Nepali Spice Names in English and Nepali: Herbs and Masala Guide

Looking for Nepali spice names in English and Nepali? Use this directory to match familiar ingredients such as jira (cumin), methi (fenugreek), marich (black pepper) and besar (turmeric). Follow the linked names for photographs and more detailed ingredient guides.

Spellings and local names vary. When shopping, specify whether you need whole seeds, ground powder or fresh leaves. A shared market name does not always identify the exact botanical variety.

Nepali spices: English–Nepali name table

English ingredient	Common Nepali name	Nepali script
Ajowan seeds	Jwaano / javano	ज्वानो
Asafoetida	Hing / heeng	हिङ्ग
Bay leaves	Tejpaat	तेजपत्ता
Black cardamom	Alainchi / thulo sukumel	अलैंची
Green cardamom	Sukumel / sano sukumel	सुकुमेल
Fresh coriander	Hariyo dhania	धनियाँ
Cinnamon and cassia	Daalchini	दालचीनी
Cloves	Lwang	ल्वाङ्ग
Coriander seeds	Dhania ko geda	धनियाँ
Cumin	Jira / jeera	जीरा
Fennel seeds	Saunp / saunf	सौंप
Fenugreek	Methi	मेथी
Ginger	Aduwa	अदुवा
Jimbu	Jimbu	जिम्बु
Mustard seeds	Tori / rayo; names vary	तोरी
Nigella seeds	Mungrelo / mugrelo	मुग्रेलो
Nutmeg and mace	Jaiphal and javitri	जाइफल / जावित्री
Black pepper	Marich	मरिच
Poppy seeds	Khus khus	खसखस
Radish seeds	Mula ko beu	मूलाको बीउ
Chilli	Khursani	खुर्सानी
Saffron	Kesar	केसर
Sesame	Til	तिल
Nepal / Sichuan pepper	Timmur / timur	टिम्मुर
Turmeric	Besar	बेसार

Common ingredient mix-ups

• Jira and methi: cumin and fenugreek are different spices.
• Marich and khursani: black pepper and chilli are different ingredients.
• Coriander leaves and seeds: both are called dhania in everyday usage, so specify the part you need.
• Cinnamon and cassia: check the packet if a recipe requires a particular type.
• Cayenne and red chilli powder: the general term rato khursani does not guarantee the cayenne variety.

How to use this directory

Start with the ingredient in your recipe, open its detailed guide, and compare the form sold in the shop. For example, whole methi seeds are different from fresh methi greens. Follow recipe quantities rather than substituting equal amounts of different spices.

Nepal spice-market photographs

Nepali Spice Markets - (Ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, chilli powder and garam masala)

 Fresh Herbs and Spices - green chillies, ginger, garlic, cilantro (fresh coriander), onions, shallots, tomatoes - a must have ingredients - for Nepali cooking

Whole spices such as stick cinnamon, bay leaves, green and black cardamom, and whole cloves adds flavor and texture to Nepali dish.

Spice Box (Sanduke or Masala Dani) - The round stainless steel spice box that stores dry spices is found in most Nepali homes.  It has a tight fitting lid to ensure that the spices are not exposed to air and do not mix together.

Strolling through the Nepali markets and taking pictures. Whole spices are artfully displayed in several large and small bowls.