Spices
Spices for Asian Cuisine in the Online Shop of Asia Foodstore
The world of Asian spices is as fascinating as it is diverse. Whether coriander, cumin, chili, garam masala, ginger or turmeric – a wide variety of exotic spices gives Asian dishes their authentic flavor. Spices are as essential to Asian cuisine as rice itself, because in many Asian cultures they are more than just flavor enhancers. They are healing, health-promoting, and steeped in cultural tradition. Discover a large selection of Asian spices at Asia Foodstore that will give your dishes the authentic taste of Asia’s culinary world. We offer spices for bold heat as well as lighter ones for subtle notes in your dishes. Whether bold and spicy or pleasantly mild – you’re sure to find the right spices for your Asian recipes in our shop.
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Asian Spices – A Variety of Aromas
Spices in Asia are much more than just seasonings and have a
long-standing tradition in Asian cuisine that includes cultural,
culinary, and health aspects. Specific spices not only enhance
flavor but can also aid digestion, reduce inflammation, stimulate
circulation, and improve blood flow.
Whether it’s gochugaru in Korea, garam masala in India or miso in
Japan – despite many similarities, each Asian country has its own
seasoning culture and preferred spices for traditional dishes. The
overview below highlights essential Asian spices, how they are
processed, and in which dishes they are typically used.
Chili – More Than Just Heat
Chili is indispensable in Asian cuisine and is used in nearly every form – fresh as chili peppers, dried as flakes, ground as powder, or processed as chili paste. It gives dishes not just heat but also depth. Preferences for chili heat vary by region. It is especially popular in Thailand, in Korea as gochugaru (Korean chili powder), or in Indonesia in the dish Sambal Oelek.
Turmeric – Bright Yellow Aroma
This bright yellow spice gives dishes a mildly earthy, slightly bitter note and is mainly used in curries, rice, and soups. Turmeric is especially popular in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking. It is usually used in powder form but can also be used fresh like ginger.
Coriander – For Citrusy Freshness
The mildly spicy coriander is used either as dried seeds or ground into powder for curries, dals, or marinades. Fresh coriander leaves are not cooked and are popular in Thailand, Vietnam, and India. They are used in salads, soups, and noodle dishes, giving them a fresh citrusy note.
Cumin – Spicy and Warm
Cumin adds a warm, spicy, and slightly smoky flavor to dishes from Indian, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines. To bring out its full aroma, it is often toasted in a pan. It’s used to enhance curries, lentil and meat dishes, as well as yogurt sauces and rice dishes like Jeera Rice.
Ginger – Spicy with a Fresh Kick
Whether fresh, dried, or ground – ginger is a foundational spice in Asian cuisine. Its sharp, citrusy, slightly sweet flavor is used in curries, soups, marinades, and teas across nearly all Asian countries. In China, it’s often cooked into dishes, and in Japan, it’s served pickled alongside sushi.
Garam Masala – A Family Tradition in India
This warm and spicy blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg has deep roots in Indian cuisine, with each region and family having its own recipe. The mix is usually added at the end of cooking to round out the flavor. Garam masala adds bold, well-rounded spice to curries, meat, or vegetable dishes.
Gochujang and Gochugaru – A Spicy Duo
Gochujang (sweet and savory fermented chili paste) and gochugaru (fruity and spicy chili powder) are staples of Korean cuisine. Used in traditional dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, soups, and stews, they bring depth, warmth, and the heat beloved in Korean cooking.
Miso – For Subtle Aromas
This fermented paste made from soybeans, salt, and often rice or barley ranges from sweet-mild (white miso) to bold and savory (red miso). Miso is a core element of Japanese cuisine, used as a base for soups, dressings, and marinades. It is stirred into warm dishes but not boiled, to preserve its delicate flavors.
Furikake – For a Japanese Touch
This traditional Japanese seasoning mix consists of sesame, dried fish, seaweed, salt, and sometimes egg or wasabi. It adds umami flavor to rice, onigiri, and noodles and is a popular topping in Japan. It enhances both aroma and texture while making the dish visually appealing.
