Spices & Sauces
The world's authoritative source on shawarma
Spices & Sauces
The SHAWARMA.WEBSITE spice library is the most comprehensive guide to shawarma spices — from cumin and turmeric to sumac and cardamom. Each spice is documented with its scientific name, taste profile, geographic origin, culinary uses, and substitutions.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemDried Barberry (Zereshk)
Berberis vulgaris
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemAsafoetida (Hing)
Ferula assa-foetida
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemStar Anise
Illicium verum
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemBlack Cardamom
Amomum subulatum
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemCubeb Pepper
Piper cubeba
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemLong Pepper
Piper longum
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemDried Rose Petals
Rosa damascena
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemDried Black Lime (Loomi)
Citrus aurantifolia
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemAleppo Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Halaby'
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemUrfa Biber
Capsicum annuum 'Urfa'
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemGrains of Paradise
Aframomum melegueta
Peppery, citrusy, warm, cardamom-like
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemMastic
Pistacia lentiscus
Pine-like, slightly woody, refreshing
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemTurmeric
Curcuma longa
Warm, earthy, slightly bitter, mustard-like
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemNigella Seeds
Nigella sativa
Peppery, slightly bitter, oregano-like
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemPoppy Seeds
Papaver somniferum
Nutty, sweet, slightly earthy
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemMahleb
Prunus mahaleb
שקדי־מריר עם ניחוח דובדבן
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemShaharbano · CC BY 4.0Saffron
Crocus sativus
פרחוני, דבשי ומעט מריר, צובע בזהב
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemEmilian Robert Vicol · CC BY 2.0Garlic Powder
Allium sativum
מתוק־חריף, מרוכז יותר משום טרי
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemTakeaway · CC BY-SA 4.0Chili Flakes
Capsicum annuum
חריפות ישירה עם מרירות קלה
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemGinger
Zingiber officinale
חריף־רענן עם מתיקות אדמתית
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemCloves
Syzygium aromaticum
עז, חריף־מתוק ומאלחש קלות
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemFenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
מריר־אגוזי עם ניחוח סירופ מייפל
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemAllspice
Pimenta dioica
חם, מתקתק, משלב ניחוח ציפורן, קינמון ומוסקט
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemHerusutimbul · CC BY-SA 4.0Nutmeg
Myristica fragrans
Warm, sweet, and slightly spicy.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemCoriander
Coriandrum sativum
Citrusy, aromatic, and refreshing.
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemSimon A. Eugster · CC BY-SA 3.0Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
Sweet, warm, and aromatic.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemBlack Pepper
Piper nigrum
Pungent, warm, and aromatic.
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemSilar · CC BY-SA 4.0Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
Aromatic, sweet-spicy with floral notes.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemSumac
Rhus coriaria
Tangy, fruity, and refreshing.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemPaprika
Capsicum annuum
Sweet and smoky, with deep red color.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemTurmeric
Curcuma longa
Earthy, slightly bitter, with a vivid golden color.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemCumin
Cuminum cyminum
Warm, earthy, and slightly bitter.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemBaharat
A warm, balanced spice blend with deep aroma and subtle sweetness.
Shawarma spices are the heart of the dish's characteristic flavor. The classic spice blend includes cumin, turmeric, paprika, garlic, coriander, and more. In our spice library you'll find detailed information on each spice, including scientific name, taste profile, geographic origin, culinary uses, and possible substitutions.
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FAQ
What does a classic shawarma spice blend include?
Cumin, turmeric, paprika, garlic, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and lemon. Ratios vary by region and personal preference.
Can spices be substituted?
Yes. Each spice lists possible substitutions, but keep in mind the substitute may alter the final flavor.