Food & Drink

Spice Blends from Around the World

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Updated:3/7/2026
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Spice Blend
Origin
Key Spices
Used In
Known For
Garam Masala
IndiaCardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, corianderCurries, rice dishes, dalsIndian cooking essential, 'warm spice' blend, every family has their own recipe
Za'atar
Middle EastThyme, sumac, sesame seeds, oreganoFlatbread, eggs, labneh, saladsLevantine soul seasoning, manakish bread, tangy and herby, breakfast essential
Ras el Hanout
North Africa (Morocco)Cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, turmeric + 20 moreTagines, couscous, grilled meats'Head of the shop' — the best spices the merchant has, incredibly complex
Chinese Five Spice
ChinaStar anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorn, fennelRoast duck, pork belly, stir-fryYin-yang balance of five flavors, aromatic and warm, Cantonese BBQ secret
Herbes de Provence
FranceThyme, rosemary, oregano, lavender, savoryGrilled meats, ratatouille, roasted vegetablesLavender inclusion (American version), French countryside in a jar, summer grilling
Baharat
Middle East / TurkeyPaprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, black pepperKebabs, 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 pepperCrab, shrimp, fries, Bloody MarysMaryland identity, Chesapeake Bay crabs, McCormick brand, cult following beyond seafood
Jerk Seasoning
JamaicaAllspice, Scotch bonnet, thyme, garlic, gingerJerk chicken, pork, fishJamaican soul food, fiery heat, pimento wood smoke, Caribbean party flavor
Curry Powder
India / British inventionTurmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, chiliCurries, soups, deviled eggsBritish colonial invention, no single 'curry powder' in India, gateway spice blend
Dukkah
EgyptHazelnuts, coriander, cumin, sesame seedsBread dipping (with olive oil), salads, roasted vegetablesEgyptian street food dip, crunchy texture, bread + olive oil + dukkah ritual
Shichimi Togarashi
JapanRed chili, Sichuan pepper, sesame, nori, ginger, hemp seedUdon, ramen, yakitori, riceJapanese seven-spice, tabletop essential, citrusy heat, ramen finishing touch
Berbere
EthiopiaChili, fenugreek, coriander, cardamom, ginger, cinnamonDoro wat, kitfo, Ethiopian stewsHeart of Ethiopian cuisine, complex heat, doro wat essential, injera companion
Taco Seasoning
USA / MexicoChili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, oreganoTacos, burritos, nachosTaco Tuesday essential, Old El Paso packets, homemade is way better, Tex-Mex staple
Quatre Épices
FrancePepper, cloves, nutmeg, ginger (or cinnamon)Pâtés, terrines, charcuterie, soupsFrench 'four spices', charcuterie essential, warm and peppery, understated elegance
Adobo Seasoning
Philippines / Latin AmericaGarlic, oregano, black pepper, turmeric, onionFilipino adobo, Latin meats, marinadesFilipino national dish seasoning, Goya brand, simple but transformative

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