Best Asian Herb/Spice Types
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Garam masala is an intensely aromatic blend of ground spices such as cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns. Its name can be literally translated as hot ingredients, and is sometimes described as an aromatic blend that is meant to heat the body.
This spice blend has origins in Northern India, where winters are typically colder than in the rest of the country. The spices used in garam masala vary from region to region, but no combination of spices is believed to be more authentic than another.
THE BEST Garam masala Spice Blends and Seasonings
Sansho pepper is a Japanese spice characterized by its prized aromatic peppercorns, green color, and a floral, tangy, lemon-like flavor. It is a part of the famous seven Japanese spices and is closely related to Sichuan pepper.
The shrub is grown in Japan, but also in China and North Korea. Traditionally, sansho is used as a seasoning for fish and barbecue dishes, or sprinkled over unagi grilled eel. It pairs extremely well with other spices such as sesame and ginger.
THE BEST Sansho Pepper Peppercorns
Ceylon cinnamon is traditionally harvested from a tree that is native to Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, hence the botanical name of this health-beneficial spice. This cinnamon type is sweeter and more delicate than cinnamon cassia, the other main type of cinnamon.
It has a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism and body weight, and contains antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which are also found in grapes and green tea. Unlike cinnamon cassia, Ceylon cinnamon does not contain coumarin – a natural plant chemical that is toxic to the kidneys and liver, and it might also be carcinogenic.
Galangal is a ginger-like root that is widely used in Thai and Indonesian cuisine as a flavoring or a spice, characterized by its pungent aroma. There are two varieties of galangal: greater galangal, which is lighter in color and with a more subtle aroma, used mostly in Thai cooking, and lesser galangal, which is native to China.
Galangal is hard and woody on the exterior, with a strong citrus scent on the inside. It gives a citrus note to numerous dishes, and it is an important ingredient in Thai curry pastes. Galangal can come in many forms: as fresh root, dried root, or ground into a fine powder.
THE BEST Galangal Spices
Za'atar is a traditional spice blend with Middle Eastern and Levantine origins. The ingredients used in za'atar vary from region to region, and the list often includes the wild za'atar herb (hyssop, growing throughout the Levant), marjoram, thyme, oregano, coriander, cumin, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
The sumac imparts a lemony, citrusy flavor, oregano gives a slight bitterness, while marjoram gives notes of sweetness. The spice blend is commonly sprinkled over soups, dips, bread, meat, rice, pasta, vegetables, or rice dishes.
Despite its name, Sichuan pepper is actually not a pepper, but dried berry of a type of ash shrub that has a unique peppery and lemony aroma. It is characterized by its mouth-numbing properties, typical for numerous dishes from the Sichuan province of China.
Sichuan pepper is also one of the five ingredients in the famous Chinese five spice powder. The pepper is often ground or roasted, and is commonly used to make an infused oil. It appears in numerous dishes such as kung pao chicken, bang bang chicken, and dan dan noodles.
Translated from Arabian as spice, bahārāt is an aromatic blend of spices native to the Middle East. Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact spices used in the mix, the most common ingredients include black peppercorns, allspice, cassia bark, coriander, cardamom, chili peppers or paprika, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin.
The amount of added spices influences the final aroma, which is typically smoky, sweet, and spicy. Bahārāt can be used as a seasoning for fish and meat, it is commonly added to soups and stews, but it also works well in marinades or as a dry rub.
Shiso is a Japanese herb with a unique flavor: hints of citrus, mint, basil, anise, and coriander are all incorporated into its tiny leaves, which can be red or green. They are a part of the seven spices of Japan, originating from over 300 years ago in Kyoto.
Green shiso leaves are often used as a garnish for sushi and sashimi, but they are also added to soups and tempuras. Red shiso is mostly used to color umeboshi and pickled ginger. Whether red or green, shiso can be used in a variety of other dishes: mixed into salads, tossed into green tea, added to stir-fries, or chopped and prepared with scrambled eggs.
