Indian foods are all about the spice. Indian food ranges from street-side chaat to slow-cooked curries. The Indian spices are not all equal.
Every corner of India is represented by its own aggressive character full of exquisitely prepared blends of spices, some of them being too hot, some of them being rather too aromatic, some of them undergoing dry roast, some of them impregnated by coconut flavor, and some of them by tamarind. And thanks to e-commerce platforms, you don’t have to trek to Jackson Heights or Devon Avenue to stock your pantry.
New to Indian cooking or a home chef, these are some of our favourite recommended 10 essential must-have Indian regional spices that you can get online in NYC, and more on staying fresh, storing, and sourcing spices.
Why Regional Indian Spices Matter
As a report published by Research and Markets stated, the market size of the Indian spices market was estimated at US dollar 10.44 billion in 2022, in which the U.S. represents one of the largest importers, mainly due to the demands of the Indian immigrants and the adventurous cook or eater.
Diverse as New York is, regional spices are not mere flavoring agents, but the way to cultural heritage and identity. According to a 2022 Statista survey conducted by CAROLYNE IM, the Greater NYC region is home to more than 400,000 Indian-Americans, many of whom are dependent on online grocery delivery to get regional staples.
Top 10 Indian Regional Spices to Buy Online in NYC
1. Godavari Red Chili Powder (Andhra Pradesh)
This fiery red chili powder is a staple in Andhra households and is known for its high Scoville rating and deep red hue. It’s used in pickles, curries, and chutneys.
- Where to use:Gongura pachadi, Andhra chicken curry
- Why it stands out:Higher heat and deeper color than Kashmiri chili
- Buy on:Quicklly, iShopIndian
- Panch Phoron (Bengal)
A 5-seed mix of cumin, fennel, nigella, fenugreek, and mustard seeds, this spice is tempered in oil for Bengali lentils and stir-fries.
- Where to use:Shukto, Bengali dal, potato fry
- Why it stands out:Whole spices retain maximum freshness and aroma
- Buy on:Amazon, Patel Brothers Online
- Kashmiri Garam Masala (Kashmir)
Lighter and more fragrant than standard garam masala. Contains black cardamom, cinnamon, and mace. Milder heat makes it ideal for flavor layering.
- Where to use:Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo
- Fun fact:Mace (javitri) contains myristicin, a compound known for mood-boosting effects
- Buy on:Quicklly, iShopIndian
- Malvani Masala (Konkan Coast, Maharashtra)
A robust blend of dried coconut, sesame, coriander, and kokum is used heavily in seafood dishes.
- Where to use:Surmai curry, Malvani mutton
- Flavor profile:Smoky, nutty, tangy
- Buy on:Quicklly, The Spice House
- Kolhapuri Thecha (Maharashtra)
A dry, crushed blend of green chilies, garlic, and roasted peanuts. Traditionally served on the side with flatbreads like bhakri.
- Where to use:As a condiment with meals
- Why it’s popular:Rich in capsaicin and good fats (from peanuts)
- Buy on:Local Indian stores on Quicklly
- Sambhar Powder (Tamil Nadu)
A soul-soothing spice blend of lentils, red chilies, coriander, and asafoetida, used to flavor the iconic South Indian dish sambhar.
- Where to use:Lentil stews, rasam, upma
- Buy on:iShopIndian, Quicklly, Swagat Grocery
- Bisi Bele Bath Powder (Karnataka)
Unique to Karnataka, this blend contains cinnamon, cloves, poppy seeds, curry leaves, and nutmeg.
- Where to use:In rice-lentil dishes like Bisi Bele Bath
- Flavor profile:Earthy and warm
- Buy on:Quicklly or Patel Brothers
- Rajasthani Laal Mirch (Rajasthan)
Not just spicy, this chili powder is known for its smoky intensity and is central to dishes like Laal Maas.
- Where to use:Red meat dishes, curries
- Storage tip:Keep away from moisture to prevent clumping
- Buy on:Patel Brothers Online, Quicklly
- Goda Masala (Maharashtra)
A sweeter, aromatic spice blend with coconut, sesame, bay leaf, and dagad phool (stone flower). Adds warmth and depth to dals and curries.
- Where to use:Varan bhaat, stuffed eggplant
- Unique ingredient:Dagad Phool has antimicrobial properties
- Buy on:Quicklly, iShopIndian
- Pav Bhaji Masala (Mumbai)
A street-food essential, this blend is tangy, spicy, and flavorful. Originally created to make leftover vegetables exciting for mill workers in Mumbai.
- Where to use:Pav bhaji, masala toast, noodles
- Popular brands:Everest, MDH, Badshah
- Buy on:Amazon, iShopIndian, Quicklly
Where to Buy Fresh Regional Spices in NYC
Not all online sources are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of trusted platforms:
Tip: Always check the spice’s “Packed On” and “Best Before” dates to ensure freshness, especially for whole spices and blends with coconut.
Beginner-Friendly Regional Spices to Start With
If you’re just getting into Indian cooking, start with:
- Panch Phoron– Easy to use in tempering.
- Pav Bhaji Masala– Instant flavor boost for veggies.
- Kashmiri Garam Masala– Milder than regular garam masala.
- Sambhar Powder– Great for lentils and soups.
How to Store Your Spices Properly
To maximize the shelf life and flavor of your regional indian spices:
- Store in airtight containers, preferably glass.
- Keep in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
- Use whole spices where possible; grind only when needed.
- Label jars with purchase dates and try to use them within 6–12 months.
Final Thoughts
New York’s multicultural culinary scene is the perfect playground for Indian regional cooking. Whether you’re simmering a Tamilian sambhar, flipping a vada pav, or trying Laal Maas for the first time, using authentic regional spices makes all the difference.
And with platforms like Quicklly, iShopIndian, and Patel Brothers Online, it’s easier than ever to bring these flavors home fresh, fast, and authentic.
So the next time you’re cooking dal, ditch the generic garam masala. Reach for that Goda Masala or Bisi Bele Bath powder instead. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.
