (Brooklyn Heights) and Balady Halal Foods (Bay Ridge) are local favorites for Persian and Middle Eastern ingredients.
- North Jersey commuters: Caspian Market is just across the bridge and convenient for Persian staples.
Do Persian Grocery Stores in NY–NJ Also Sell Turkish or Arabic Products?
Yes. These stores stock a mix of Persian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean goods.
- Caspian Market, Sahadi’s, and Balady Halal Foods offer a variety of products from Turkish, Lebanese, and Arabic cuisines — including tahini, halva, olives, spices, and baklava.
- Kalustyan’s has one of the most diverse global food selections in the city.
This makes them ideal for shoppers exploring multiple regional cuisines.
Where Do Iranian Families in New York and New Jersey Usually Shop?
Iranian families in the NY–NJ region often choose stores based on location and product range:
- In North Jersey, many visit Caspian Market for Persian staples.
- In Manhattan, Kalustyan’s is a central stop.
- In Brooklyn, residents frequent Sahadi’s and Balady Halal Foods for ingredients commonly used in Iranian home cooking.
These stores combine familiarity, quality, and the flavors of home.
Your Next Persian Shopping Journey in New York–New Jersey
Exploring a Persian grocery store in the NY–NJ area is more than shopping — it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re picking up rosewater in Ridgewood or grabbing spices in Manhattan, these markets help keep the traditions of Iranian cooking alive.
And with verified listings and trusted guides, Nazdikia makes discovering these stores easier than ever.