Thai basil is a type of basil that’s native to Southeast Asia. Commonly used in Asian and Thai cuisine and dishes, Thai basil is characterized by its anise-like, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that adds a layer of pungency to dishes. The leaves are small and narrow, while the stems and flowers and purple.
When compared with sweet basil, Thai basil is sturdier under high temperatures or long cooking times. It’s recommended to use Thai basil in dishes such as pad thai, Vietnamese pho, and Thai basil chicken.
Sometimes referred to as the seven-spice powder, shichimi togarashi is a spice blend widely used in Japanese cuisine for imparting a nice smoky-sweet heat to a variety of dishes, from a steaming bowl of soba noodles to grilled fish. The origin of shichimi togarashi dates back at least to the 17th century when it was produced by local herb dealers in what was then a small, little-known fishing village of Edo, currently known as Tokyo.
Its Japanese name literally translates to seven-flavor chili pepper, which is a reference to the usual seven ingredients that are used to make it: ground chili pepper, sansho or Japanese pepper, roasted satsuma mandarin peel, black or white sesame seeds, hemp seeds or hearts, ground ginger, and nori seaweed.
Best Asian Herb/Spice Producers
Daeryeok is a South Korean food manufacturer specializing in the production of wasabi, sauces, and other food products. Their main brand, Samkwang is known for high-quality wasabi that combines traditional recipes with modern production techniques.
In addition to Samkwang, the company operates other brands such as Chien Jalsikbi and Kakukaku offering a diverse range of products for both retail consumers and the B2B sector, including restaurants and wholesalers. Daeryeok places a strong emphasis on innovation in taste and design, earning consumer trust through consistent quality and reliability.
The company is also actively engaged in exports, expanding its presence in global markets and promoting Korean cuisine worldwide.
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2024
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2023
Lee Kum Kee is a well-known and reputable Chinese food manufacturer, specializing in sauces and condiments. Founded in 1888 in Guangdong, China, the company has a long history of producing high-quality products that are widely used in Asian cooking.
Lee Kum Kee is particularly famous for its oyster sauce, soy sauce, and various other cooking sauces, which are staples in both home kitchens and professional restaurants around the world. The company uses traditional recipes combined with modern production techniques to ensure consistency and authenticity in its products.
With a strong focus on innovation and quality, Lee Kum Kee has expanded its product range to include seasonings, marinades, and ready-to-cook products, catering to a diverse global audience.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023
BEST Lee Kum Kee Condiments
Bo Tree Farm is a spice blend and seasoning producer located in Cambodia. The company specializes in cultivating organic Kampot pepper, a variety highly prized within the culinary world. Bo Tree Farm emphasizes sustainable farming practices and works closely with local communities to ensure ethical production.
They export their pepper globally, and it is known for its distinct flavor profile and high quality.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Bo Tree Farm Herbs and Spices
Kanja Sansyou is a Japanese producer specializing in products made from sansho (Japanese pepper) and related herbs, cultivated in Wakayama Prefecture. The company offers high-quality seasonings, sauces, and ingredients that highlight the distinct aromatic and spicy flavors of sansho.
With a commitment to traditional farming and production methods, Sansyou-en aims to promote the culinary heritage of Japan.
BEST Kanja Sansyou Herbs and Spices
Mayta Jaya Mandiri is an Indonesian company engaged in the production and distribution of various food products. Specializing in traditional Indonesian snacks and ingredients, the company is known for offering high-quality products such as fried shallots, spices, and other culinary essentials.
Mayta Jaya Mandiri focuses on providing authentic flavors, aiming to deliver a premium experience of Indonesian cuisine to its customers. With a commitment to quality and excellence, the company has become a trusted name in the food industry.
BEST Mayta Jaya Mandiri Herbs and Spices
Kitora Nouen is a Japanese agricultural producer located in Wakayama Prefecture. The company specializes in cultivating high-quality fruits and spices, with a strong focus on sansho (Japanese pepper). Their products emphasize natural flavors and are grown with care to preserve traditional farming practices.
Kitora Nouen offers fresh produce and value-added products like seasonings, highlighting the rich agricultural heritage of the region.
