Oriental Pastry & Grocery

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic taste of the Arab world, Oriental Pastry & Grocery on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn is an absolute must-visit. More than just a bakery, this beloved establishment is a vibrant hub where culinary traditions from the Middle East come alive. It’s a place where the air is fragrant with exotic spices and the scent of freshly baked pastries, and the shelves are stocked with a treasure trove of goods that might be unexpected to find elsewhere in the city. From exquisite, flaky baklava to unique sweets and essential grocery items, Oriental Pastry & Grocery offers a comprehensive and truly immersive experience for anyone eager to explore the rich flavors and cultural heritage of the region.

What truly sets Oriental Pastry & Grocery apart is its dual identity as both a purveyor of incredibly delicious, authentic pastries and a well-stocked grocery. Customers consistently rave about the quality of their baked goods, describing the baklava as "the most flaky" they've ever had, and the Turkish delight as a "roasting nutty chewy experience that changed mind about what can be a good Turkish delight." This dedication to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is a genuine delight. Beyond the sweets, the grocery section offers a wide array of imported goods, from aromatic spices and olives to specialty items that are difficult to source elsewhere. The warmth and hospitality extended by the staff, often remembered by name and food preference, transform a simple shopping trip into a personal and welcoming encounter, fostering a strong sense of community that makes this spot a true Brooklyn gem.

Oriental Pastry & Grocery is conveniently located at 170 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. This prime address places it squarely within Brooklyn's historic and culturally rich Atlantic Avenue stretch, an area long known for its vibrant Middle Eastern community. Situated between Clinton and Court Streets, the bakery and grocery benefits from high visibility and easy access, making it a well-known landmark for locals and a rewarding discovery for those venturing from other parts of the city.

The accessibility of Oriental Pastry & Grocery is a significant advantage for New Yorkers. Atlantic Avenue itself is a major thoroughfare, well-served by various public transportation options. The Bergen Street (F and G lines) and Borough Hall/Court Street (2, 3, 4, 5, R, W lines) subway stations are all within a comfortable walking distance, providing direct links to Manhattan and other Brooklyn neighborhoods. Numerous bus routes also run along or near Atlantic Avenue, making it simple to reach the shop from surrounding areas like Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens. While the street can be busy, the walk-in, deli-style setup of the store allows for efficient service, enabling customers to quickly pick up their desired items or take their time exploring the vast selection of unique products.

Oriental Pastry & Grocery offers a remarkable array of products and services, primarily focused on authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and specialty goods. Their offerings extend far beyond typical bakery fare, making it a comprehensive destination for both sweet treats and savory delights:

• Authentic Middle Eastern Pastries: A wide selection of freshly made pastries, including:
  • Kunafa (Knafeh): A sweet, cheese pastry soaked in syrup, often requiring advance ordering.
  • Baklava: Known for being incredibly flaky, available in pistachio, standard, and other flavors.
  • Halawa bil Jibn: A sweet cheese roll.
  • Almond Cake: Described as honey-infused and dense.
  • Turkish Delight: Varied, high-quality, and often nutty and chewy.
  • Burma: Tightly rolled shredded pastry filled with pistachios.
  • Semolina Honey Cake (Basbousa/Harissa): Saturated with rosewater-scented syrup.
  • Fruitcake (Syrup-drenched): A popular item, known to be a favorite of some well-known figures.
• Specialty Grocery Items: An extensive selection of imported and local dry goods from the Arab world, including:
  • Spices and Herbs: Aromatic and rare varieties.
  • Nuts and Dried Fruits: Including properly priced dates.
  • Olives: A diverse selection.
  • Middle Eastern Dairy Products: Such as homemade labneh (thick yogurt).
  • Grains and Beans.
  • Arabic Chiclets and dried Damask roses.
  • Aleppo soap and other specialty items.
• Prepared Foods: Offering a variety of savory items for a complete meal:
  • Kebab: Including various types like Shish Kabob (lamb) and Shish Tawook (chicken).
  • Shawarma: Beef shawarma platters and sandwiches.
  • Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea fritters, available as sandwiches or platters.
  • Kibbeh: Deep-fried ground beef balls stuffed with onions and spices.
  • Gyro: Marinated meat served in pita or as a platter.
  • Hummus: Ground mashed chickpeas with tahini.
  • Baba Ghanouj: Grilled, mashed eggplant dip.
  • Tabouleh Salad.
  • Chickpea & Fava Bean Salad.
  • Cucumber & Tomato Salad.
  • Grape Leaves: Stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice.
  • Stuffed Cabbage Leaves.
  • Hot and Cold Mezze.
• Beverages: Including traditional coffee and cardamom tea.
• Home-Style In-House Catering: Providing larger orders of pastries and prepared foods for events, often requiring advance notice.
• Mail-Order Services: Some popular pastry items are available for mail-order across the country, highlighting their widespread appeal.

