Spices are an essential part of Indian Cuisine, here is a list which I got on my old Hard Disk, and probably I got this info in some forwarded email. So, thought of sharing it here as we do have a recipes section here. Moreover, if you want to try cooking some Indian delight, this will be helpful for you. You can download a pdf of this from the link below. In this post, I am sharing the English name of common Indian Spices, Essence names, dry fruits, nuts, seeds, fruits and English name of Indian colors.
English name of common Indian Spices and Ingredients
If you are not aware of Indian names for spices and ingredients, it becomes difficult to understand the Indian Recipe. While some websites do offer alternate names, but it’s still not easy. So here is the list of common Indian Spices and Ingredients. Make sure to print it out and keep it handy whenever you need it before cooking or watching a video. Here is the list of things you will find in this table.
- Spice & Herbs(Masala)
- Essence Names
- Dry Fruits and Nuts
- Nuts and Seeds
- Fruits
- Grains Lentils Flours
- Legume Beans
- Meats Fowls Fish Organs
- Fowl
- Parts Organs
- Fish Seafood
- Vegetables(Subzi)
- Taste Expressions
- Cooking Tools
- Common Dairy Products
- Common Bread
- General Terms
- Desserts
- Miscellaneous
- English Name of Indian Colors
1.Spices and Herbs (Masala) |
|
| English Name | Hindi Name |
| Alkanet Root | Ratan Jot |
| Alum | Fitkari, Phitkari |
| Anise Seed | Choti Saunf, Suwa, Shopa |
| Arrowroot | Paniphal, Tikora |
| Asafoetida | Hing |
| Basil Holy | Tulsi |
| Bay Leaf Indian | Tej Patta |
| Black Cumin | Shahi Jeera, Himali Jeera, Kala Jeera |
| Black Mustard Seeds | Rai |
| Black Mustard seeds Cracked | Rai Kuria |
| Black Peppercorn | Kali Mirch |
| Black Rock salt | Sanchal, Kala Namak |
| Cardamom Black | Bari Elaichi |
| Cardamom Green | Choti Elaichi |
| Carom Seed | Ajwain |
| Cassia | Jangli Dalchini |
| Cayenne Pepper | Lal Mirch |
| Celery seeds | Ajmud |
| Cilantro | Hara Dhania Patta |
| Citric Acid | Nimboo Phool, Saji na Phool |
| Cinnamon | Dalchini |
| Cloves | Laung, Lavang |
| Coriander seeds | Dhania |
| Cumin seeds | Jeera |
| Curry Leaf | Meetha Neem Patta, Kari Patta |
| Dill | Soa |
| Fennel | Moti Saunf, Saunf |
| Fenugreek Leaves dried | Kasoori Methi |
| Fenugreek seeds | Methi Daane |
| Garcinia indica | Kokum |
| Garlic Fresh | Lassun |
| Ginger Fresh rhizome | Adrak |
| Ginger Dried rhizome | Saunth |
| Gold leaf edible | Sona Varak |
| Gum Katira Sap | Gond Katira |
| Green Chili | Hari Mirch, I use Serrano |
| Honey | Shahad |
| Illaichi | Chhoti elaichi |
| Licorice | Mulathi, Jethi-madh |
| Lime Pickling | Paan-Choona |
| Long Pepper | Pippali |
| Lotus seed pops | Makhna |
| Jaggery | Gur, Raw sugar cake Sources: Sugar cane, Palm |
| Mace | Javitri |
| Mango powder | Amchoor, Amchur …. Dried Tart Green Mango Powder |
| Mustard Seeds | Sarson, Rai |
| Mustard Seeds cracked | Rai Kuria |
| Mustard Oil | Sarson Tel |
| Nigella | Kalonji |
| Nutmeg | Jaifal |
| Onion | Piyaz |
| Paprika (Kashmiri Paprika) | Degi Mirch |
| Peppermint fresh | Podina |
| Pomegranate seeds | Anar-daana |
| Poppy Seeds | Khuskhus |
| Red Chili | Lal Mirch |
