This is an ongoing list of images and names of Indian spices in English and Hindi for reference purposes. In the table below you can easily browse and search for any spice name in Hindi or English that you came across and need to know its corresponding name in English or Hindi. I have also recently made a printable list of the Spices Names that you can download from here.
India is home to a large variety of spices that are used not just in Indian recipes but in recipes around the world. It is an amazing journey down history if you want to trace how travelers introduced new spices across borders. India was at the heart of the Spice Trade. Indian spices were (and still are) always the coveted item in many merchant cargos.
As a kid, I remember looking into my mom’s metallic round spice box with their little containers and smelling each of the spices.
Most recipes, especially online, use spice names in English. Very often I would come across an English word for an Indian spice and be at a loss. For example, I read about using aniseed in a recipe and only when I saw the seeds that I realized they were actually saunf or what I knew as fennel. That’s when I decided to make an ongoing Indian spices list with their Hindi and English names and images.
I am glad that so many people, from bachelors to seasoned cooks, have found this list helpful. This glossary is not definitive and definitely not complete. It is more like a “living document” that needs your knowledge and contribution. It is a work-in-progress and truly a co-created resource. Thank you!
List of Indian Spices names in Hindi and English
| ENGLISH | HINDI | |
|---|---|---|
 | Asafoetida | hing |
 | Bay Leaf (dried) | Tej Patta |
 | Black Peppercorns | Kali mirch |
 | Black Salt/ Himalayan Rock Salt/ Pink Salt | Kala Namak/ Sanchal/ Sanchar powder |
 | Black Stone Flower | Kalpasi/ Dagad phool/ Patthar ke phool |
 | Black Cumin (Sometimes confused with Caraway seeds) | Shahi Zeera, Shahjira, kala jeera |
 | Cardamom, Black | Badi Elaichi |
 | Cardamom, Green | Elaichi |
 | Carom seeds, thymol, Celery seeds | Ajwain |
 | Chia seeds | Sabza |
 | Chili Powder (usually red chili powder. Also it comes in different varieties with varying range of heat) | Mirchi powder (lal mirch) |
 | Cinnamon | Dalchini |
 | Cloves | Laung, lavang |
 | Coriander/Cilantro seeds | Sabut Dhania |
 | Cumin | Zeera, jeera |
 | Curry Leaves | Kadi Patta |
 | Dill Weed (dried) | Suva |
 | Dry Green mango powder | Amchoor |
 | Fennel | Saunf |
 | Dried Fenugreek Leaves | Kasoori Methi |
 | Fenugreek seeds | Methidana |
 | Flax Seed | Alsi |
 | Garlic Powder | Lahsun Powder |
 | Ginger Powder | Adrak Powder |
 | Long Pepper | Pippali |
 | Mace | Javitri |
 | Mustard Seeds (Yellow, Brown , and Black; In Indian cooking usually brown or black mustard is used for tempering) | Rai, Sarson |
 | Nigella Seeds | Kalongi, Mangrela |
 | Nutmeg | Jaiphal |
 | Pomegranate seeds | Anar dana |
 | Poppy seeds (Comes in both white and black variety. In Indian cooking mostly white poppy seeds are used) | Khas khas, post dana |
 | Rock Salt | Sendha Namak |
 | Dried rose petals | Gulab ki pankhudiyaan |
 | Saffron | Kesar, Zaffran |
 | Sesame seeds/Gingili seeds (Come in both white and black varieties) | Til |
 | Star Anise | Chakri fool (by popular votes!) |
 | Tailed Pepper | Kabab Chini |
 | Tamarind | Imli |
 | Turmeric powder | Haldi |
 | Wild Celery Seeds | Radhuni, Ajmod (A Bengali spice, often confused with ajwain because of it’s appearance) |
| FRESH HERBS & SPICES | ||
| ENGLISH | HINDI | |
 | Holy Basil | Tulsi |
 | Chenopodium Album (Common name: Goosefoot, melde) | Bathua |
 | Coriander Leaves | Dhaniya Patti |
 | Dill | Suva Bhaji |
 | Fenugreek | Methi |
 | Indian Gooseberry | Amla |
 | Lemon Grass | Nimbu Ghaas/Hari chai ki patti |
 | Mint (fresh) | Pudina Patta |
 | Oregano (fresh & dried) | Ajwain ke Patte |
 | Rosemary | Gul Mehandi |
 | White Turmeric / Raw Turmeric | Amba Haldi / Ambiya Haldi/ Kachci Haldi |
These spices are individual spices, but a lot of times in the spice rack of your grocery store, you would find spice mixes like garam masala, chole masala, rajma masala, goda masala, nihari masala, 5-spice panch phoran spice mix etc. These spice mixes, especially the ones that are specific to a dish, don’t really have a corresponding English name except for translating that dish into English. For example, you may call chole masala as Chickpea curry spice mix. These spice mixes are not part of this list.
