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.
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 |