Food & Drink

Spice Blends from Around the World

Name: Spice Blends from Around the World
Creator: Community curated
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Garam masala, za'atar, ras el hanout — which spice blend adds the most magic to food?

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Source:Community curated

Updated:3/7/2026

#cooking #drink #food #spices

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Spice Blend↕	Origin↕	Key Spices↕	Used In↕	Known For↕
Garam Masala	India	Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander	Curries, rice dishes, dals	Indian cooking essential, 'warm spice' blend, every family has their own recipe
Za'atar	Middle East	Thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, oregano	Flatbread, eggs, labneh, salads	Levantine soul seasoning, manakish bread, tangy and herby, breakfast essential
Ras el Hanout	North Africa (Morocco)	Cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, turmeric + 20 more	Tagines, couscous, grilled meats	'Head of the shop' — the best spices the merchant has, incredibly complex
Chinese Five Spice	China	Star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorn, fennel	Roast duck, pork belly, stir-fry	Yin-yang balance of five flavors, aromatic and warm, Cantonese BBQ secret
Herbes de Provence	France	Thyme, rosemary, oregano, lavender, savory	Grilled meats, ratatouille, roasted vegetables	Lavender inclusion (American version), French countryside in a jar, summer grilling
Baharat	Middle East / Turkey	Paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper	Kebabs, rice pilaf, stews	'Spices' in Arabic, warm and aromatic, every Arab country has a version
Old Bay	USA (Maryland)	Celery salt, paprika, mustard, red pepper, black pepper	Crab, shrimp, fries, Bloody Marys	Maryland identity, Chesapeake Bay crabs, McCormick brand, cult following beyond seafood
Jerk Seasoning	Jamaica	Allspice, Scotch bonnet, thyme, garlic, ginger	Jerk chicken, pork, fish	Jamaican soul food, fiery heat, pimento wood smoke, Caribbean party flavor
Curry Powder	India / British invention	Turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, chili	Curries, soups, deviled eggs	British colonial invention, no single 'curry powder' in India, gateway spice blend
Dukkah	Egypt	Hazelnuts, coriander, cumin, sesame seeds	Bread dipping (with olive oil), salads, roasted vegetables	Egyptian street food dip, crunchy texture, bread + olive oil + dukkah ritual
Shichimi Togarashi	Japan	Red chili, Sichuan pepper, sesame, nori, ginger, hemp seed	Udon, ramen, yakitori, rice	Japanese seven-spice, tabletop essential, citrusy heat, ramen finishing touch
Berbere	Ethiopia	Chili, fenugreek, coriander, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon	Doro wat, kitfo, Ethiopian stews	Heart of Ethiopian cuisine, complex heat, doro wat essential, injera companion
Taco Seasoning	USA / Mexico	Chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, oregano	Tacos, burritos, nachos	Taco Tuesday essential, Old El Paso packets, homemade is way better, Tex-Mex staple
Quatre Épices	France	Pepper, cloves, nutmeg, ginger (or cinnamon)	Pâtés, terrines, charcuterie, soups	French 'four spices', charcuterie essential, warm and peppery, understated elegance
Adobo Seasoning	Philippines / Latin America	Garlic, oregano, black pepper, turmeric, onion	Filipino adobo, Latin meats, marinades	Filipino national dish seasoning, Goya brand, simple but transformative