Competing opinions, likelihood of a disagreement, a whole lot of family time everyday — they’re compelling enough reasons to not entertain the idea of starting a business with blood. But for sisters Maria and Eva Konecsy and their mother Gabi, going into business together might have been the best decision they ever made. Inspired by the flavoursome home cooking of both their great-grandmother and grandmother, Gabi and her daughters sought to bring that same sense of nourishment and wholesome food to the masses.  

Gewürzhaus, translating to “spice house” in German, was built on the desire to help curious foodies level up their home cooking. Opening the first branch in 2010 on Carlton’s buzzy Lygon Street — a strip traditionally occupied by Italian trattorias — the store fit right in thanks to its European roots and family-run approach. In the 14 years since that first Gewürzhaus store opened, its approach has remained steadfast. A self-scoop set up — itself an innovative retail approach back in 2010 — allows customers to peruse the spices on offer and scoop according to their needs, giving them the ability to try new spices without having to buy a whole bag. And that’s a good thing; Gewürzhaus has over 250 single-origin spices, herbs, salts, peppers, teas and sugars from around the world, as well as 100 small-batch blends which the team mills.  

In 2024, Gewürzhaus remains a mecca for zealous homecooks and culinary curious individuals alike. There are now 13 outposts around the country, brimming with spices freshly milled at the company’s Melbourne headquarters. Visiting the store is the home cook’s equivalent of a candy store, so getting carried away with the sheer number of delicacies on offer is practically par for the course. Of course, if you do find yourself buying more spices than you know what to do with, Gewürzhaus have you covered. On the store’s website and Instagram account, you’ll find an abundance of recipes to inspire you in the kitchen, from flavour-packed mid-week meals to showstopping desserts.   

You can immerse yourself in the spiced world of Gewürzhaus on Ground Floor of the Strand Arcade.