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Essential Indian Spices for Beginners

New to Indian cooking? These are the spices you actually need. We've brought together the 13 most-used spices in Indian cooking, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cardamom, cinnamon and more, sourced directly from India and hand-packed fresh delivered straight to your home.

Not sure where to start? Our Indian Cooking Essentials Kit bundles the key spices together so you can get cooking straight away.

Flat-rate shipping Australia-wide for jars/pouches.

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Have questions?

Which spices should I start with?

Start with turmeric powder and garam masala - these two are used in almost every Indian dish. Add some cumin seeds for making "tadka" (the sizzling spice mix you add to dishes). These three will help you make basic curries and dal.

What's the difference between Kashmiri chilli and regular chilli powder?

Kashmiri chilli powder is much milder but gives food a beautiful red colour. Regular red chilli powder is much hotter. If you want your food to look like restaurant Indian food without being too spicy, use Kashmiri chilli powder.

Are these spices actually from India?

Yes, our spices are sourced from India and meet the same quality standards used in Indian kitchens. They're not the mild versions you often find in Australian supermarkets.

Can I use these if I don't eat spicy food?

Yes! Many of these spices aren't hot at all. Turmeric, cumin seeds, garam masala, and bay leaves add flavour without heat. You can skip the chilli powders if you prefer mild food, or use very small amounts.

What's garam masala and when do I use it?

Garam masala is a mix of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. It's usually added at the end of cooking, almost like seasoning. It gives Indian food that restaurant-style finish.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes, we ship fresh spices across Australia. Most orders are sent out within 1-2 days so your spices arrive as fresh as possible.

Blog posts

  • What is Chilli Powder? Complete Guide to Types, Uses & Substitutes

    What is Chilli Powder? Complete Guide to Types,...

    Chilli powder is ground dried chilli peppers used to add heat and flavour to food. However, "chilli powder" can mean different things depending on where you are. Indian chilli powder...

    What is Chilli Powder? Complete Guide to Types,...

    Chilli powder is ground dried chilli peppers used to add heat and flavour to food. However, "chilli powder" can mean different things depending on where you are. Indian chilli powder...

  • What Spices Go in Masala Chai?

    What Spices Go in Masala Chai?

    Masala chai uses a blend of warming spices including cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. The word "masala" means spice mix, and these five spices form the traditional base....

    What Spices Go in Masala Chai?

    Masala chai uses a blend of warming spices including cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. The word "masala" means spice mix, and these five spices form the traditional base....

  • What is Asafoetida (Hing)? Everything You Need to Know

    What is Asafoetida (Hing)? Everything You Need ...

    Asafoetida (also called hing) is a strong-smelling spice made from dried plant resin. It's really important in Indian cooking. When you first smell it, it's quite unpleasant, but when you...

    What is Asafoetida (Hing)? Everything You Need ...

    Asafoetida (also called hing) is a strong-smelling spice made from dried plant resin. It's really important in Indian cooking. When you first smell it, it's quite unpleasant, but when you...

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