Flavourful, aromatic, and possessing a fine texture, Indian spices stand as some of the world’s finest offerings. Approximately 75 of the 109 different types of spices and herbs listed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) are produced in India. The favourable Indian climate helps in the growth and production of these spices. India offers a perfect gastronomic treat, and these spices can make your sojourn amazingly aromatic and flavourful. There are many famous spice markets in India, and you can enjoy the aromatic fervour of these markets during your India visit. Vibrant, aromatic, and offering an immersive experience, a visit to these spice markets is an absolute must.

Khari Baoli Spice Market, New Delhi

Asia’s largest spice market, Khari Baoli in Delhi, is among the best spice markets in India. With a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century and the Mughal era, this market has evolved over decades and centuries to become Asia’s coveted spice market, offering a variety of spices. The diversity of indigenous and exotic spices available at Khari Baoli makes it easy to understand why India enjoys the moniker of ‘land of spices’. Here, you can find a wide range of spices, including red chilli, turmeric, cumin, coriander, bay leaf and saffron, the most costly spice. A short walk away from the famous Chandni Chowk, a visit to Khari Baoli will allow you to enjoy the fragrance of these captivating spices. Prepare to be mesmerized by the raw beauty of spices that contribute to the different tastes of Indian cuisine.

Clock Tower Market, Jodhpur

The Clock Tower Market is one of Jodhpur’s oldest markets and a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for the best spices in India. The market is located near the Ghanta Ghar Clock Tower, a large tower transported from London, believed to have been designed and built by the same team responsible for the creation of Big Ben. Given that Rajasthan is the top supplier of seed spices like cumin and coriander, it is easy to locate some of the best shops in this market. You can find the finest variety of spices here, such as Mathaniya’s red chilli, which has the richest range of flavours.

Jodhpur, also known as the ‘Blue City’ is famous for handicrafts, jewellery, hand-embroidered fabrics, and antiques. So, while you stock up on the best quality spices, be sure to shop for local handicrafts and sarees as well. Additionally, don’t miss a visit to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort during your stay in Jodhpur.

Mattancherry Spice Market, Kochi

Even as the Jewish town of Kochi is redefining itself, it still holds a significant position in the spice trade. In older days, large caravans of camels and horses were used to transport highly prized spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper, and turmeric along the well-travelled Silk Road, which connected China with the Middle East. Today, spice warehouses line the streets of Kochi, filling the air with the unique aroma of the spices. It is an amazing experience to walk through the lanes, where spices are piled up in large bags outside the shops. The movement of trucks in and out of the warehouses, the pushcarts carrying sacks full of spices, and the sight of workers drying, sorting, and packing spices are all signs of the thriving spice trade, painting an unforgettable aromatic picture.

Lalbaug Spice Market, Mumbai

The Lalbaug region once served as the centre of Mumbai’s thriving textile mill sector, spanning from the mid-1800s to the late 1900s. However, today, Lalbaug is among the most famous spice markets in all of India. At Lalbaug’s Mirchi Galli, which is a spice souk of red chilli, you will experience the lingering strong, sharp, and piquant aroma of chilli. Here, at Shri Ganesh Nagar, you can find store owners standing outside their establishments with bags full of chilli ranging in colours from light red to deep burgundy. The Lalbaug Spice Market offers a wide array of spices, including The Lalbaug Spice Market offers a wide array of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, cumin, peppercorns, turmeric, star anise, various seeds, and sauces.

Most of the shops around here have deep frying pans outdoors, where a mixture of spices is roasted and combined with other ingredients as per the customer’s choice. Here, you can even purchase your own bag of garam masala. The fabled Indian garam masala is made here by roasting chilli and blending it with coriander, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, and other spices. Quite literally, you can take home a bag filled with the vibrant flavours of India.