chilli

Chilli paste in oil is the “one-spoon upgrade” for weeknight noodles, rice bowls, soups, and stir-fries. It delivers heat, deep roasted aroma, and a flavour-carrying oil in one jar—so you can build a more complex taste without making a full sauce from scratch.

This chilli ginger garlic stir-fry is the kind of dinner you can cook faster than you can order takeaway: sizzling aromatics, crisp-tender vegetables, and a glossy sweet-sour-soy sauce. Make it with tofu, chicken, or just vegetables—one pan, big flavor.

Maengda chilli paste is one of those Thai pantry shortcuts that can make plain rice, noodles, or a quick stir-fry taste “finished” in seconds. It’s not just about heat—its signature is a bold, lingering aroma and a concentrated savoury profile. Here’s what “Maengda” means, what to expect from the flavour, and how to use it well at home.

Aglio, olio, peperoncino: garlic, oil and chilli. It’s a minimalist Italian flavour trio that tastes bold, warm and clean when done right. In a ready-made seasoning blend, you get the same idea in a quicker, more consistent form—useful not only for spaghetti, but also for stir-fried noodles, rice bowls and quick wok dinners.

Surinamese sambal is the kind of chilli paste you keep within arm’s reach: intensely aromatic, fast to use, and powerful in tiny amounts. Stir it into soups, fried rice, noodles, sauces, or marinades when you want real chilli flavour—not just heat.

Chilli in Asian cuisine is not just a “test of courage.” In a balanced dish, spiciness is one layer of flavor – it can add energy, contrast, and depth, but only when you know what type of heat you are adding and what role a specific product plays. For a beginner, the key difference is between plain chilli, sambal, and curry paste.

Nasi goreng is one of Southeast Asia’s most loved “use-what-you-have” dishes—fragrant fried rice that can be mild, smoky, or seriously spicy. A nasi goreng chilli paste gives you that street-food style flavour base in minutes: warm it in oil, toss in cold rice, and build the rest from whatever’s in your fridge.

Want to add a new dimension to your dishes? Chili sauces will liven up grilled foods, tacos, soups, or salads. With different levels of spiciness, everyone can find the right one for them. Whether you're looking for a mild flavor or intense heat, chili sauces will give your dishes an exciting taste experience.

Singaporean cuisine is not a "single national cuisine" in the traditional sense. It is an urban, port, and multicultural gastronomy that arose from the meeting of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, and other influences – and is best understood through specific dishes and the environment where they are eaten every day. This guide features iconic Singaporean dishes, explanations of what makes them typical, and practical tips on how to approach them at home without unnecessary mistakes.

Sriracha Mayo blends the garlicky chilli kick of Sriracha with the rich, smooth texture of mayonnaise. The result is an easy, all-purpose dip and drizzle that works just as well with sushi and poke as it does with fries, sandwiches, or noodle bowls.

Rogan Josh is a deep-red, gently spiced curry traditionally associated with Kashmir. This version keeps the focus on whole aromatics, warming ground spices and yogurt for a smooth, clingy sauce—perfect with basmati rice or warm flatbread.

What is fruit dip and why is it so popular? Discover how it can add a new dimension of flavor to fruit! From fresh yogurt to creamy sweet varieties—get inspired and find out why fruit dips are a hit at every party and a favorite part of healthy snacks.

This Sichuan-style stir-fry is all about contrast: tender slices of chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold, glossy sauce with chilli heat and that signature tingly “mála” kick from Sichuan peppercorns. It’s fast, weeknight-friendly, and easy to adapt to whatever you have in the fridge.

Sweet paprika is often treated as a “background” spice, but it can do three very practical things at once: deepen colour, add gentle sweetness, and round out sharp flavours—without extra heat. That’s exactly why it fits not only European staples, but also many everyday Asian stir-fries, noodle dishes, rice bowls, and soups.

Hot & Sour soup is all about contrast: a warming chilli kick balanced by bright vinegar, plus satisfying textures from mushrooms, tofu, and silky egg ribbons. This home-friendly version comes together fast and is easy to adjust—make it sharper, hotter, or heartier depending on what you crave.