Disclaimer: Also, not all spice images are my own. I have used low-res images of all the individual spices for reference and non-commercial usage only.
Connect with me
If you have any questions or know about a spice that is missing here or needs correction or if there is an Indian spice (or any other spice) that you cannot find a corresponding Hindi/English name; do let me know through the comments. Or connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. Or join our newest journey into Recipe Videos.
Would love to start a conversation, share recipes, cooking experiences and food stories from India and around the world.
this is extremely helpful.. I am forever confused with the ingredients!!
Thanks Nimisha!
Glad you find it useful… Do let me know more spices that I can add here 🙂
Cheers,
Ashima
Can you plz tell me what is this Star Anise ….??
Star anise (in hindi it is called chakra phool) is a flower like spice. It has a liquorice flavour.
It is also used a lot in Chinese cooking: E.G. in five spice powder, in Szechuan cuisine, etc.
Hello Mickey,
sorry haven’t heard of baadiya spice before.I checked for a few recipes of mutton pasanda to see if I can find the spice but was’ able to. Can you refer any recipe to me where the spice is used? maybe that would help in identifying it.
Star anise is known as badiya in gujarati..
Thanks, Smita!
🙂
It is also known as Karan phool.
I seen it on label on star anise packet in market.
Thanks, Navjyot!
I am amazed how this one spice has so many names 🙂
Star anise is the fruit of a small evergreen tree native to southwest China. The star-shaped fruits are picked just before ripening and dried before use. They contain the same essential oil as the botanically unrelated Spanish anise seed, which gives the two a nearly identical flavor- strong, sweet, and licoricey.
I didn’t know that! Thanks a lot Jay!
In most part of India it is also known as Badia
What is lichen?
Salwa, I don’t think it’s a spice. As far as I know it is an algae like plant growth.
Lichen is a combination of algae and fungus, they have a symbiotic relation ship, neither can survive without the other. the fungus provides water and minerals by absorption form the surroundings and the algae uses these to photosynthesise food with its green pigment chlorophyll ,carbon dioxide and sunlight.Thus as there is mutual benefit they have a close relationship.
Thank you, Ratna!!
@Salwa, here’s your answer for what is lichen! 🙂
Really very very useful
Lot ofThanks.
What is the name of ghati masala in English?
Matthew, Ghati Masala is a Maharashtrian mixed spice made with a lot of spices like cumin, cinnamon, peppercorn etc.. a lot like garam masala. I don’t think it has an English name.
Thanks for the very useful info.
Love to read the comments and queries which answered a lot of my questions.
Thanks regarding this topic
Thanks, Gulshan!
I am glad this list is helpful to you 🙂
Hi Ashima, thanks for the list. Once Alka had asked you on Nov,2016 that what is arrowroot. Actually arrowroot is not arbi/arvi, it is cornflour which we mostly used in aloo tikki.
Thanks, Ahmed…
but as I understand it arrowroot is a substitute for cornflour… The powdered starch is obtained from cassava or tapioca…
I guess coriander leaves.. Daniya leaves are left?
Thanks, Mohammed!
I’ve added fresh coriander leaves in the herbs section!
Yes , it is very helpful. How aap log ham sab ke liye itni mehnat karte ho really it’s so hard to go and collect information about this all.
Thanks, Aima! Feedback and responses like yours give me the encouragement to keep trying 🙂
Oregano-अजवायन के पत्ते
Thanks, Kamaldeep!
Just added it to the fresh herbs section of the list. This also gave me the idea of making some oregano at home! I have a very flourishing Ajwain plant 🙂
Thank you for the suggestion!
Is mace means javitri?
Yes, Sangeeta,
Mace is called Javitri in Hindi
Maybe you can add for us the mustard seeds ( balck and yellow)
ginger ( I know it’s adrak lol) maybe the herbs too like coriander mint etc….
