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Indian Spice Glossary

Spices are an essential part of Indian cuisine. One of the toughest challenges I had when I started cooking was shopping for spices. I would write my mom and grandma’s recipes down in excitement but once I got to the store I had to play the guessing game. You see, the issue was that I had the names of the spices memorized in Hindi/Urdu and I knew exactly what they looked like but I had no idea what some of their English names were. What was dal cheeni, hing, or saunf in English? More often than not, I would find myself calling my mom to see if she knew the translation or “googling” the spices Hindi name to get the English translation.

indianspiceglossary

I created this page for a quick spice reference/glossary of English to Hindi/Urdu translation. I’ve tried to add the most common spices that I can think of but please let me know if you have any additions that may be helpful.

Indian Spice Glossary

English Name

Hindi/Urdu Name

Aniseed/Fennel Seeds Saunf
Asafoetida Hing
Bay Leaf Tej Patta
Black Cardamom Badi Elaichi
Black Cumin Seeds Kala Jeera, Shahi Jeera
Black Mustard Seeds Rai
Black Pepper Kali Mirch
Black Salt Kala Namak
Caraway Seeds Shahi Jeera
Cardamom Elaichi, Choti Elaichi
Carom Seeds, Oregano Seeds Ajwain
Cinnamon Dal-cheeni
Clove Laung
Coriander Powder Dhaniya Powder
Coriander Seeds Sabut Dhaniya
Coriander, Cilantro (fresh) Hara Dhaniya
Cumin Seeds Jeera, Zeera
Curry Leaves Kari Patta, Kadipatha
Fenugreek leaves (dried) Kasoori Methi
Fenugreek Seeds Methi Dana
Garcinia Indica Kokum (dried)
Garlic Lasan, Lahsun
Ginger Adhrak
Holy Basil Tulsi
Mace Javitri
Mint Pudina
Mustard Seeds Sarson
Nigella Kalonji
Nutmeg Jaiphal
Pomegranate Seeds Anar Dana
Poppy Seeds Khus Khus
Red Chili Powder Lal Mirch Powder, Mirchi Powder
Rock Salt, Himalayan Rock Salt Sendha Namak
Saffron Kesar
Salt Namak
Sesame Seeds Til
Star Anise Anasphal
Sugar Shakkar, Cheeni
Tamarind Imli
Turmeric Haldi
Unrefined Brown Sugar Gur, Jaggery

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Welcome! I'm Nisha, creator of Love Laugh Mirch. I'm a mom, wife, believer and writer. As a 'Global Desi' I'm passionate about family recipes passed down through generations and Indian culture. Join me here as I share recipes, motherhood moments and life's mirch masala.
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