Across the world, distinctive cuisines have developed from local climates, cultures, and traditions of using spices. This guide introduces the flavors, spices, and ingredients found in Indian, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, and other ethnic cuisines.
When you understand how aromas are layered and ingredients are combined, cooking with spices at home becomes more approachable and enjoyable.
Indian cuisine uses spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom in different combinations for each dish. From curries and biryani to dal and tandoori dishes, cooking methods and flavors vary widely by region and household.
Well-known Nepalese dishes include dal bhat, which combines lentil soup with rice and vegetables, and momo, a spiced dumpling. Cumin, turmeric, and coriander are often used to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Sri Lankan cuisine combines spices such as curry leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves with the gentle richness of coconut. It includes a wide variety of curries made with fish, lentils, and vegetables.
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its light, fresh combinations of rice, rice flour, fish sauce, herbs, and vegetables. Dishes such as pho, fresh spring rolls, and banh xeo are enjoyed with fresh herbs and flavorful dipping sauces.
Try our Vietnamese recipe: How to Make Banh Xeo.
Thai cuisine brings together chili, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and coconut milk to balance heat, sourness, sweetness, saltiness, and aroma. Green curry and tom yum are two popular examples of its vibrant flavors.
Indonesian cuisine often builds layers of aroma and heat with chili, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric. Regional favorites include nasi goreng, satay, and rendang, each offering its own style of seasoning.
If you are new to ethnic cuisine, start with versatile spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and chili. Ingredients such as rice flour and coconut milk can also add new textures and flavors to your cooking.
Vishwas Japan will continue to share spices, ingredients, and approachable recipes from cuisines around the world.