NineFoods technique guide · Pantry
Urdu to English Ingredient Names: Spices, Daals and Vegetables
Know the name. Find it abroad. Cook with confidence.
Written by Farwa ZeeshanRecipe developer, NineFoodsPakistani recipes use Urdu names that can be hard to match in a UK, US or Gulf supermarket. This glossary lists the most used spices, daals, vegetables, herbs and flours with their English names and tips on where to find them.
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Spices
Spices: Urdu to English
| Urdu | English |
|---|---|
| Haldi | Turmeric |
| Zeera | Cumin |
| Shahi zeera | Caraway |
| Dhania | Coriander |
| Lal mirch | Red chilli powder |
| Kali mirch | Black pepper |
| Elaichi (sabz / kali) | Green / black cardamom |
| Laung | Cloves |
| Darchini | Cinnamon |
| Tez patta | Bay leaf |
| Jaifal / javitri | Nutmeg / mace |
| Saunf | Fennel |
| Methi dana | Fenugreek seeds |
| Kasuri methi | Dried fenugreek leaves |
| Kalonji | Nigella seeds |
| Rai | Mustard seeds |
| Ajwain | Carom seeds |
| Hing | Asafoetida |
| Imli | Tamarind |
| Amchur | Dried mango powder |
| Anardana | Dried pomegranate seeds |
| Zafran | Saffron |
| Kewra | Screwpine water |
Vegetables
Vegetables and herbs
| Urdu | English |
|---|---|
| Bhindi | Okra |
| Karela | Bitter gourd |
| Tinda | Round (apple) gourd |
| Lauki / ghiya | Bottle gourd |
| Kaddu | Pumpkin |
| Baingan | Eggplant / aubergine |
| Arvi | Taro root |
| Shaljam | Turnip |
| Gobhi / band gobhi | Cauliflower / cabbage |
| Palak / sarson | Spinach / mustard greens |
| Shimla mirch | Capsicum / bell pepper |
| Hara dhania / podina | Coriander / mint |
| Adrak / lehsan | Ginger / garlic |
Pantry
Daals, flours and dairy
| Urdu | English |
|---|---|
| Masoor | Red lentils |
| Mash / urad | White lentils / urad |
| Moong | Split mung |
| Chana daal | Split chickpeas |
| Kabuli chanay | Chickpeas |
| Lobia | Black-eyed beans |
| Rajma | Kidney beans |
| Atta | Whole wheat flour |
| Maida | Plain / all-purpose flour |
| Besan | Gram (chickpea) flour |
| Sooji | Semolina |
| Dahi | Yoghurt |
| Khoya | Reduced milk solids |
| Ghee | Clarified butter |
Keep cooking
Related recipes and guides
Quick answers
Urdu to English Ingredient Names FAQ
What is haldi in English?
Turmeric.
What is zeera?
Cumin seeds.
What is besan?
Gram flour made from chickpeas.
Where can I buy these abroad?
South Asian grocers, large supermarkets' world food aisles, and online.