Mee goreng is the kind of dish you make once and then crave regularly: springy noodles tossed in a sweet-savoury, lightly spicy sauce, finished fast over high heat. This version is flexible (chicken, shrimp, tofu, or veg), works in a wok or large pan, and comes together quickly when you prep everything first.

Hot paprika is one of the quickest ways to add warmth, color, and a rounded peppery aroma—without reaching for fresh chillies. Used well, it builds a pleasant heat that supports other flavors; used carelessly, it can turn bitter or overpower a dish. Here’s how to choose, dose, and combine hot paprika so the spice stays balanced, including practical tips for Asian-style meals.

Currently one of the most popular chilli sauces in the world. Recipe for homemade Sriracha!

Singaporean cuisine is best understood as an urban, port “crossroads of flavors”: Chinese, Malay, Indian and other influences live side by side and create dishes with a clear identity. If you want to start at home, the goal is not to cook “all of Singapore,” but to pick a few typical hawker specialties, understand the role of rice and noodles, broth and coconut components, and learn to work with chilli dips (sambal) and table-seasonings.

Hoisin sauce is the sweet-savoury, deeply aromatic condiment that can make a simple stir-fry taste restaurant-level in minutes. Learn what’s inside, what it pairs with, and how to avoid common mistakes—plus a few fast ways to use it beyond dipping.

Discover the secrets of yuzu paste—a citrus ingredient that will give your dishes a fresh and exotic flavor. Read on to learn how to use it in marinades, sauces, or cocktails and take your cooking to the next level!

An excellent recipe for a delicious Indian dish, Bhindi Masala.

Dum Aloo is a traditional Indian delicacy. Try this recipe!

“Northern vs. southern tastes” is a useful shorthand for quickly orienting yourself in Asian food — but we mustn’t take it as an exact map. In this article we’ll show what this concept really means, why it arose, what the typical differences in ingredients and techniques are, and how to extract practical tips for home cooking.

Discover the secrets of aged vinegar! How does this delicately fermented elixir affect the taste of your dishes, and what can it offer your kitchen? Find out how different vintages of vinegar bring unique properties and how you can use them to create perfect dishes. Read our article and get tips on how to incorporate aged vinegar into your everyday cooking!

These oven-baked ribs get their “restaurant shine” from a simple two-step method: slow, covered roasting until tender, then quick high-heat glazing with a honey–soy sauce reduction scented with garlic and ginger. The result is deeply savory, gently sweet, and irresistibly sticky.

Mexiko-style grill seasoning is a shortcut to bold, smoky-spicy flavour—great on meat, vegetables, seafood, and plant-based proteins. Used the right way, it works as a quick dry rub, a juicy marinade base, and even a “fusion” seasoning that plays surprisingly well with Asian pantry staples like soy sauce, sesame, and lime.

Spicy Potatoes with an Indian Touch.

Aloo Matar is a classic dish in Indian cuisine.

Vindaloo is a bold Goan curry known for its deep chilli heat and a distinctive tang from vinegar and garlic. This home-style recipe gives you a rich, thick sauce and tender meat—plus easy ways to adjust spice and acidity so it tastes intense, not harsh.

Discover the benefits of mung bean sprouts! In this article, you will learn how to easily grow them at home and how to use them in various dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Ideal for healthy and tasty cooking!

Try this unique recipe for a traditional Indian delicacy.

Punjabi Choley with Tadka is a delicious Indian curry with chickpeas that you can easily prepare at home and enjoy the authentic taste of India.

Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s iconic fried rice: smoky, savoury-sweet, and endlessly adaptable. The key is simple—use cold, dry rice and cook everything fast over high heat for that irresistible “wok” aroma.

Ginger is a wonderful natural remedy that will enrich your health and taste buds. Read about its benefits, how to use it in the kitchen, and what forms it comes in.

Sesame oil is a great way to enrich your dishes with a rich flavor while reaping health benefits. Full of healthy fats and antioxidants, this oil is ideal for seasoning, marinating, and cooking. Try it in Asian and European recipes and discover how it can enrich your culinary experiences.

Want to know how to use light soy sauces in the kitchen? Read about their types, flavors, and best uses. Discover how this sauce will enrich your Asian dishes!

