The Spice Route
Explore our collection of 36 spices from around the world. Discover their origins, flavors and culinary uses.
How to use The Spice Route?
The Spice Route is your complete guide to mastering the art of spices in cooking. Each detailed entry gives you:
- Geographic origin and history of the spice
- Taste profile with intensity and heat level
- Perfect pairings with meats, fish and vegetables
- Usage tips and mistakes to avoid
- Substitutions if you don't have the spice
36 spices found
Poivre andaliman
Andaliman pepper comes from Sumatra and belongs to the Sichuan-type pepper family.
Dried resin of Ferula assa-foetida, asafoetida has a very strong, unpleasant raw odor that transforms into subtle garlic and onion flavor when cooked.
Ail noir
Black garlic is made by slowly fermenting garlic, popularized in Asia and embraced by modern cooking.
Graines de sésame noir
Unhulled version of sesame, black seeds have a more pronounced, earthy taste. Popular in Japanese cuisine for their decorative aspect.
Mélange cinq-épices chinois
Traditional Chinese blend of five flavors: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seeds. Base for Cantonese marinades.
Cannelle
Cinnamon is a sweet and warm spice with sweet and woody notes. Essential in baking and comfort dishes.
Fleur de coriandre
Coriander flower is used fresh or dried for its delicate aroma, especially in Asian cuisine.
Basilic séché
Basil is a signature herb of Italian and Asian cuisines, known for its fresh, sweet aroma.
Citron kaffir séché
Kaffir lime is widely used in Southeast Asia for its powerful, zesty aroma.
Feuille de combava séchée
Native to Southeast Asia, kaffir lime leaves are prized for their intense citrus aroma.
Basilic thaï séché
Basil is a signature herb of Italian and Asian cuisines, known for its fresh, sweet aroma.
Galanga
Galangal is a ginger-like rhizome widely used in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Its aroma is more peppery and citrusy.
Ail
Native to Central Asia, garlic has been used for thousands of years across Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
Baie du Sichuan verte
Green Sichuan pepper is harvested earlier than red, offering a fresher, more citrus-forward profile.
Réglisse moulue
Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice offers a sweet, slightly bitter aroma. Used in both sweet preparations and some savory dishes.
Basilic citronné
Basil is a signature herb of Italian and Asian cuisines, known for its fresh, sweet aroma.
Citronnelle
Stalks of Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass has an intense, fresh citrus aroma. Pillar of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, it flavors soups and curries.
Baie de sansho
Sansho is a Japanese pepper related to Sichuan pepper, long used for its citrusy, numbing notes.
Japanese seven-spice blend including chili, Sichuan pepper, citrus zest and sesame seeds. Perfect on noodles and soups.
Poivre de Timut
Nepalese cousin of Sichuan pepper, Timut pepper stands out with pronounced grapefruit and passion fruit notes. Electrifying sensation on the palate.
Graines de sésame grillées
Cultivated for thousands of years in Africa and Asia, sesame is widely used across Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cuisines.
Coriandre vietnamienne
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) is widely used in Southeast Asia, offering a peppery, citrusy flavor.
Sarawak blanc
White Sarawak pepper comes from Malaysia and is valued for its gentle aroma.
Graines de sésame blanc
Cultivated for thousands of years in Africa and Asia, sesame is widely used across Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cuisines.