| Rose | Gulab |
| Rose water | Gulab jal |
| Sage | Kamarkas |
| Saffron | Kesar, Zaafraan |
| Salt | Namak |
| Salt Sea | Saindha Namak |
| Salt Sanchal Black | Kala Namak |
| Scallion | Hara Piyaz |
| Screwpine essence | Kewra |
| Sesame | Til |
| Silver edible leaf | Chandi Varak |
| Star Anis | Chakraphool |
| Sugar | Chini |
| Sumac | Sumaq |
| Tamarind | Imli |
| Turmeric | Haldi |
| Turmeric – Fresh rhizome | Kachi Haldi |
| Thyme | Ajwain ke phool for substitution purposes only |
| Vinegar | Sirka |
| White Pepper | Safed Mirch |
| Yeast Live sour dough | Khameer |
| Yeast | Samunder Jhag, Cuttle Stone soft rock, Toddy |
2.Essence (generic) Khusboo, Attar, Ruh, Ittar |
|
| Rose Essence | Gulab-Jal |
| Screwpine Essence | Kewra |
| Vetiver Essence | Khas |
3.Dried Fruits and Nuts (Mewa) |
|
| English Name | Hindi Name |
| Apricot dried | Khubani |
| Dates | Khajoor |
| Dates Dry skin | Chhohara |
| Fig | Anjeer |
| Gooseberry Indian (Emblica) | Amla |
| Prunes | Manukka |
| Raisins | Kishmish |
| Raisins seedless yellow | Sultana |
4.Nuts and Seeds |
|
| Almonds | Badaam |
| Cantaloupe seed | Kharbooza ke beej |
| Cashews | Kajoo |
| Coconut | Naarial Khopra |
| Flaxseeds | Alsi |
| Gorgon Nut Puffed Kernel | Makhana |
| Peanuts | Mungphali |
| Pine Nuts | Chilgoza |
| Pistachio Nuts | Pista |
| Pistachio Soft | Chironghi |
| Pumpkin seeds | Kaddu Beej |
| Safflower | Kusam Kusumbo |
| Sesame Seed | Til |
| Sunflower | Sooraj-mukhi |
| Watermelon seed | Tarbooj ke beej |
| Walnuts | Akhroat/ Akhrot |
5.Fruits(Phal) |
|
| Apple | Seb |
| Apricot | Jardaloo, Khumani |
| Avocado | Makhanphal |
| Banana | Kela |
| Cantaloupe | Kharbooja |
| Cranberry | Karonda. In realty, Karonda is ‘Natal Plum’ |
| Fig | Anjir |
| Gooseberry Cape | Rasbhari |
| Grapes | Angoor |
| Grapefruit | Chakutra |
| Guavas | Amrood |
| Jackfruit | Kathal |
| Java Plum | Jamoon |
| Lime | Nimboo, Lemon does not exist but same as Nimboo |
| Loquat | Lokat |
| Lychee | Leechee |
| Mango | Aam |
| Mulberry | Shehtoot |
| Natal Plum | Karonda |
| Olives | Zetoon |
| Orange | Santra |
| Orange – Navel | Mosambi |
| Papaya | Papeeta |
| Peach | Aadoo |
| Pear | Nashpati |
| Pineapple | Anna-naas |
| Plum | Aloo-bukhaara |
| Pomegranate | Anar |
| Sapodilla Plum, Sapota | Chickoo |
| Star fruit | Kamrakh |
| Sugar cane | Ganna |
| Sweet Lime | Musambi |
| Watermelon | Tarbooj |
6.Grains Lentils Flours |
|
| Barley | Jaun |
| Buckwheat | Kuttu |
| Cracked Wheat | Dalia |
| Cream of Wheat | Sooji |
| Farina | Sooji |
| Flour | Atta |
| Flour – Bread | Atta. Durum wheat whole-meal whole-grain flour |
| Flour – Chickpea | Besan |
| Flour – Pastry, All purpose | Maida. Super refined soft wheat flour |
| Maize | Makki |
| Millet – Barnyard | Jhungori |
| Millet – Finger | Ragi |
| Millet – Foxtail | Kheri |
| Millet – Great, Sorghum | Jowar |
| Millet – Little | Kodo |
| Millet – Pearl, Spiked | Bajara |
| Oats | Vilaiti Jaun |
| Rice | Chawal |
| Rice flattened flakes | Chewara, Poha |
| Rice puffed | Murmura |
| Semolina | Sooji, Rava |
| Sorghum | Jowar |
| Tapioca (Cassava) | Saboo-daana |
| Vermicelli | Seviyan |
| Wheat | Gehoon |
| Wheat flour | Gehoon Atta |
7.Legume Beans |
|
| Alubia | Safed Rajma |