Hey Sabrine,
Mustard seeds, Ginger, and Coriander (along with other herbs like mint, lemongrass etc) are already there in the list. It only displays 10 at a time so maybe you only saw the first page?
what is (cloves) can you tell me about that……….:)
Hello Prince,
Clove is a very commonly used spice in Indian and many other cuisines. You can find a lot more about this wonderful spice on wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clove
Love,
ashima
Thanx for , it is vry helpful. I was sea Nd my problm is solve
Thanks Ankit!
I am glad it was helpful… in case you know of more spices that I can add to the list, please do let me know..
Thanks again,
Ashima
Nigella- kallonji
Gingili seeds- magastari
Flax seeds- arsi
Rose petal conserve- gulkand
Black salt- Sanchar
These are few more…
Hope it will help
Thanks Dhrumil!
will add them to the list!
love,
ashima
HI
If you can send me more names.
00258847536516
Hello Faizal,
Thank you for your request, but I am not sure if I understand you clearly.. Do you want me to email you names of more Indian spices?
regards,
ashima
Hey I m gujarati… hey what is arrow root powder… I m confuse…
Hello Alka,
sorry for such a late response. It seems your comment was filtered through.
Arrowroot is arbi/ arvi.
what about
* Garlic Powder
*Cinnamon Sticks
*Ginger Powder
*Chili Powder
*Chili Crushed
*Dried Chili
*Curry Powder
*Cayenne
*Mustard Seeds
*Celery seeds
Sorry for asking….im still on my way of learning to cook Indian Cuisines and i just dont know how to ask them from the Indian/Pakistani store personels whenever i want to buy spices for cooking. Thanks for the big help!
Hey Vivian,
Thanks for asking.. here you go:
* Garlic Powder — lahsun powder
*Cinnamon Sticks — daalchini
*Ginger Powder — adrak powder
*Chili Powder — laal mirch powder
*Chili Crushed — crushed red chilli
*Dried Chili — dried kashmiri mirch
*Curry Powder — self explanatory
*Cayenne — it’s very tiny red chilli.. usually you might not find it in an Indian store.. but you can use the regular red chillies
*Mustard Seeds — rai/ sarson
*Celery seeds — ajwain
Happy Cooking!
Thanks ashima i need all spices name
Thank you so much ! This is very helpful .
Thanks, Surbhi!
Very thankful to you
Thanks Gaurav!
glad you found it helpful 🙂
When I was watching an Indian chef preparing goda masala, he showed dagad phool, which is a type of lichen. Badal phool was listed as star anise elsewhere, but your list has it as dagad phool. Is this a variation of name depending upon region or language?
Hey Nancy!
Thank you so much for writing 🙂 For a long time I did not know what is star anise called in hindi; I kept asking fellow food bloggers and then one of them told me it was called dagad phool so I added it 🙂 And now you pointed out the mistake… so dagad phool is actually stone flower like you said, a type of a lichen.
I’m again putting a question mark at star anise until I find the what’s it really called! 🙂
love,
ashima
Fool chakri like a flower
Star anise…….chakra phool……
thanks Karen!
Nice. I always wanted to know the English meaning of all the spices.
Thanks Dhiraj! Glad you found it helpful
I need all spicy name please
Ashish, let me know the ones that you need that aren’t there on the page already!
Thanks,
ashima
Hi,
What is jalpatri in English? Thank you!
Hi Manisha!
Don’t know yet but I will keep asking further.. do you have a picture of the herb?
Very Nice…. It’s really Helpful
it really helped out me to know all the name of the spices in hindi!!! thanks a lot..
rlly its soo helpfull for us
its great
byeee frndss
its nice
Star Anise – Anasphal
Source:
http://www.indianspices.com/html/s0625staranise.htm
(very useful site)
Great blog!
Thanks Kaushal!
Star Anies is foolchakri in Hindi.
Thanks Rashmi!
Though now I am back to square one as to what is it’s name.. the spice board of India (link shared by Kaushal: http://www.indianspices.com/html/s0625staranise.htm) says it’s anasphal.. 😮
star nise – Hindi : Anasphal – good job with this blog….
