Welcome to Good Old Days Spices
Good Old Days Spices is a cherished gem nestled in El Cajon, California, that has been delighting food enthusiasts for years. Founded by Najat, this intimate store specializes in an extensive selection of Middle Eastern spices, oils, and ingredients essential for flavorful cooking. Customers rave about the diverse array of products, from bustling bins of bulk spices to unique finds like pomegranate molasses and saffron. The warm, inviting atmosphere, coupled with friendly staff, makes it a joy to explore. As a place steeped in nostalgic charm, Good Old Days Spices is a haven for culinary explorers seeking authentic flavors and unbeatable prices.
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261 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020 Hotline: (619) 749-5558
If you find yourself in El Cajon, California, a hidden gem awaits you at Good Old Days Spices. Nestled at 261 E Main St, this quaint international grocery store specializes in a robust selection of spices and pantry essentials that transport you straight to the heart of Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
As you step inside, you're greeted by the enticing aroma of spices wafting through the air. The store, though compact, is a treasure trove of flavors and ingredients, featuring an extensive range from fragrant saffron to rich pomegranate molasses. Customers rave about the cleanliness and friendly service, making every trip feel like a visit to a local friend's kitchen rather than an ordinary shopping experience.
- Exceptional Variety: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, the variety here is noteworthy. Patrons have discovered everything from loose-leaf teas to exotic spices, reminding them that cooking can be both a craft and a delight. Acacia D. and Mel M. remark on the thoughtful arrangement of spices that allows for easy browsing, while Erin P. couldn't help but marvel at the extensive wall of pre-packaged spices, many unfamiliar yet enticing.
- Affordability: One of the standout features of Good Old Days Spices is its wallet-friendly pricing. Customers like Pete T. have found high-quality extra virgin olive oil at unbeatable prices, proving that gourmet cooking doesn't have to break the bank. This store delivers incredible value, further enhancing its reputation as a reliable source for quality ingredients.
- Personal Touch: The genuine passion of its owner, Najat, echoes through the praises of loyal patrons like Mary K., who fondly recalls shopping with her mother as a child. The small, intimate setting fosters connections and a sense of community, making it feel like home.
When you leave, it's not just your pantry that benefits from this experience; it's your culinary repertoire. Imagine sprinkling authentic spices into your dishes, elevating everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures. In a world inundated with generic grocery chains, Good Old Days Spices offers something refreshingly unique—a reminder of the beautiful simplicity found in quality ingredients and cultural heritage.
So, whether you’re looking to embark on a new cooking journey or simply searching for that elusive ingredient to complete a cherished recipe, make sure to stop by Good Old Days Spices. Your taste buds will thank you!
Stopped looking for something specific but they didn't have it. However I still found other stuff that I liked. Ladies at the cashier are quite helpful.
Good selection of spices, little kitchen utensils and such. I went to get loose leave teas
Great store with many options of middle eastern needs. Very clean and friendly staff. Glad we stopped by. We got a lot of different spices and other things.
It's the best store in whole San Diego County . All you need for your special kitchen.
Wanted to try a new place for my Middle Eastern spices so I stopped here. I like how the bins and spices are arranged. I had fun going through all the different ones and seeing what else I could use. The price point for the spices and items was very good. Grains, seeds, spices, teas and even a few nice finds. Definitely coming back here again. Mel M Yelp 22:27
I've driven by this place many times, and finally decided to stop in... WOW!!! I can't believe what I have been missing! For such a small store, they have a ton of items! A wall full of different pre-packaged spices - some that I have never heard of (and I'm a foodie!) at SUCH great prices! I got a package of peppercorns for $4, it was enough to refill my grinder AND fine grind some into a shaker that I had. Fraction of the cost than if I had purchased separately from a big box store! The staff was super friendly, too. Definitely going to be patronizing this place a lot!
Fellow Yelper Mary K. highly recommended Good Old Days Spices. Mary K. mentioned in her review that a 33 oz. bottle of olive oil was $2.50. I needed olive oil and couldn't pass that up. I did not find the $2.50 bottle, but I did find 32 oz. of quality extra virgin olive oil for $5.99 which is still a great deal. Unlike Mary K., I do not know squat about mid eastern essentials, but this store seems to have everything. Lots of bins of bulk items, a whole grip of stuff that I couldn't recognize. The store itself is a bit small and cramped and stocked to the brim. It is also very popular so it can be a bit crowded. The parking lot is small and awkward. It smelled absolutely wonderful inside the store. The woman at the register was pleasant and didn't even charge me 10 cents for the plastic bag!
My mom used to bring me here with her when I was about 2 years old and now, as an adult, I get to shop here myself! This is my hole in the wall go to place for my favorite things. Najat, the owner, has been around for a long time and for a very good reason. My favorite items consist of spices, oils, molasses, honey, olives and any other middle eastern essentials. Saffron is an absolute must in my kitchen and I just about refuse to buy it anywhere else. She has the real deal stuff. 7 spices, aka baharat, she's got the real deal. 33 oz extra virgin olive oil for $2.50?!? She's got it here. Pomegranate molasses, a secret ingredient in a lot of my food, is the cheapest you'll find in El Cajon at Good Old Days Spices. If there's something you've never heard of in an Arabic recipe before, they most likely have it here. The place is small, tight and it does get pretty hot in here. Like I said, it's definitely a hole in the wall, but they have top notch items that always keep me coming back. If you just wanna browse and explore or find something you've been searching for, this place is awesome!