The Spice Route
Explore our collection of 47 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
47 spices found
Poivre andaliman
Andaliman pepper comes from Sumatra and belongs to the Sichuan-type pepper family.
Kencur
Kencur is an aromatic rhizome native to Southeast Asia, widely used in Indonesian and Thai cuisine.
Dried resin of Ferula assa-foetida, asafoetida has a very strong, unpleasant raw odor that transforms into subtle garlic and onion flavor when cooked.
Bétel (feuille séchée)
Betel leaf is used in Southeast Asia to flavor dishes, infusions, and traditional preparations.
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.
Cannelle Cassia
Cassia cinnamon is mainly sourced from China and Southeast Asia. It's bolder than Ceylon cinnamon and widely used in baking and spice blends.
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.
Arbre à curry (graines)
Seeds associated with the curry tree are linked to South Asian culinary traditions and should not be confused with curry powder blends.
Ciboule séchée
Scallion has long been used in Europe and Asia for its mild onion-like flavor.
Ail
Native to Central Asia, garlic has been used for thousands of years across Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
Herbe à ail
Garlic herb has been used in Europe and Asia as a gentler alternative to fresh garlic.
Gingembre
Ginger originates from Asia and has been used for centuries in cooking and drinks. Its flavor is spicy, fresh, and citrusy.
Piment coréen gochugaru
Sun-dried red pepper flakes, the foundation of Korean cuisine and kimchi.
Réglisse moulue
Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice offers a sweet, slightly bitter aroma. Used in both sweet preparations and some savory dishes.
Poivre de Java
Java pepper is grown in Indonesia and has a straightforward heat.
Poivre de Kampot
Kampot pepper is a Cambodian PGI pepper renowned worldwide.
Citronnelle
Stalks of Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass has an intense, fresh citrus aroma. Pillar of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, it flavors soups and curries.
Baie du Népal
Nepal pepper refers to aromatic Himalayan pepper berries with fresh, complex notes.
Argousier (baies séchées)
Sea buckthorn is a hardy shrub found in colder regions of Europe and Asia. Its berries are known for a tangy, fruity taste.
Japanese seven-spice blend including chili, Sichuan pepper, citrus zest and sesame seeds. Perfect on noodles and soups.
Galanga fumé
Galangal is an Asian root related to ginger, here smoked for added depth.
Racine de gingembre fumée
Smoked ginger is a modern variation adding aromatic depth.
Poivre de Timut
Nepalese cousin of Sichuan pepper, Timut pepper stands out with pronounced grapefruit and passion fruit notes. Electrifying sensation on the palate.
Sarawak blanc
White Sarawak pepper comes from Malaysia and is valued for its gentle aroma.
Gingembre sauvage
Wild ginger grows naturally in parts of Asia and North America.
Graines de moutarde jaune
Mustard seeds have been used since ancient times in Europe and Asia. Yellow mustard is milder than black mustard.