Thanks Swetha!
http://indianhealthyrecipes.com/broccoili-gravy-for-chapathi-roti-paratha/ – for broccoli indian gravy – in case this is not on yet!!!
star anise is chakri phool
Hi,
well i have many spices names in hindi and i would like to know there names in english,
plz help me guys and the names are mentioned below
Garam masala sabut
garam masala powder
zeera powder
safaid mirch sabut
safaid mirch powder
anardana khatta
anardana meetha
anardana powder
khashkhas
phatkri
allobkhara kandhari
allobkhara airaani
maghaz pista
sandal boora
kishmish
mishri
saagodana
chandi vark
Wow! that’s a big list 🙂 Thanks!! Let me try of the ones that I know..
garam masala – is a combination of different spices like cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, aniseed, cumin etc.. so I don’t think it has a combined name in English as well.
Zeera powder – cumin powder
safaid mirch – white pepper (It’s similar to black pepper just white in colour. you get both whole and powdered in most shops)
anardana – pomegranate seeds
Khaskhas – poppy seeds
Maghaz pista – pistachio without its cover.
Kishmish – raisins
mishri – rock sugar
saagodana (also called sabudana) _ tapioca pearls
Chandi vark/ varak – silver foil (that’s the best I can tell for it.. there is really no translation for varak but foil)
Is allubkhara actually allubukhara? Which is simply plum.
I think sandal boor should be sandalwood powder but would love it if someone else can also confirm to it!
Thanks again Naqash for adding to the list on this page! Hope these translations help.
Plz tell me english name of Mangrela
sorry meraj.. don’t know what Mangrela is.. is that the hindi name?
Mam, Mangrela is the north Indian name for Kalonji. In English, you have given Nigella seeds.
Thank you. This page is very useful
Thanks, Anuradha!
I am glad this page is helpful to you and thank you for your suggestion also. I have updated the list to add mangrela as another hindi name for kalongi or Nigella seeds.
nice
Thanks manvar!
here i added one more spice name, hope it’ll help all lil more
“Black Cumin” means shah jeera –> usually used to make powdered “garam masala”
Thanks Shanu!
This is really helpful.my son always asked me the name of spices.
Thanks Pranita!
I am happy it’s useful for your son! I remember I also used to trouble my mom a lot when I had just moved to bangalore and started experimenting in the kitchen! 🙂
lots of love,
ashima
Great pleasure to know names
I am glad it is helpful to you Nikki!
love,ashima
More knowledge
besan laddu
Ingredeants: besan,
Ghee, milk, cardamoms, cinimom, sugar powder. Etc
How to cook: first take an kadai and heat it at low flame then after2 to 3 min pour besan in kadai and stir it constantly untill the besan get reddish brown at low flame it will take 1/2 or 1 hour but have patience after cooking it take out the mixture in an pan then pour milk in kadai and boil it for 1/2 an hour untill it became heavy (like curd) then store it in refrigerator and cool it then take both the mixture and pour both in kadai and boil it at high flame and be carefull it dosent stick on level then add ghee in it and stir well constantly then off the flame and let the mixture coll for 5 min then make medium size balls with your hands then take cardamoms and cinimoms and grind them and pour on it and refrigerate it your laddus are ready
Thanks for the laddu recipe Amandeep! One of my favourites (when my mom makes them!)
love,
ashima
In which dishes are these used
Hello Anish,
Are you asking about a particular spice? This is an ongoing list of Indian spices which are used in different combinations in dishes across our cuisine.
lots of love,
ashima
Fantastic fabulous and marvellous this make easy for a cook to recognised the ingredients easily
Thanks Farid!
Thanks. I need English name of “Akkalgara” a spice famous in Gujarat and mostly used in ayurveda medicine.
Hello Babubhai,
Sorry I don’t know the English word for Akkalgara but I will surely ask around and if you come to know of it, please do let me know so that I can add it to the list.
Hopefully one of the readers may know the spice.
love,
ashima
This is very useful, there is a bit confusion between Aniseed and Fennel as both are different. Aniseed is Til and Fennel is sounf.
Hello Mahboob,
Thank you for pointing out the mistake. Aniseed and Fennel though taste similar are not the same. I have corrected the mistake. Though aniseed is not til as you mentioned. Til is sesame. I will keep looking for the hindi word for aniseed.
thanks and love,
ashima
What is the english and local name of the spices is parsley,sage-rubbed,spanish- rosemar amd oregano
Hello Protyosh,
Commonly parsley, sage, rosemary and oregano are called the same even in hindi. In most stores people will actually recognise rosemary more than gulmehandi but since you asked, here are the hindi names for the herbs:
Parsley – ajmoda
sage – sefakuss and also kamarkuss (I think that is Marathi)
rosemary- gulmehandi
oregano – ajwain (the seeds are called carom and the leaves of the ajwain plant are oregano)
love,
ashima
This is extremely helpful, i’m always confused between these spices….. Thnks a lot….!!!!