Oriental Pastry & Grocery stands out as a unique and cherished establishment in New York for several compelling features and highlights:

• Authentic Middle Eastern Delicacies: It's widely considered one of the best places to find anything from the Arab world, with customers specifically noting the authenticity and superior quality of their Syrian pastries and other traditional items.
• Exceptional Pastry Quality: The baklava is frequently hailed as "the most flaky" and the Turkish delight offers a "roasting nutty chewy experience that changed ," indicating a high standard of preparation and ingredients that sets them apart. Kunafa and halawa bil jibn are also highly praised.
• Hidden Gem with Unexpected Finds: Customers love discovering items they "never expected to find," contributing to the store's reputation as a treasure trove for unique and hard-to-find Middle Eastern products.
• Warm and Personal Hospitality: The shopkeepers and staff, particularly mentioned individuals like Abdullah and the Moustapha family, are noted for being "great," "nice," and offering genuine kindness. This personalized service, often remembering customers by name or food preference, fosters a strong sense of community and makes every visit feel like stepping into a "boisterous family home."
• Comprehensive Grocery Selection: Beyond pastries, the store offers an eye-widening selection of imported and local dry goods, spices, olives, Middle Eastern dairy products, and prepared foods, making it a one-stop shop for specific culinary needs.
• Prepared Foods for Meals: In addition to sweets, the availability of savory items like kebab, shawarma, falafel, and various salads means it's also a destination for delicious, home-style meals, with options for both quick bites and more substantial dishes.
• Attention to Quality Ingredients: Despite evolving practices (like using mass-produced phyllo), the owners take pride in the quality of their ingredients, ensuring a consistent and delicious product.
• Traditional Operating Style: The store maintains a blend of "old world and old Brooklyn" charm, where lingering is encouraged and impromptu sampling of food in the back room is not uncommon, creating a unique and engaging shopping experience.

To discover the rich flavors and unique offerings of Oriental Pastry & Grocery, you can reach out to them directly. As a well-established local business, they are accessible through traditional contact methods:

Address: 170 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 875-7687

Mobile Phone: +1 718-875-7687

While Oriental Pastry & Grocery primarily operates as a walk-in establishment, their phone lines are available for general inquiries, placing larger orders (especially for items like kunafa that require a few days' advance notice for preparation), or inquiring about specific grocery items. Their warm and helpful staff, known for their personal touch, are ready to assist. For New Yorkers planning a party, a special family meal, or simply craving an authentic Middle Eastern sweet, calling ahead for custom or bulk orders is highly recommended to ensure availability and freshness. This direct line of communication helps maintain the personalized service that customers appreciate, making every interaction as delightful as their pastries.

Oriental Pastry & Grocery is uniquely suited for locals in New York, particularly those in Brooklyn, for a multitude of reasons that extend beyond just its delicious food. Firstly, its long-standing presence on Atlantic Avenue makes it a cornerstone of the vibrant Middle Eastern community, offering a genuine taste of cultural heritage that is increasingly valued in a diverse city like New York. For locals, it's not just a shop; it's a piece of Brooklyn's living history and a direct link to authentic flavors that are hard to replicate elsewhere.

Secondly, the combination of a high-quality bakery and a specialty grocery store provides unparalleled convenience. New Yorkers can pick up freshly made, exquisite pastries like the renowned flaky baklava and perfectly chewy Turkish delight, while also stocking their pantry with unique spices, olives, and other hard-to-find imported goods from the Arab world. This dual function caters to both everyday culinary needs and special occasions, making it a highly practical and exciting destination for those who enjoy cooking or entertaining with international flair.

Finally, the warm, personal hospitality of the staff, as highlighted by numerous customer reviews, fosters a welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere. In a bustling city, this personal touch transforms a routine shopping trip into a pleasant, memorable interaction. The ability to order specialty items like kunafa in advance demonstrates their commitment to fulfilling customer needs, ensuring that locals can access these cherished treats when they desire. For any New Yorker looking to explore genuine Middle Eastern cuisine, find unique ingredients, or simply enjoy a delicious, authentic sweet treat served with a side of friendly charm, Oriental Pastry & Grocery is an irreplaceable local treasure.

Oriental Pastry & Grocery

170 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA