One of my resolutions this year is to experiment with bold spices and condiments [1] from all over the world. I tend to stick to those that capture my Haitian heritage as well as the more Western options from my local supermarket, but I have a feeling I'll achieve this goal easily because I'm such a huge foodie. All I need to do is stay hungry — and fine, research the myriad of options out there.
It's not that I'll ditch the ones I currently use; the plan is to introduce bold flavours to my cooking pan and expand my horizons. Maybe I'lll even create my own recipes [2] from several combinations of the varieties I can find. As international borders remain closed and travel restrictions stay in place, this exercise will hopefully transport me to different corners of the world. If your goal is also to get creative in the kitchen, join me on this culinary adventure. I rounded up an assortment of spices and spice sets that will enrich your home-chef journey.
Goût Bazile Flavour Set
I discovered this Haitian spice brand when someone gifted me one of their BBQ sauces. I've used it to make chicken wings and whole chicken, and I can speak to the delicious flavour it added to the meats. That's why I'm recommending this Goût Bazile Flavour Set [4] ($28) because I'm totally sold on their offerings.
Yassa Chicken Seasoning Blend
This Yassa Chicken Seasoning Blend [5] ($7 and up) contains an aromatic mix of chili powder, toasted ground mustard, granulated garlic, toasted ground ginger, lemon zest, and other flavourful herbs. Originally from Senegal and now popular throughout West Africa, yassa is a spicy chicken or fish dish prepared with sautéed onions.
Three Crabs Brand Fish Sauce
I have this Vietnamese Three Crabs Brand Fish Sauce [6] ($12) and I use it to make a pan-fried sea bass dish I learned from Pierre Thiam's Senegal book. It packs a punch and adds an excellent flavour to fish.
Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Flavoured Sauce
Ever tried sautéeing kale with fennel seeds and Chinese oyster sauce? Try it, you'll thank me later! Add this Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Flavoured Sauce [7] ($10) to your cart.
Brazilian Organic Raw Honey Set
This Brazilian Organic Raw Honey Set [8] ($25) features tastes ranging from tropical fruits to marshmallow and spices, and will make a drool-worthy addition to your pantry.
Bulgogi Seasoning Blend
Korean BBQ anyone? This Bulgogi Seasoning Blend [9] ($9) balances savory soy sauce and garlic with sweet brown sugar, tangy red miso, piquant red chile flakes and zesty ginger. It's best used on thinly sliced meat that is then cooked on a grill.
Mother In Law's Gochujang Fermented Chile Sauce
Continuing our exploration of Korean cuisine, this Mother In Law's Gochujang Fermented Chile Sauce [10] ($5, originally $9) is made from a blend of powders, and features savory, sweet and spicy notes.
Chiles of the World Spice Collection (Set of 3)
Featuring chile blends from parts of South America and New Mexico, Chiles of the World Spice Collection (Set of 3) [11] ($35) will be sure to bring the heat at your comfort level.
Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub
I am obsessed with jerk chicken, the smoky and savory taste gets me every time. I'll definitely get this Jamaican Jerk BBQ Rub [12] ($7 and up) when I try to make it.
Indian Spice Set (5-Pack)
Interested in making Tandoori chicken or curry? This Indian Spice Set (5-Pack) [13] ($54) is the ideal starter kit. But don't stop there. It'll add some punch to your non-Indian dishes as well.
Frontier Chinese Five Spice Powder
Ever tried to make sticky Chinese BBQ pork belly? The Frontier Chinese Five Spice Powder [14] ($5) is a must-have for the recipe. I originally made it from scratch when I first cooked my pork belly, but I'll be trying this one next time.
Moroccan Spice Collection (Set of 3)
This Moroccan Spice Collection (Set of 3) [15] ($34) comes with three fundamental blends for your future experiments. They are the Ras el hanout, which is a fragrant curry-like spice blend; the harissa, a pulverized powder of a mixture of dried chiles; and the the Morroccan fish tagine which packs a punch of heat from dried ancho chiles and notes from coriander and parsley.
Shawarma Seasoning Blend
With roots in Turkey, this Shawarma Seasoning Blend [16] ($7 and up) combines all our favourite spices, including ground cumin, toasted ground clove, toasted ground cinnamon, parsley leaves, ground coriander, and paprika. It goes well on meats that are designed to be slow-cooked.
Gourmet World Flavours Seasoning Collection
I've gifted this Gourmet World Flavours Seasoning Collection [17] ($35) to my sister for Christmas, and she absolutely loved it. It's a great introduction to cuisines from all over the world.
Mediterranean Grilling Spice Collection
You really can't go wrong with this Mediterranean Grilling Spice Collection [18] ($29), which contains flavours of Turkey, Tunisia and Spain.
Flavours of Africa Gift Box
Picked up an African cookbook recently? Get this Flavours of Africa Gift Box [19] ($25) to go along with your culinary creations.
Single Origin Seafood Seasoning Spices (Set of 3)
Take your seafood and meat dishes to the next level with this Single Origin Seafood Seasoning Spices (Set of 3) [20] ($40), which got kelp harvested near the coast of Iceland, and is rich with umami flavour and a deep savory taste.
Global Hot Sauce Gift Box
This Global Hot Sauce Gift Box [21] ($45) is the ultimate treat to a heat-seeking foodie like me.
Whiskey Barrel Aged Shoyu Soy Sauce
A close friend gifted me this Whiskey Barrel Aged Shoyu Soy Sauce [22] ($44), and I can't wait to use it when I make ramen. It smells amazing, and will bring a unique flavour to my broth.