Soy Sauce – Intense Umami Flavor
Soy sauce intensifies natural umami flavors and is a key ingredient in Asian cuisine. In Japan, it’s used as a dip for sushi, while in China and Korea, it’s used for cooking and marinating. Light soy sauce is thinner and saltier; dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter.
Fish Sauce – Pure Umami for Asian Dishes
This salty, fermented sauce is essential in Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino cooking. It adds a unique umami taste to dips, dressings, soups, and stir-fries. Because of its intense flavor, it is usually used sparingly and balanced with sugar, lime, and chili.
Lemongrass, Galangal & Kaffir Lime – Citrusy Aroma Base
Citrus notes are key to the flavor cultures of Thailand and Indonesia. Lemongrass is usually cooked or pounded into dishes. Galangal is similar to ginger but spicier and more peppery. The intense citrus aroma of kaffir lime leaves adds depth to soups and curries and is typically removed before serving.
Health Aspects of Asian Spices
Asian spices have a long tradition not only for their flavor but also for their healing properties, which are valued in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Here are a few examples:
- Turmeric: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; used in Ayurveda for joint pain, skin conditions, and liver support
- Ginger: stimulates circulation, aids digestion, and is antibacterial; used for nausea, colds, and menstrual cramps
- Chili: capsaicin promotes circulation and metabolism; may support cardiovascular health and calorie burning
- Coriander: diuretic and antispasmodic, soothes the stomach; helpful for bloating, digestive issues, and lack of appetite
- Miso: rich in probiotics that support digestion and gut health; boosts the immune system and overall well-being
- Lemongrass: relaxing, antibacterial, and detoxifying; used as a healing tea in Thailand and Vietnam and for soothing digestive issues
DIY: Make Your Own Spice Blends
Many Asian spices can be combined to create uniquely aromatic
and intense spice blends. Here are a few tips for creating your own
blends:
1. Use the freshest spices possible and grind them just before use
to preserve the aroma.
2. Toast spices like cumin or coriander in a pan to release their
full flavor.
3. Use a mortar or spice grinder to extract the full aroma of
herbs.
4. Store your spice mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark
place – it will last for several months.
5. Experiment with ingredient ratios and create your own personal
spice blends.
6. Use strong spices like garam masala or five-spice powder
sparingly – it's better to under-season and adjust later.
Example of a Mild Asian Curry Spice Blend
Ingredients (for about 1 small jar):
2 tsp turmeric – for color and earthiness
1 tsp cumin (ground or toasted) – warm, nutty base
1 tsp coriander seeds (toasted & ground) – citrusy aroma
½ tsp ginger powder – subtle heat and freshness
½ tsp cinnamon – warm depth
¼ tsp fennel seeds (optional) – mild sweetness
1 pinch nutmeg or clove (ground) – for added depth
1 tsp mild paprika – for color and fruitiness
Optional: ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne – for extra heat
This spice mix is perfect for curries, stir-fried vegetables, tofu, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, or marinated meat dishes. Use 1–2 teaspoons per dish and toast briefly in oil before cooking to release the full flavor.
Why Buy Asian Spices at Asia Foodstore?
- Wide Selection: From spice powders and pastes to spice blends and fermented products – we offer spices from Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.
- Top Brands and Quality: We source from selected producers and trusted authentic brands from Asia. Many products are natural, free of additives, and traditionally made.
- All in One: Find everything you need to season your Asian dishes. You can also find inspiration and seasoning tips in our recipes and videos.
- Expert Advice: Unsure whether a spice suits your recipe? No problem – our customer service team is happy to help and answer your questions.
- Fast Shipping: Your order is ready for dispatch in 1–2 business days and shipped in aroma-sealed packaging. Free shipping within Germany for orders over €49.
Order Asian Spices Now from Asia Foodstore
Discover the fascinating world of Asian spices and their incredible variety of flavors. Browse our shop and get inspired by our large selection of spice powders, pastes, intense spice blends, sauces, and more for seasoning and enhancing your recipes. Whether fiery hot, warm and savory, or citrusy fresh – you’re sure to find the perfect spice for your taste! Order ready-made spice blends or individual spices and combine them with fresh herbs to create your own Asian spice mix.
Do you have questions about our spices or other products, your order, or shipping? Feel free to contact us via our contact form or by email. We’re happy to assist!