| Black Matpe (Black beans) | Urad |
| Chickpea | Chana, Desi Chana, Kabuli Chana |
| Fava | Vaal, Sem |
| Field pea split | Matar Dal |
| Garbanzo Beans | Kabuli Chana |
| Mung Beans | Moong |
| Red Kidney Bean | Rajma |
| Lentil | Masoor |
| Pigeon peas | Arhar, Toor |
| Soya bean | Bhatma |
| Whole beans | Sabut |
| Split beans | Dal |
| Split skinless black chickpeas | Chana Dal |
| Decorticated Skinless beans | Dhuli |
8.Meats Fowls Fish Organs |
|
| Meats | |
| Beef | Gai ka Gosht |
| Cow | Gai |
| Goat | Bakra ka Gosht |
| Meat generic | Gosht |
| Pork | Sooer ka Gosht |
| Rabbit | Khargosh |
| Venison | Hiran ka Gosht |
9.Fowl |
|
| Chicken | Murghi |
| Squab | Chooza |
| Duck | Battakh |
| Egg | Anda |
| Goose | Bada-Battakh |
| Guinea fowl | Bada-Teetar |
| Partridge | Teeter |
| Pigeon | Kabutar |
| Quail grey | Battar |
10.Parts Organs |
|
| Bone | Haddi |
| Brains | Bheja, Magaz |
| Feet (Trotters) | Paya |
| Head | Sir, Matha |
| Heart | Dil |
| Intestines | Vajri |
| Kidney | Gurda |
| Leg | Raan |
| Liver | Kaleja |
| Lung | Phaypara |
| Marrow | Guda |
| Minced ground Meat | Keema |
| Stomach | Ojhari, But |
| Stomach Skin | Bhuri |
| Spleen | Tilli |
| Testicles | Kapura |
| Tongue | Zabaan, Jeeb |
| Udder | Khiri |
11.Fish Seafood |
|
| Bombay Duck | Bombil, Bumallo. |
| Butter Fish Indian | Pabda, Puptai |
| Carp varieties | Rohu, Rui |
| Cat Fish | Sangtam |
| Clams | Teesrya |
| Cod Rock | Gobro |
| Crabs | Kekda, Kurlya |
| Fish generic | Machli |
| Herring | Bhing |
| King Fish | Surmai, Visonu |
| Lady Fish | Kane, Nogli |
| Mackerel | Bangda |
| Mullet | Boi, Parshey, Andawari, Shevto |
| Mussels | Teesari |
| Pearl Spot | Karimeen |
| Perch Climbing | Koi Machli |
| Pomfret | Paplet |
| Pomfret, silver | Chandava |
| Prawn | Jhinga, Chingri, Chemen, Sungat |
| Red Snapper | Rane |
| Roe | Machli Anda |
| Salmon Indian | Raavas |
| Sardines | Pedvey |
| Sawfish | Kandere |
| Shark | Zori |
| Shad Indian | Llish Hilsa |
| Silver belley | Surgutta |
| Snake head | Murrai |
| Sole | Repti, Morrul |
| Sorrel Red | Chukka Sag |
| Squid | Samudra-pheni (or feni) |
| Tuna | Chura |
| Turbot – Indian | Kuppa machli |
| Turtle | Kachhua |
| White bait | Katai |
12.Vegetables(Subzi) |
|
| Aloe Vera | Gawar Patha |
| Beans Cluster fresh | Gowar ki phalli |
| Beans French fresh | Pharas Beans |
| Aubergine | Baingan |
| Beet root | Chukandar |
| Bell Pepper, Capsicum | Simla Mirch |
| Celery | Ajmud |
| Cabbage | Bandh-Gobi |
| Carrot | Gaajar |
| Cauliflower | Phool-Gobi |
| Cilantro | Hara Dhania |
| Colocasia, Taro, Eddo | Arbi, Arvi |
| Cluster beans | Guar-phali |
| Corn Kernel | Makki |
| Corn on the cob | Bhutta |
| Cowpea | Lobhia |
| Cucumber | Kheera |
| Cucumber English Skinny | Kakri |
| Eggplant | Baingen |
| Gourd – Ash | Petha |
| Gourd – Bitter | Karela |
| Gourd – Bottle | Ghiya. Lauki |
| Gourd – Ridged | Torai |
| Gourd – Snake | Chichinda |
| Jackfruit | Kathal |
| Kohl Rabi | Ganth Gobhi |
| Lotus stem | Bhein, Kamal Kakri |
| Mushrooms | Khumbi |
| Mustard Greens | Sarson Patta |
| Natal Plum | Karonda |
| Okra | Bhindi |
| Onion | Piyaaz |
| Peas Green | Mattar |
| Peppermint Leaves Fresh | Hara Podina |