Thank Suraj! I am glad it is helpful to you.
Thanks for sharing the spices name…It is gone to be extremely useful for me really…
Thanks Manisha!
I am glad it is helpful to you 🙂
Hii
Hello! 🙂
Can u send me what is masala box all together is called in hindi?
Abhishek it is called masaaldaan literally meaning spice box.
Marvellous information about spices.
hi
very useful.
Thanks Raj!
Thanks,it was very helpful to me
I am glad it was helpful Fozia.
Waiting to add more ingredients to it now.
love,
ashima
What is Lodhar (Hindi) called in Tamil or English or another term in Hindi
Hello Pooja,
I have not used Lodhar powder as such but what I learnt is that it is an ayurvedic powder for skin diseases. The technical name that I found is Symplocos Racemosa. I might be wrong about this one. Please do check at more sources or best ask an Ayurvedic practitioner.
All this masala is good
what is julandjan misri ?
what is bequanch bark called in english?
thank you
Hello Scott,
I actually do not know these two spices/ingredients. Misri is actually crystallised sugar lumps, probably Julandan misri might refer to a specific place?
The second one I haven’t heard of. Maybe one of the readers can help?
I just started with the indian spices. how are they? cumin is the first one i got. which ones are the good ones or are they all good?
Dear Annette,
India and Indian cuisine is famous for its spices. Every recipe calls for a different set of spices. Most of the spices have therapeutic properties. Cumin is very good for digestion. In fact in some parts of India, regular drinking water is boiled with cumin (and then cooled). Likewise turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Ajwain (carom seeds) are great for stomach aches; ginger is common home remedy for colds etc.
hope that helps
Very useful
Wonderful glossary
This is amazing !
Thank you……
You forgotten one more thing
‘Dill’
Thank you!
adding it just now 🙂
love,
ashima
Hi! Friend!
What is arvi ???????
Hello!
arvi (or arbi) is taro root. In India we cook both the leaves and the root of the plant. You can find a few of my favourite arvi preparation here: https://www.myweekendkitchen.in/?s=arbi
love,
ashima
Can you give me your contact number ?
Don’t worry!
When I’ll need your help only then I will call you,
Not to time spoiling.
Hello K,
Comments here will work whenever you want to connect with me. Or you can connect with me anytime by on:
Facebook,
Twitter,
Google+, and
Pinterest.
love,
ashima
Thanks for the name of the spices
Thanks Saurav,
I am glad it is helpful to you!
Can you help with the Indian name for rosemary please
Arvind
Hello Arvind,
While Rosemary is now grown in India, it is native to the Mediterranean and I don’t think it has a corresponding hindi name. I found a reference to it being called Gul Mehendi (गुल मेंहदी) but I’m not sure if many people will recognise it by that name or if it is even correct!
This English to Hindi translation of Spices is Very Helpful. Some times even the New Generation doesn’t know the Hindi word and very difficult situations arise with cook.
Thanks
Mitesh Shah
Thanks Mitesh!
I am happy you find it helpful. Do help me improve it by adding your suggestions for more spices that I must have missed.
nice & really very helpful
Thank you Jaya!
I am glad you found it helpful 🙂 Do let me know of more spices that can be added.
What is kebab chini
Hello Akram,
Not heard of kebab chini yet… can you send me the recipe that calls for it, maybe then I will be able to figure it out.
Hi, what is Powa?
Hello Andries,
Powa is flattened rice. We use it often to make breakfast. Can you send me the recipe where you came across Powa and I can help you further.
love,
ashima
Thanks ashima
Enlightening thank you
Hello Ashima, you have written an amazing post!
Thank you so much for sharing this
Thanks Geet!
I am glad it is helpful 🙂 Please do let me know of more spices that can be added to the list!
Hi Ashima, Nice work. Thank you.
Can you please tell what is Baadiya. I know it is a spice sometimes used in preparing Garam Masala, and also in mutton Pasanda.
please give me english name for TEJPATTA
It’s called Bayleaf in English.