“Thai-style curry” is often a convenient label for a ready-to-use curry base inspired by Thai cooking—fragrant herbs, warm spices, and a gentle to medium heat that turns into a creamy sauce with coconut milk. Here’s what that wording typically means, how the taste differs from other curry pastes, and how to get consistently good results in everyday home cooking.

Ground coriander is an easy-to-overlook spice that quietly makes dishes taste more “finished”. It softens harsh heat, lifts citrusy notes, and helps connect bold aromatics in curries, soups, marinades, and stir-fries—if you add it at the right moment.

Rajma Pulao is a traditional Indian delicacy with a modern twist.

Bombay Pav Bhaji is a nutritious and tasty recipe full of vegetables. Try it for yourself!

Punjabi Choley recipe that brings the traditional taste of India.

Let's cook a delicious paneer makhani together that will delight every foodie!

Are you interested in how to use curry leaves in the kitchen? This aromatic ingredient is key to many Indian dishes. Read on to learn how to use curry leaves correctly for authentic and delicious food.

Ground cinnamon is one of those pantry staples that can change a dish with a single pinch. Most people reach for it in baking or coffee, but it can be just as useful in savoury cooking—especially in Asian recipes where coconut milk, rice, chilli heat, and aromatic spices are balanced in one pot.

Indonesian cuisine is a huge island world – from Sumatra through Java to Bali – yet it has a few common ingredients that you recognize at the first taste. In this guide, you will find an overview of key Indonesian ingredients, their role in the food, main differences (especially in sambal, kecap manis, and coconut products), and a practical guide on how to cook with them without unnecessary mistakes.

Madras curry is known for its deep colour, bold aroma and a confident chilli kick. This home-friendly version builds a rich onion-tomato base and finishes with warming spices (or a ready-made Madras curry blend) for a curry that works equally well with chicken, beef, lamb or tofu.

Tandoori tikka is all about a tangy yogurt marinade, warming spices, and high heat that gives the chicken those irresistible charred edges. This home-friendly version is designed for a regular oven or outdoor grill—no tandoor required.

Curry spice is less a single seasoning and more a shortcut to layered flavour—warm, earthy, aromatic, sometimes spicy. Learn what “curry powder” really means, how it differs from curry pastes, and how to get the most from it in everyday cooking.

Want to know how Worcester sauce can spice up your favorite recipes? Read our article and find out how this versatile condiment adds unique flavor to your dishes!

Discover the secrets of rice bran oil! This versatile oil is becoming increasingly popular not only in the kitchen, but also in cosmetics. In our article, you will find out what makes rice bran oil so special, what properties it has, where you can use it, and why it should be a staple in your household.

Sambal Badjak is a cooked Indonesian-style chili paste that brings more than heat: it adds savory onion and garlic notes and a gentle sweetness that rounds out quick weeknight meals. Here’s what makes it different from simpler sambals and how to get the best flavor from just a spoonful.

Are you curious about the secrets behind this traditional flatbread, which is popular all over the world? Read our article, where we will introduce you to the history of papadum, its different varieties, and ways of serving it. Learn how to prepare this delicious piece of Indian cuisine at home and discover how it can be the perfect addition to your diet.

Want to know what kimchi is and how it's made? Read about this traditional Korean delicacy, its origins, different types, and methods of preparation. Discover why kimchi has become popular around the world!

Sambal trassi is one of those Southeast Asian condiments that can transform a plain bowl of rice into something deeply savory and exciting. It combines hot chili with the unmistakable, funky depth of trassi (also spelled terasi)—a fermented shrimp paste that brings saltiness and intense umami.

Všichni bujóny známe ale opravdu víme jak se používají ty Asijské?

When you want grilled food to taste instantly more “special,” a warm, aromatic spice blend can do more than an extra sauce ever will. Orient-style grill seasoning is made for high heat: it clings well, perfumes the grill, and works on meat, fish, tofu, and vegetables—either as a dry rub or a quick marinade.

