So New York City loves hot sauce.
Consequentially, scattered throughout its five boroughs are some retail locations that offer some of the most diverse and expansive hot sauce selections you can find on the planet.
Sure, you can head over to local Trader Joe’s for a bottle of Siracha. And the Whole Foods down the street surely carries that Cholula that you’ve had a thousand times.
But for those piquant pioneers out there, looking for a wider selection of spicy sauces, there are some hidden gems that take their hot sauce aisles seriously. Retailers that look far and wide for to cultivate the best assortment of fiery flavors imaginable.
And these places… are for the true hot sauce aficionados. The true connoisseurs.
Oh yeah.. We’re talking about all you passionate pepper-heads out there. The ones that aren’t satisfied with the commercial bores that we’re all used to. Those who want exciting, bold flavors; who want to push the Scoville scale to the limits.
So, if you think you can handle the heat, keep reading to learn the 5 best places to buy hot sauce in New York City:
5. Kalustyan’s – 123 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
Kalustyan’s began importing specialty goods from all around the world to its Kips Bay location all the way back in 1948. Since then, it has become a leader in the niche industry of ethically and responsibly sourced Herbs and Spices.
It’s inventory boasts a remarkable selection of herbs, spices, seasonings, dressings, oils, and.. you guessed it.. hot sauce from an impressive selection of countries including: Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, England, French, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holland, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Spain, South-Africa, South-America, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Vietnam, West Indies, Yugoslavia and many others.
They aim to satisfy the palatal needs of the ever-evolving community by continuing to add new products to its very expansive existing line. With such a diverse selection of fresh ingredients, it has become a prime destination for some of New York’s best chefs so you better believe they offer some great hot sauces.
4. Fairway Market Kips Bay – 550 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Since the 1930’s, Fairway Market has been committed to delivering wide varieties of the freshest foods to its flagship location on Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Determined to bring a unique food experience to the neighborhood, its partners hired a crew of creative, ambitious and fearless foodies to bring in an unparalleled food selection.
Word began to spread of its unique offerings which attracted customers from all across the city. By the mid 1980’s, Fairway Market established its brand for bringing in its inventory of wacky, eccentric, things-you-didn’t-know-existed foodstuffs.
And as any respectable food industry staple should, they take their hot sauce selection seriously, offering a vast selection of hot sauces from all across the city and the world.
3. Zaragoza Mexican Deli & Grocery – 215 Ave A, New York, NY 10009
Located in Alphabet City, the long-time home to a substantial population of Latin American immigrants, Zaragoza stocks its shelf to serve these communities.
The result? An endless array hot sauces (with spice levels you that should be illegal) line the deli’s shelves. They offer everything Mexico has to offer and more.
But don’t be intimidated… they also offer a robust selection of brightly colored Mexican sodas to was them down. Trust us, this is going to be necessary.
2. Hell’s Kitchen Hot Sauce – Columbus Turnstyle 1000s 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Hell’s Kitchen has long been known for its high rises, restaurants, vibrant nightlife and culturally-diverse communities.
To honor the rich, colorful past of such an iconic neighborhood, their mission is to provide hot sauces with as much personality of its people.
Their ‘out-of-the-bottle’ mentality has brought in sauces from mild to spicy and anything but ordinary. They claim to be the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Don’t believe ’em? Go and try for yourself!
1. The Heatonist: Purveyors of Fine Hot Sauces
– 121 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 
The HEATONIST was established to cater to the fast-growing demographic of hot sauce lovers out there.
Their objective is to highlight the best of the best in hot sauce production, showcasing to the world all of the incredible innovation that is occurring in this exciting industry.
Their highly curated selection represents all that can be accomplished across the spectrum of heats and flavors; with only the highest quality of flavors and processes.
———————————————————————————————–
So there you have it: the best places to buy hot sauce in New York City.
However, if you are looking for hot sauce made in New York City? With peppers sources from the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn?
Look no further.
All Small Axe Peppers products were not only conceived and cooked in New York, but also sourced with peppers grown right here within the city’s 5 boroughs. Can’t be anymore New York City than that.
Furthermore, you can support New York City Community gardens by purchasing Small Axe products: