Where to Buy an Indian Spice Box (Masala Dabba) in Australia
An Indian spice box (masala dabba) is hard to find in Australian supermarkets. Coles lists one, but it is often unavailable, and Woolworths does not stock them as part of their regular range. Most masala dabbas sold in Australia come from Indian grocers, kitchenware shops, or online. The other thing to know is that nearly all of them are sold empty. Here is what each option actually gives you, and what to check before you buy.
Does Coles sell masala dabbas?
Coles does list a masala dabba tin on their website, but it is often showing as unavailable. It is not a product you can count on finding on the shelf, and it is not part of the standard spice aisle range. If you happen to see one in store, it will be an empty tin. You will still need to buy the spices to fill it.
Does Woolworths sell masala dabbas?
Woolworths does not stock masala dabbas as a regular line. Their Indian section covers food items like rice, lentils, sauces and spices, not kitchenware. You may occasionally see spice storage products in the homewares section, but these are usually Western-style spice racks with tall jars, not a traditional round Indian spice box.
Does ALDI sell masala dabbas?
ALDI does not stock masala dabbas as part of their regular range. They sometimes run one-off kitchenware specials, but a masala dabba is not something you can rely on finding there.
Can you buy a masala dabba at an Indian grocer?
Yes, and this is the most reliable place to find one in person. Most Indian grocery stores carry them, usually in stainless steel, sometimes in plastic. Prices are generally reasonable. The catch is the same one as everywhere else: the box comes empty. You will be filling it yourself from whatever the shop stocks.
Buying a masala dabba online in Australia
Online is where you will find the most choice. Australian retailers sell steel, brass, wooden and plastic versions, and prices vary a lot. A plain steel box on its own generally starts around $30. Brass and wooden boxes cost more.
Amazon Australia has a large range, but many listings ship from overseas, so delivery times can be long and quality is inconsistent.
Almost every masala dabba sold in Australia is sold empty. Some sellers offer to add spices for an extra fee, but the amounts are usually small.
What to look for in a masala dabba
Material
Stainless steel is the standard, and it is what most Indian kitchens use. It does not rust, it does not hold odours, and it lasts. Plastic is cheaper but scratches and can retain the smell of strong spices. Brass and wood look good but need more care and are usually more expensive.
Lid
A clear see-through lid lets you find the spice you want without opening the box. A solid lid keeps out more light. Either works, as long as the fit is firm. A loose lid means your spices lose their aroma faster.
Number of bowls
Seven is the traditional number, arranged as six around one. Some boxes have nine or twelve compartments. Seven is enough for most home cooking.
Size
Most home masala dabbas are around 19cm to 21cm across. Check the outside diameter before you buy so you know it fits in your cupboard.
Empty or filled
This is the one most people miss. An empty box is only half the job. Buying seven separate spices to fill it adds up quickly, and if you are new to Indian cooking, working out which seven to buy is its own problem.
Empty box vs filled box: what it actually costs
An empty steel masala dabba typically starts around $30. Filling it means buying seven separate spices, which will usually cost you more than the box did, and means a trip to an Indian grocer or several online orders.
| Option | What you get |
|---|---|
| Coles | Listed, often unavailable. Empty tin. |
| Woolworths | Not stocked. |
| Indian grocer | Empty box. Spices sold separately. |
| Online (most sellers) | Empty box, from around $30. |
| Amazon Australia | Wide range, often shipped from overseas. |
| True Indian Spices | Steel box, clear lid, 7 bowls, spoon, and 375g of spice included. $62.95. |
Our Indian spice box
Our Indian Spice Box (Masala Dabba) is stainless steel with a clear lid, seven inner bowls and a traditional spoon. It measures 19cm by 21cm.
It comes filled with seven spices, not empty:
- Red Chilli Powder (55g)
- Turmeric Powder (65g)
- Cloves (50g)
- Jeera, or Cumin Seeds (55g)
- Dhana Jeera, Coriander Cumin Powder (50g)
- Garam Masala (50g)
- Cardamom Pods (50g)
That is 375g of spice in total, which is enough to cook from for a long time. These are the seven spices most Indian home cooking actually uses, so you are not left guessing what to fill it with. It is $62.95 and ships Australia-wide from Brisbane.
Common questions
What is a masala dabba?
It is the round steel spice box used in Indian kitchens. Masala means spices, dabba means container. It holds seven spices in one place so you are not opening seven jars every time you cook. We have written more about this in What is an Indian Spice Box? (Masala Dabba).
Which spices go in a masala dabba?
There is no fixed rule, but a common set is turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, coriander cumin powder, garam masala, cloves and cardamom. See How to Use an Indian Spice Box for more.
Is stainless steel or plastic better?
Steel. It does not scratch, does not hold the smell of strong spices, and will last for years. Plastic is cheaper but does both of those things.
How do I clean a masala dabba?
Take the bowls out and wash them by hand with warm soapy water. Dry them completely before you put spices back in. Any moisture left inside will cause powdered spices to clump.
