Our Story

Spice Pilgrim is more than just a brand—it’s a journey rooted in cherished memories, family traditions, and a deep love for flavors that tell a story. For me, it all began in my grandmother’s kitchen. As a little girl, I would sit on her knee, completely captivated by the mouth-watering aromas that filled our home. Every meal was a labor of love, and the heart of it all was the spices. One memory stands out more than any other: watching my grandmother use an old stone mortar and pestle to grind spices, her hands moving with practiced care.

She would smile at me and say, “Hard work brings great rewards, my dear. These spices may take time to grind, but they make our food taste magnificent.”

That lesson stayed with me. Years later, when my family and I moved to the United States in 2005, I carried those memories with me. Cooking became a way to stay connected to my heritage, but something was missing. The vibrant, rich flavors I remembered from my grandmother’s kitchen just weren’t there. The taste and distinctiveness that had been such a part of my life felt lost.

Determined to uncover the secret, I dove into the world of spices and realized what had changed: modern spice-grinding methods. Most spices are ground using metal blades, a process that strips them of their essential oils and robs them of their full flavor and health benefits. I thought back to my grandmother’s stone grinding, to the care she put into every ingredient, and I knew I had found the answer. By using traditional stone milling, I was able to recapture the flavors of my childhood—the vibrant, bold, and deeply nourishing spices that made every dish special.

That was the spark that led to the birth of Spice Pilgrim in 2012.

From Website to Farmers Markets (2012 and Beyond)

When I first started Spice Pilgrim in 2012, it was an online shop—a small website that allowed me to share these vibrant, stone-ground spices with people who craved the same flavors I grew up with. But I quickly realized that spices are meant to be experienced. It’s one thing to read about them, but it’s another to smell, taste, and feel their magic firsthand. That’s when we took the next big step.

In 2015, we set up our first stand at the Happy Valley Farmers Market, where we could meet our community face-to-face. There’s something so special about watching someone’s face light up when they inhale the warm scent of freshly ground cinnamon or the rich, earthy aroma of cumin. These moments brought Spice Pilgrim to life in a whole new way, and I knew we were on to something wonderful.

As our connection with the community grew, so did our reach. By 2016, we had expanded to the Oregon City Farmers Market, and in 2017, we found our place at the Milwaukie Farmers Market as well. It wasn’t long before we added the Lake Oswego Farmers Market to our growing list, giving us yet another place to share our love for spices with more incredible people.

Spice Pilgrim’s Market Adventures (2018 Onward)

By 2018, our journey took us to even more markets. We joined the vibrant Portland State University (PSU) Farmers Market, where food lovers from all over Portland gathered to explore the best local ingredients. Soon after, we expanded to the Vancouver Farmers Market, crossing state lines and continuing our mission to share the world’s most authentic spices with new friends. From PSU to Vancouver and beyond, each market has been an adventure—an opportunity to meet incredible people with unique tastes and stories. Together, we’ve explored the world of spices, creating new blends and deepening our connection to the flavors that unite us all.

Every interaction added a new layer to our story, enriching our journey and inspiring new blends that reflect the tastes and cultures of the people we meet.

Finding Our Own Home: The Store in Sellwood-Moreland (2024)

After years of traveling to markets and meeting incredible people with a passion for flavor, we knew it was time to take the next step. In 2024, we opened the doors to our very own store in the heart of the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. This store is the culmination of everything we’ve built over the years—from our online beginnings to the markets and now, a home of our own.

Our store isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a space to explore. We’ve created a warm, welcoming environment where you can experience the magic of spices firsthand. Whether you're searching for the perfect blend to elevate your next meal or curious about something new, we’re here to guide you through the world of flavor. It’s a space that embodies the heart of Spice Pilgrim: community, connection, and a shared love for taste and tradition.

Spice Pilgrim (Retail Store)
5915 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
Directions 
Hours: Wed-Sun (10:30 am - 5:00 pm)

The Spice Pilgrim Promise

At Spice Pilgrim, we believe in the power of tradition. Every spice we offer is stone-ground or hand-blended with the same care and attention that my grandmother showed in her kitchen. We’re committed to providing spices that aren’t just delicious, but also packed with the health benefits and vibrant flavors that modern methods often strip away.

Our journey is all about bringing you the finest, most flavorful spices and hand-blended teas, so you can savor the tastes that have been part of my family for generations. From the very beginning, we’ve been on a pilgrimage—a journey to rediscover the joy of a happy, healthy life through better-tasting food.

Thank you for being part of our story. Whether you’ve been with us since our early days online, met us at a farmers market, or are visiting us for the first time in our new store, we are so grateful for your support. Together, let’s continue exploring the rich, diverse world of spices and sharing the flavors that bring us all together.

Here’s to many more shared meals, memories, and flavorful adventures ahead!

Warmly,
Dolly Singh
Founder, Spice Pilgrim