What Are Mustard Seeds Called in Hindi? (Rai राई)
Mustard seeds are called rai (राई) in Hindi. The specific name depends on the type:
- Black mustard seeds = Kali rai (काली राई)
- Brown mustard seeds = Rai (राई)
- Yellow mustard seeds = Sarso (सरसों) or Peeli rai (पीली राई)
When an Indian recipe calls for "rai," it usually means black mustard seeds, which are the most common type used in Indian cooking for tempering (tadka).
The rai/sarso distinction trips people up constantly — we've broken it down in rai vs sarso.
Mustard Seeds Names in Different Indian Languages
| Language | Name for Mustard Seeds |
|---|---|
| English | Mustard Seeds |
| Hindi | Rai (राई) / Sarso (सरसों) |
| Urdu | Rai (رائی) |
| Punjabi | Sarson (ਸਰਸੋਂ) |
| Gujarati | Rai (રાઈ) |
| Bengali | Shorshey (সরিষা) |
| Marathi | Mohori (मोहरी) |
| Tamil | Kadugu (கடுகு) |
| Telugu | Avalu (ఆవాలు) |
| Kannada | Sasive (ನಾಸಿವೆ) |
| Malayalam | Kadugu (കടുക്) |
How Rai (Mustard Seeds) Are Used in Indian Cooking
In Indian cooking, rai (mustard seeds) are most commonly used for tempering (tadka/chaunk):
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan
- Add mustard seeds (rai)
- Wait until they crackle and pop
- Pour over dal, curry, or vegetables
Black mustard seeds (kali rai) are essential in South Indian cooking for dishes like sambar, rasam, chutneys, and pickles. They're smaller and more pungent than yellow mustard seeds used in Western cooking. Shop our authentic black mustard seeds (rai) for your Indian cooking.
Can't find rai locally? See where to buy mustard seeds in Australia.