Dear
Like to know Jeera is two types? which one is Good?
Hello Ferhan,
which two types are you referring to? So there is regular zeera which we use for everyday cooking and then there is shahi zeera or shah zeera which is used for Biryanis and special occasion dishes as it is twice the cost 🙂 but it definitely is more flavourful.
Hello Ashima, You are an angel to me. Since I am a bachelor and stay alone I need to do my cooking…This blog will really help bachelor like me..Thanks a lot.
Thank you Biplab!
I am so glad, my recipes will be able to help you! My biggest intention with sharing the recipes is to inspire more home cooking! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Thank you very much…A life saver for men like us, who go to market looking all blank .
Thanks, Sarjith!
I am glad the list is helpful to you. If you come across spices that are missing here, do let me know and I will add them here.
Plz can you tell me..what is kaali Miri?
I knw kali mirchi…but what is kaali Miri.plz do let me knw.
Hey Neha,
I have not heard of Kali miri but there is a spice called Kari zeeri which is sometimes recommended in a spice mix for joint aches. My mom also used to take it… It is a mix of kali zeeri, ajwain, and methidana. Is it that you are asking about?
Thanks……. ! Bcz it’s too much hard to remember all the spices, but now i can recognize n remember easily, m very thankful to u mam……
Thanks Bijay!
I am glad you find the list helpful. 🙂
please let me English name of katlu powder
Dipesh,
Katlu is not a single spice. It is actually a mix of many spices like dry ginger, fennel, turmeric, poppy etc… I came across it when we lived in Gujarat and haven’t really seen it being used in other cuisines. I don’t think it has a corresponding English name.
Hope that helps
Hello mam.
Can black pepper and peppercorn be used interchangeably or their is some difference ?
A bit confused because u wrote both of the name separately .
Hey Sagar,
Thank you so much for pointing that out! There absolutely is no need for me to put them separately as black pepper is also a kind of peppercorns. Peppercorns can be black, red, white… and if the recipe calls for black peppercorns then they can be used interchangeably with black pepper. Just that peppercorns are whole spices and black pepper can be whole or ground.
Great start on your herb and spice list Ashima. What is the difference between Shah Jeera (Black Cumin), Kala Jeera (Black Cumin), and Kali Jeera (Black Cumin)? Each seed looks a little different and I am looking for caraway seeds. Based on your intro comment, I am guessing it is probably shah jeera but I am curious as to what black cumin really is – do you know?
Hi Lindsay,
You guessed it right! Caraway seeds are the same as Shah Jeera. Shah Jeera is smaller than regular Jeera (black cumin) and more aromatic and flavourful. Since it is also more expensive, the use is reserved for more elaborate and festive cooking. Black cumin or Kaala Jeera is the most regular cumin that you will find.
Kali Jeeri is a different spice that looks like cumin but has is different in flavor. I actually don’t know what is it called in English. It is used in India in Ayurvedic medicines and home remedies.
Thanks for your help.
Hello Ashima. I would appreciate if you would be able to clarify for me if the references to oregano are ajwain or carom? Also, what is ajwain ke phool?
Hey Lindsay!
I am so sorry for the delay. I have been out of internet for a few days. oregano is not ajwain or carom seeds. In fact, oregano is not an Indian spice.
Ajwain ke phool would translate to Ajwain flowers which are like tiny white flowers that grow in a bunch, just like dill flowers. While Ajwain leaves are used in cooking, I haven’t come across the use of flowers in cooking.
Thanks again for your help Ashima.
I am glad I was of help!
Is it possible to upload pictures to this blog? I’d like to add some more confusion to the cumin/black cumin/caraway issue by showing what we get under those names at our Spice Centre here in Edmonton, AB Canada
Hello Jim,
It is my wish to upload pics to this blog one-day:-). I want to click all the spices and then create a photo glossary of them. Thank you for suggesting because it definitely will help me do it sooner. I am leaving for 10 days Vipassana Meditation camp tomorrow and will be completely disconnected during that time. But once I return, I will definitely start on taking pictures of all the spices for this page.
Though I had a confusion… would you like that we upload pics to this post or you want to share your pictures with us? Cumin and black cumin are the same. Caraway seeds are thinner and smaller than regular cumin seeds but of the same family. In Hindi, they are called Shah Jeera.
