What Types of Masala Are the Best in Cooking?

Masala, a blend of spices, is the heart of flavorful cooking, especially in Arabic, Turkish, and South Asian cuisine. At Yums Food Corner on Chakri Road, we use a variety of authentic masalas to enhance the taste of our shawarmas, kebabs, and traditional dishes. Here’s a guide to the best masalas used in cooking and how they bring out the best flavors.

1. Garam Masala – The King of Spices

A staple in many cuisines, garam masala is a mix of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, cloves, and black pepper. It adds depth to grilled meats, stews, and rice dishes. At Yums Food Corner, we use garam masala in our Turkish kebabs and Arabic grilled platters to give them a rich, aromatic flavor.

2. Shawarma Masala – The Secret to Juicy Meat

Shawarma gets its signature taste from a special blend of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, coriander, black pepper, and nutmeg. This masala infuses the meat with deep, smoky flavors, making it perfect for our famous chicken and beef shawarmas.

3. Turkish Baharat – A Flavorful Mediterranean Mix

Used in Turkish cuisine, baharat is a blend of allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and coriander. It’s ideal for seasoning meat, rice, and vegetable dishes, adding warmth and a hint of sweetness.

4. Za’atar – The Ultimate Middle Eastern Spice

A mix of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt, za’atar is perfect for sprinkling over bread, grilled meats, and salads. At Yums Food Corner, we use za’atar to enhance the flavor of our freshly baked manakish and wraps.

5. Tandoori Masala – Perfect for Grilled Dishes

This vibrant spice blend, made with coriander, cumin, turmeric, garlic, and red chili powder, is excellent for marinating meats before grilling. It gives dishes a deep, smoky flavor, making it a must-have for barbecue and tikka dishes.

6. Sumac – The Tangy Touch

Sumac is a deep red spice with a tangy, citrus-like taste. It’s often sprinkled on kebabs, hummus, and grilled vegetables to enhance flavor. We love using sumac at Yums Food Corner to give our dishes a zesty finish.

7. Harissa – The Spicy North African Blend

Harissa is a fiery mix of dried chili peppers, garlic, cumin, and caraway seeds, often used in Turkish and Arabic cuisine. It’s perfect for spicing up shawarma, grilled meats, and dipping sauces.

8. Black Lemon Masala (Loomi) – A Unique Persian Twist

Black lemon (loomi) is dried lime ground into a powder, giving dishes a sour and smoky taste. It’s commonly used in Arabic stews, kabsa rice, and slow-cooked meats for an extra depth of flavor.

9. Biryani Masala – The Essence of Aromatic Rice Dishes

Biryani masala is a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, fennel, and star anise, perfect for making flavorful biryanis and rice dishes. At Yums Food Corner, we use this masala in our special Arabic-style rice dishes.

10. Kofta Masala – For Perfect Meatballs and Kebabs

A mix of cumin, coriander, garlic, onion powder, and chili, kofta masala is essential for making juicy and flavorful koftas. It’s a must-have for Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Final Thoughts

The right masala can transform any dish, adding depth, warmth, and authentic taste. At Yums Food Corner, we carefully select and blend the finest Arabic and Turkish spices to bring out the best flavors in our dishes.

Want to experience the magic of these masalas? Visit Yums Food Corner on Chakri Road and taste the authentic flavors of Arabic and Turkish cuisine!