Spice Up Life With 8 Rare Regional Indian Masalas

By Shireen Jamooji

August 2 2023

Indian cuisine is a kaleidoscope of flavours, and regional masalas play a crucial role in defining their unique tastes.  Here are eight diverse masalas from different states, each with its distinctive blend of spices that you may not have heard of.

Bhaja Moshla

A fragrant spice mix of fennel, bay leaf, coriander, and red chillies, Bhaja Moshla elevates Bengali vegetarian dishes like ghugni and kosha with its earthy aroma.

Goda Masala

A rich and aromatic spice blend featuring cinnamon, cloves, and coconut, Goda Masala brings depth and complexity to traditional Maharashtrian curries and rice dishes.

Sha Machal

This lesser-known Manipuri masala includes coriander, peppercorn, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, wild orange, and other spices usually used to flavour meats.

Potli Masala

A unique Hyderabadi bouquet 15-20 of whole herbs and spices like black peppercorns, fennel seeds, and star anise, Potli Masala enlivens slow-cooked biryanis and meat preparations.

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Bafat Masala

A flavourful blend of mustard seeds, cloves, and fenugreek, Bafat Masala is a spice mix popular in Mangalorean cuisine for preparing succulent pork and chicken dishes.

Nallam Karam Podi

An explosive blend of roasted lentils, dry red chillies, and curry leaves, this masala adds a fiery punch to South Indian staples like dosas and idlis.

Cafreal Masala

A vibrant fusion of green chillies, ginger, and garlic, Cafreal Masala delivers the Goan speciality transforming meats and seafood with its zesty kick.

Panch Phoron

A unique Bengali combination of five whole spices - fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, and fennel seeds.