| Potato | Aloo |
| Pumpkin | Kaddu. In Reality, Kaddu is closer to butternut squash |
| Radish | Mooli |
| Red Sorrel | Chukka Leaves |
| Scallion | Hari Piyaz |
| Spinach | Paalak |
| Sweet Potato | Shakar-kandi |
| Tomato | Tamatar |
| Turnip | Shalgam |
| Water Chestnuts Indian | Singhaara |
13.Taste Expressions |
|
| Aroma | Khush-boo, Sugandh |
| Bad | Kharaab |
| Burnt | Jalaa |
| Bland | Feeka |
| Cold | Thunda |
| Fresh | Taaza |
| Good | Bhariya … “Achha is just okay.” |
| Gravy | Tari, Rasa, Salan, Shorba |
| Hot | Garam |
| Mash | Bharta |
| Raw | Kuchaa |
| Reeks | Bad-boo |
| Ripe | Pukka |
| Rotten | Galaa |
| Salty | Namkeen |
| Savory | Chat-pata |
| Sharp | Teekha |
| Sour | Khatta |
| Stale | Baasi |
| Sweet | Meetha |
| Tasty | Swaad |
14.Cooking Tools |
|
| Hindi Name | English/Explanation |
| Atta Chhalni | Flour sifter |
| Belan | Rolling pin |
| Bhigona | Cooking pot with a lid |
| Chakla | Stone rolling board |
| Chakku | Knife |
| Chalini | Sieve |
| Chamcha | Large Spoon (Approximately Tablespoon) |
| Chamchi | Small Spoon (Approximately half teaspoon) |
| Chimta | Tongs |
| Choolah | U-shaped traditional stove |
| Degchi | Brass or Copper cooking pot, narrow neck, round bottom |
| Donga | Large mixing or serving bowl |
| Ghara | Large earthen pot to store food or water |
| Handi | Earthen cooking pot, narrow neck, round bottom |
| Hamam Dasta | Mortar & Pestle. |
| Imrit Baan | Pickling Crock made of Porcelain |
| Kaddu Kas | Grater |
| Kalchhi | Spoon Ladle |
| Karahi | Traditional Indian Wok. |
| Katori | Small curry bowl |
| Palta | Turner |
| Sancha | Mould |
| Seekh | Skewer |
| Sil Batta | Flat black stone and a Triangular Stone to crush spices with |
| Surahi | Long neck earthen pot used to store water |
| Tandoor | Drum-shaped clay oven |
| Tarazoo | Weigh Scale |
| Tawa | Iron griddle to make bread |
15.Common Dairy Products |
|
| Chach, Mattha | Churned homemade Yogurt with butter removed |
| Chenna | Cheese similar to small curd cheese |
| Dahi | Homemade Yogurt |
| Doodh | Milk |
| Ghee | Rendered butter |
| Khoya | Reduced whole milk |
| Kheer | Rice Pudding |
| Lassi | Churned homemade Yogurt |
| Makhan | Butter |
| Malai | Cream |
| Paneer | Cheese similar to farmer’s pot cheese |
| Raita | Cold Yogurt Soup |
16.Common Bread |
|
| Baati | Bread looking like bun cooked over ambers in Rajasthan |
| Bhature | Deep fried Maida flatbread |
| Chapati | Basic whole wheat unleavened flatbread, aka Roti |
| Kulcha | Baked Maida flatbread |
| Naan | Leavened flat bread baked in clay oven. |
| Paratha | Griddle Fried flatbread |
| Phulka | Lightweight version of Basic whole wheat bread (Roti) |
| Poori | Deep fried flat puffed bread |
| Poori Loach | Deep fried Maida flat puffed bread |
| Roomali | Very Very thin bread |
| Roti | Basic whole wheat unleavened flatbread, aka Chapati |
| Roti Missy | Multigrain basic flatbread |
| Roti Makki | Corn (Maze) basic flatbread |
17.General Terms |
|
| Beverages | |
| Chai | Hot tea |
| Daroo | Country Liquor |
| Kanji | Fermented Carrot beverage |
| Paani | Water |
| Sharab | Alcohol |
| Shikanjami | Limeade |
| Thandaii | Sweet Beverage made with a combination of seeds and nuts |