BEST Kitora Nouen Herbs and Spices
Yamatsu Tsujita is a Japanese company specializing in the production and sale of high-quality spices, particularly focusing on domestically grown chili peppers and ground sansho (Japanese pepper). With a history spanning over 120 years, the company has preserved and passed down traditional techniques and varieties, such as the purebred "Taka no Tsume" chili pepper.
In 2021, this particular chili was recognized as a "Naniwa Traditional Vegetable" under the name "Sakai Taka no Tsume," highlighting its cultural and historical significance. Yamatsu Tsujita's commitment to quality and tradition has established them as a reputable producer of authentic Japanese spices.
BEST Yamatsu Tsujita Herbs and Spices
Argo Pandan Wangi is a premier Indonesian company specializing in the production and export of high-quality dried galangal. Their flagship product is meticulously harvested and processed to preserve its distinctive flavor and aroma, ensuring an unparalleled culinary experience.
The company is committed to sustainable farming practices and supports local farmers, reflecting their dedication to social responsibility. By choosing Argo Pandan Wangi, customers receive top-quality galangal while contributing to the well-being of local communities and the environment.
BEST Argo Pandan Wangi Herbs and Spices
Best Asian Herbs and Spices
BoTree Kampot Pepper Black 90g is a premium variety of black peppercorns produced by Bo Tree Farm. This pepper is unique to the Kampot region of Cambodia, renowned for its ideal growing conditions that impart a distinct flavor profile to the peppercorns.
This product emphasizes a strong, sharp taste with hints of eucalyptus and mint. The 90g packaging serves as a convenient size for culinary enthusiasts looking to enhance their dishes with a gourmet touch. The BoTree Kampot Pepper Black is celebrated for its quality, receiving Protected Geographical Indication status, which verifies its origin and authenticity.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
BoTree Herb de Kampot is a spice product made by Bo Tree Farm, which is known for producing high-quality Kampot pepper. This spice is cultivated in the Kampot region of Cambodia, an area renowned for its ideal growing conditions for pepper. The farm employs traditional farming methods to ensure the purity and rich flavor of its products.
BoTree Herb de Kampot is distinguished by its aromatic profile and robust taste, making it a popular choice among chefs and culinary enthusiasts.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
The BoTree Black Urfa Chilli Flakes 50g is a product made by Bo Tree Farm. These chilli flakes are known for their unique, rich, and complex flavor profile, offering a smoky and slightly fruity taste. The Black Urfa Chili originates from Turkey and is characterized by its deep, dark color and moderate heat level.
The 50g packaging ensures that it is an ample amount for culinary use without being excessive. Bo Tree Farm is reputed for its high-quality spices, and the Black Urfa Chilli Flakes are one of their signature offerings.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BoTree Royal Cinnamon 50g is a premium spice product made by Bo Tree Farm. This particular variety of cinnamon is often prized for its aromatic intensity and rich flavor profile, which can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. The product comes in a 50g package, making it a convenient size for household use.
The cinnamon is typically harvested and processed with care to preserve its essential oils and quality. Bo Tree Farm is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
Sansho Pepper by Kanja Sansyou is a premium Japanese spice derived from the sansho plant, cultivated in Wakayama Prefecture. Known for its vibrant citrusy aroma and tingling spice, sansho is a staple in Japanese cuisine, enhancing dishes like grilled meats, noodles, and pickles.
Kanja Sansyou focuses on traditional methods to ensure high quality and preserve the distinct flavors of their products.
Galangal - Mayta Jaya Mandiri is a high-quality, fresh galangal root used in traditional Indonesian cooking. Known for its distinctive, aromatic flavor with a combination of citrusy and spicy notes, galangal is an essential ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes such as soto (soup), rendang (beef curry), and tom yum (spicy soup).
The fresh galangal root from Mayta Jaya Mandiri is carefully selected for its freshness and flavor, making it a perfect addition to enhance the depth and authenticity of your culinary creations.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 39 Asian Herbs and Spices” list until April 23, 2025, 1,838 ratings were recorded, of which 854 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.