Nice work Ashima..it will be good if you add image for that.. But really good one.
Thanks, Arvind.
Images for individual spices is a project I will take up soon 🙂
Thanks a lot
Very helpful
Thanks, Tanzila. I am glad you found it helpful! Do let me know if you find spice names that are missing here.
i really want to say its good it was very helpful for me in knowing all spicesvery thankful
Thank you so much, Anjan!
I am very happy that the list is helpful for you. Since it is an ongoing list, do let me know if you come across spices that are missing here.
Do you love the sweet aroma of cinnamon in your dish? Or swear by the wonderful health benefits of turmeric? Spices are an integral part of the family kitchen for a reason.
Thanks, Jenitha!
Definitely, all the spices have so many health benefits besides adding to the flavor and aroma!
Nice work, you could add photos for each item. But still the list is very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks, Dipak.
I am glad you find the list helpful. I am going to add images soon. That’s been suggested by a lot of readers and I am planning to click all images on a weekend and add them here 🙂
Hi,
What we say Panchforan in english ?
Hello Anoop, Panch Foran is a Bengali spice mix of 5 spices – cumin, fenugreek, fennel, mustard, and nigella seeds. It literally translates in English to 5 spices.
You can check how to prepare it here: https://www.myweekendkitchen.in/bengali-panch-phoran-spice-mix/
Hi Ashima, thanks for the list.once Alka had asked you on Nov,2016 that what is arrowroot. actually arrowroot is not arbi/arvi, it is cornflour…
What is the name of garam masala in english??
Irza,
Garam masala is a spice mix made of many different spices including cumin, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, mace, bay leaf, and coriander seeds. You can check out the proportions of the various spices and how to make your own garam masala powder at home here: Homemade Garam Masala Recipe
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions
This is very useful! thanks again.
Thanks, Sazd
This information is very useful.
Staying in a foreign land away from the Indian subcontinent, I can imagine the type of problem anyone would be facing to get the spices for preparing a meal for their family.
I am myself and this information has given me a lot of insight into everyday spice purchase from the supermarket.
Thanks, Tanisha!
I am glad this list has been helpful for you to make your purchases in the supermarket. Do let me know if you have questions about any spices!
Glad I found that content collectively at a place. You’ve done a great work Ashima.
Could you tell us what is the translation of magg(phonetically ma-gg-aan) in the northern region of India?
An inch or half in length with quadrilateral grooves on it.
According to my knowledge star-anise, cardamom and the one I’m asking about is from the one single plant(* but still not sure about that information).
Hey Udit!
I am happy the list is helpful to you 🙂 I have not heard of magg spice before… I will ask around a little with my aunts and grandmas to see if they know of it. And in the meanwhile if you come to know what it is, do share here so I can add it to the list 🙂
It’s really awesome
Thanks, Kunal!
I am glad it is helpful!
What is allspice hindi name.what is its origin.the dish in which it is used
Aditya,
Allspice is a specific kind of pepper from Central America. It tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and hence it was given the name of Allspice by the English. It doesn’t have a corresponding Hindi word.
As a substitute, I often use powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves or even garam masala works well.
Hope that it helps.
Thank you so much! This spice list is very essential in daily routine. I always get confused in all these things but this list makes it very clear. Thx a lot dear. have a great day…
Thanks so much, Sneha!
The spices do often create confusion and I am glad this list is helpful to you! Let me know if you come across spices that are not in the list and I can add them to it.
This is cool and helpfull of you. Good going, dear
Thanks, Mubeela! I am glad this is helpful for you. Let me know if I am missing any spices.
shajeera,khus,BADI,ELAICHI WHAT ARE THEY CALLED
Jithin,
Shahjeera — Caraway Seeds
Khus Khus — Poppy seeds
Badi Elaichi — Black Cardamom
Hope this helps!
Please tell me the English word of maggaan spice. This is one of the Garam Masala spices
Meena,
Maggaan is a kind of pepper. You don’t necessarily need it to make garam masala. I use the more commonly found black peppercorn to make garam masala at home.
Hope this helps.
How useful this is. Thank you. I wonder what the name of anise seeds is in Hindi. Trying to find the seeds at Rani’s but all I get is star anise. I need the seeds to make a mix called “speculaas”. A mix of spices used in Dutch baking recipes for cookies etc. Thank you in advance. Really a great source of info. Love Indian Food. Delish and fragrant.
