Herbie’s Spices
Ian and Liz Hemphill need little introduction to Sydney foodies; in fact, they’re known nation-wide as the go-to people for spice information. Ian has worked with spice for over 30 years, writing books on the subject, conducting spice tours to India and running spice appreciation classes. From ajowan to zedoary and the hundreds of spices, spice mixes and dried herbs in between, Herbie’s is stocked to the gunwales with every spice imaginable. While there are myriad other brands available, the reason to shop here is for the stand-out quality. His blends are free of starches, fillers and other additives, and he has salt-free blends too.
ROZELLE
745 Darling Street • 9555 6035
Mon–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat 9am–4pm;
Sun 10am–3pm
Map INNER SOUTH
Spiceland
The Ganeeshan family has owned this spice emporium for 22 years, bringing a vast range of curry powders and spices to the multicultural community in Homebush West. Any one of the Ganeeshans working in the store will be able to point you in the right direction for ingredients for your fish curry or red lentil dhal, offering advice on cooking and recommending which pickles go best with your planned feast. As well as an increasingly large range of frozen meals, including very good paratha (flatbread), there’s scores of both dry and fresh spice mixes for curries, dhals and other dishes.
HOMEBUSH WEST
14–22 Henley Road • 9746 2996
Mon–Fri 10.30am–7.30pm; Sat 8am–7.30pm;
Sun 9am–7pm
Himalaya Spice Centre
Afghani owners Aesha and Najib Alkozai named their spice empire after the mountain range that unifies the different nationalities of their products. They’ve swapped their old Harris Park store in Station Street for a new one in nearby Wigram Street, but ask their nephew Amir to give you a tour of the larger store in Hornsby, which stocks Iranian, Indian, Pakistani and Afghan spices such as garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander and paprika. Afghan and Lebanese breads are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as Greek pita and Indian homemade chapattis. Also at: Shop 3, 96–98 Wigram Street, Harris Park, 9893 869; 1 Station Street, Thornleigh, 9481 8200.
HORNSBY
1/1 Pound Road • 9477 2500
Daily 10am–8pm
Map WESTERN SUBURBS
Valley View Continental Groceries and Spices
This is a beautiful and evocatively scented place. Breathe in more than 50 mini mountains of spices and herbs that form a mesmerising and colourful centrepiece to this Middle Eastern bulk store. The scoop is king, whether you want to fill a bag with herbal teas – perhaps senna leaves to soothe an upset tummy – or curry powder, coriander, rose petals and za’atar. There’s bags of pulses and grains, or you can scoop them straight from the sack. Ali Ahmad plays affable host, recommending Iranian dates over the fancy American ones, while the lads out front carve up sweet pineapple and offer it to passersby.
BANKSTOWN
Shop 40, Compass Centre, The Appian Way
9790 0465
Mon–Wed & Fri 8.30am–5.30pm;
Thurs 8.30am–7.30pm; Sat 8.30am–4.30pm