| Toddy | Natural sap wine collected from Palm trees. |
18.Desserts |
|
| Burfee | Diamond shaped cake from reduced milk or Garbanzo flour. |
| Chikki | Form of brittle, commonly made with peanuts or cashews |
| Firni | Rice flour pudding |
| Gajak | Form of Fudge, commonly made with sesame seeds |
| Halva-Carrot | Carrot cake |
| Halva-Sooji | Cream of wheat cake |
| Kheer | Rice Pudding |
| Rasgulla | Cheese balls in syrup |
19.Miscellaneous |
|
| Achaar | Pickle |
| Bhagar, Tarka | Tempering Dal |
| Bharta | Mashed food |
| Bharwa | Stuffed |
| Bhajji | Batter laced minced food Pattie |
| Bhujia | Damp Dry Curry |
| Bhurji | Damp Dry Curry |
| Bhuna | Pan fried or Pan roasted |
| Dal | Legume soup |
| Dhansak | Parsi curry with legumes |
| Do Piyaz | Damp curry containing half or more onions |
| Dosa | South Indian Rice/Bean crepe |
| Idli | South Indian Rice/Bean dumpling |
| Guda | Pulp |
| Kebab | Whole food roasted |
| Kofta | Meatball shaped minced food dish |
| Korma (Qorma) | Mild aromatic curry made with yogurt and nuts |
| Khameer | Yeast |
| Khasta | Flaky or crumbly |
| Kheer | Rice Pudding |
| Khichree | Rice and Beans cooked together |
| Makhni | Buttery Curry |
| Non-vegetarian | Maasahari |
| Pakora | Deep fried fritter |
| Papadom | Papad Thin wafer cracker |
| Pasanda | Mild aromatic vegetable or meat curry made with yogurt |
| Phitkari | Alum |
| Pickle | Achar |
| Pilaf, Pulao | Pulao Rice cooked with Vegetables Meat spices |
| Rind or Peel | Chilka |
| Rogan Josh | Bright red color meat curry from Kashmir |
| Samosa | Conical shaped deep fried stuffed pastry |
| Sugar Syrup | Chaasni |
| Tari | Broth like curry |
| Tikka | Whole- muscle or chunk food roasted or baked |
| Tikki | Minced food Patty |
| Vegetarian | Shakahari |
| Vindaloo | A spicy hot Portuguese style (Goa) curry |
20.English Name of Indian Colors
| Colors | |
| Black | Kaala |
| Blue | Neela |
| Brown | Saanvla, Khaki |
| Crimson | Lohit (Bloody), Gehra Lal Rung |
| Deeper shade | Gehra Rung |
| Green | Hara |
| Grey | Bhoora Rung |
| Indigo | Gehra Neela Rung |
| Lighter shade | Halka Rung |
| Maroon | Anaabi Rung |
| Orange | Naarangi |
| Pink | Gulabi |
| Purple | Jamni |
| Red | Lal |
| Saffron | Kesari |
| Violet | Baingani Rung |
| Yellow | Peela |
| White | Safed |
The only thing missing here are the pictures. Wish we could update Indian spices list in Hindi and English with pictures. Download the English name of common Indian Spices PDF from the below link.
English name of common Indian Spices and Ingredients
Disclaimer: As I said, I did not create the list, and I give the full credit to the person who made this list. He or maybe She has done an excellent job here collecting Masalo ke naam in Hindi and English.
Maybe you should change the page title English name of common Indian Spices and Ingredients to something more better for your subject you create. I enjoyed the post nevertheless.
Thanks…… really a greatt effort done !!!!!!!
Thanks…… really a greatt effort done !!!!!!!
Maybe you should change the page title English name of common Indian Spices and Ingredients to something more better for your subject you create. I enjoyed the post nevertheless.
Thanks a lot Manav 🙂