Thank you John! I am glad this list is helpful. Though I am not able to help you immediately with what is anise seed called in Hindi. It definitely is not star-anise. It is more similar in taste, texture, and size to fennel seeds (saunf in Hindi) and fennel can be used as a substitute for anise.
Everywhere that I looked and asked, everyone, refers to anise as saunf so not able to find the exact Hindi word for it. I will keep looking and update when I know!
It is very useful content for me , thanks for posting important spices name and herbs name , please add more content.
Thanks, Nandita!
I am glad this list of spices and herbs is helpful to you. I would love to add more… What other ingredients would you like added here?
Thanks for sharing this useful information
Thanks, Varun!
I am glad this is helpful!
Wish you a very Happy New Year 🙂
That’s very useful. and nicely explained thanks
Thanks, Suraj!
Add
Kasoori Methi.
Badi/ Kali ilaichi
Kabab Chini
Shahi Jeera.
Long pepper
I will add some more later on
Dear Nafees,
Thank you so much for your suggestion. I have updated the spices table with images and both Hindi and English names of all the 5 spices you suggested. 🙂 Looking forward to more suggestions from you!
nice and useful compilation
Thank you, Vasanth! I am glad that this list of Spices in Hindi and English is useful for you. Let me know if you think of any additions in the list!
Hi Ashima,
Very valuable resource. A couple of entries you could add:
Caraway – Shah Jeera (used as part of a biryani mix. Heavily used in Central and Eastern Europe
Mango Ginger (a cousin of Ginger and Turmeric – the root has a faint mango smell and is used for pickle) – Aam Haldi (Ambe Halad in Marathi)
Black Stone Flower (Parmotrema perlatum, a lichen) – Pathar ka Phool
Thanks, Prakash!
I am glad that this resource with spices names in Hindi and English is helpful.
And thank you so much for your suggestions for adding to the list!
For the longest of the time I used to think Caraway seeds are same as Kala Zeera (or Shahi zeera) but only when I had both of them in my kitchen that I saw the difference both in appearance and taste. I still don’t know the Hindi word for Caraway seeds, which is why it is not there in the list as of now. On a lookout for it 🙂
I’ve added both Amba Haldi (I always find it as white turmeric… are you sure it is also called mango ginger? Haven’t heard of that name before) and black stone flower (this one I just learned about it so thank you so much for teaching me something new today! :D)
Really appreciate it and hope you will continue to share suggestions.
love,
ashima
What is the English name for “Chirongi”?
Buchanania Lanzan!
I also learned just now 🙂 Thank you for your suggestion.. will add it soon to the list when I add a nuts section!
Dear Madam, We are planning to start a business of Mix Ready to use Masala ,
Can you give us details ? Or can you be our consultant for setting up recipe ?
Thanks
Dear Kishan,
Thank you for your message here. Can you email me more details. Would love to explore how we can work together on this.
best,
ashima
Thanks for the list! Even the comment section was full of info!
nice
Hello Ashima
I have recently joined a Pickle manufacturing company
and honestly didn’t knew anything about spices.
Your website proved very useful for me.
Thank you very much for the information.
I sincerely appreciate your help.
Hello Deepak!
Thank you so much for sharing this and all the best in your new job!
Bade kaam ki jankari hai. Thanks.
I really didn’t know these things before which you have informed us through your helpful and informative article!! Thank you and keep sharing awesome stuff.
This list of Hindi and English spice names is helpful in my EVS project, the chapter name is spicy riddles. Thanks for helping. Can you post more names of spices in your website?
Hey Prajokta!
I didn’t see this use of the spice list 🙂 I am glad this is helpful in your project. I keep updating the glossary as and when I come across a new spice name. If you tell me spice names, I will be happy to add them to the list.
Hi Ashima, what is the Hindi name of Sage (the herb)?
Hello Samiksha,
Sorry won’t be of much help here. In my experience since Sage is not a native Indian herb, it is referred to and sold as Sage itself (it is just transliterated to सेज in Hindi on the packets)
It will be great if someone else can help and share if a Hindi name is there.
Wow..
Thankyou for all th info here.
This is very helpful for me and others also.
Thanks for posting this…
I am a single male and cooking is a big-big hasle for me. When it comes to spices I often get so confused. Thanks for providing an exclusive list of Indian spices.