Where to Buy Asafoetida (Hing) in Australia (Coles, Woolworths & Online)

Asafoetida, known as hing, is easier to find in Australia than many specialty Indian spices. Woolworths and Coles often stock a small jar, and most Indian grocers carry it. Like most asafoetida sold anywhere, including ours, it's a compounded blend rather than the raw resin, since pure resin is too hard to handle and measure in a home kitchen.

Here's what each supermarket actually sells, what to check on the label, and where to get a fresh batch delivered.

Does Woolworths Sell Asafoetida (Hing)?

Yes, Woolworths usually stocks asafoetida. The most common option is Maharajah's Choice Hing Powder in a 50g jar, found in the international or Indian foods aisle.

Like virtually all asafoetida powder, it's a compounded blend, the resin mixed with a starch base so it's stable and easy to measure. Check the ingredients list and you'll usually see rice flour or wheat flour and edible gum alongside the asafoetida, with turmeric sometimes added for colour. That's completely normal for this spice, not a quality issue on its own.

Does Coles Sell Asafoetida (Hing)?

Coles also carries asafoetida in many stores, usually in a similar small jar in the spice or international aisle, priced around $3 to $7 for 40g depending on the brand.

Availability varies by store and it isn't always on the shelf, so it can be hit or miss depending on your local.

Does ALDI Sell Asafoetida?

ALDI generally doesn't stock asafoetida. Its spice range sticks to everyday Western cooking staples, so a specialty spice like hing usually isn't part of the range.

Indian Grocery Stores

Indian grocers almost always stock hing, often with a wider choice of brands than the supermarkets. If you have one nearby it's a good option.

The trade-offs are the usual ones. Not everyone lives near an Indian grocer, hours can be limited, and packaging dates aren't always clear. Hing keeps reasonably well when sealed tightly, but freshness still matters for aroma.

Buying Asafoetida Online

Buying online is the easiest way to get good-quality hing without checking three shops. You get a sealed, dated product delivered anywhere in Australia.

Our Asafoetida Powder (Hing) is sourced from India and packed in Brisbane. It comes in a resealable pack that keeps the aroma contained, which matters more with hing than almost any other spice. We ship Australia-wide via Australia Post.

If you want to understand the spice before you buy, our guide on what asafoetida is and how to use it covers the flavour, the health notes, and the cooking method.

How to Use Asafoetida

Hing is almost always fried in hot oil or ghee for a few seconds before the other ingredients go in. This step mellows the raw pungency and releases the savoury, onion-like flavour that makes it so useful.

It's a staple in dal, vegetable curries, and tempering, and it's a popular onion and garlic substitute for anyone avoiding alliums, including on a low FODMAP diet. It pairs naturally with jeera (cumin seeds), black mustard seeds, and turmeric powder in a basic tempering.

The Short Answer

If you want hing today, check the international aisle at Woolworths or Coles, or visit a local Indian grocer. If you'd rather skip the hunt and have a fresh batch delivered, order it online and have it sent anywhere in Australia.

About the author

We're a small family business based in Brisbane. We've been bringing authentic Indian spices to Australian kitchens since 1995.