Madras curry is one of the boldest “curry” styles you’ll find in European shops: warming spices, a lively chilli kick, and an aroma that instantly signals comfort food. Here’s what the label usually means, what flavours to expect, and how to turn Madras curry powder or paste into weeknight meals without overthinking it.

Discover the power of the ocean on your plate! Seaweed brings unique flavors and nutritional properties to the kitchen. From sushi to soups, its uses are endless. Add this natural ingredient to your diet to boost your health and enrich your meals!

Whole allspice berries look modest, but a few pieces can transform a pot of broth, rice, or braise. Their aroma sits somewhere between clove, cinnamon, and pepper—warm, gently sweet, and surprisingly versatile. Here’s how to dose them, when to add them, and how to use them in Asian-inspired dishes without overpowering the food.

Pad thai, phat thai nebo phad thai jsou smažené rýžové nudle, v Thajsku běžně prodávané na ulici, které si určitě zamilujete pro svou jednoduchou přípravu a skvělou chuť.

Let's prepare a recipe for Aloo Choley, a delicious Indian dish made from potatoes and chickpeas, full of spices and flavors that will transport you right to the heart of India!

Try our quick recipe for Baingan Bharta, a delicious and authentic Indian delicacy that you will love!

Cook Delhi Dal Makhani, a creamy Indian specialty made from black lentils and beans, cooked with aromatic spices and cream for an unforgettable taste!

Prepare delicious Palak Paneer at home and discover the delicious combination of spinach and cheese in Indian style!

Discover the secrets of fermented spirit vinegar! This versatile helper can be used not only in the kitchen, but also for cleaning and gardening. In this article, you will learn how it can save you money, replace chemical cleaning products, and even contribute to a more sustainable household.

Try our recipe for Daal Palak, a delicious combination of lentils and spinach that will warm you up and delight you with its balanced flavor!

Discover the power of almond oil in the kitchen! Ideal for cooking, baking, and seasoning, almond oil offers a delicate flavor and nutritional benefits. Read on to learn how to use it in your everyday cooking!

Try this delicious recipe for Matar Paneer, a tasty Indian dish that will warm you up and delight your taste buds!

Thin slices are a great ingredient for anyone looking for simplicity, versatility, and flavor variety. Use them to make fresh spring rolls, delicious appetizers, or even sweet desserts. Find out how easily they can become the basis for your favorite dishes!

Discover the magic of Korean BBQ! With delicious sauces and tasty side dishes, you'll enjoy an unforgettable grilling experience full of flavors you'll love.

Thai food can taste “very bold”, but its strength is rarely one dominant flavour. What’s typical is layering: first you build an aromatic base (often with pastes), then you season gradually (for example with soy sauce), and only at the end you fine-tune heat and top aromas. When these steps get swapped or pushed too hard, the result is often just spicy, over-salty, or oddly flat. This guide gives you a practical framework for building Thai flavour at home step by step—and for fixing the most common problems.

"Island cuisines of Asia" is not one style nor one typical flavor. It is a collection of regional cuisines that developed in island and coastal environments – where cooking is shaped by the sea, climate, local agriculture, as well as trade and migration. In this guide, we will focus on the island axis of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the Singaporean mix of influences) and show how to interpret these influences in the taste of food and how to assemble a foundation at home to orient yourself practically, not just based on impressions.

We all love rice. In this article, we look at premium varieties like Jasmine and Basmati rice.

Discover the secrets of sweet and sour sauces. Learn how to make them and use them in various dishes, from fried foods to noodles and dips. This article will show you how to add new dimensions to your favorite meals.

Whole cloves can transform a pot of rice, a slow-simmered sauce, or a cup of tea with just a couple of buds. This guide explains what whole cloves taste like, why they’re used in Asian cooking, how to dose them without overpowering a dish, and when to keep them whole rather than grind them.

Discover the fascinating world of rice noodles! Whether it's delicate vermicelli noodles, wide slices, or tapioca varieties, these noodles are the basis of many Asian dishes. In our article, you will learn about their history, how they are made, and how you can incorporate them into your own culinary creations. Immerse yourself in traditional flavors and textures that will introduce you to the secrets of Asian cuisine!

Discover the secrets of jasmine rice! Learn how to prepare it properly, what its health benefits are, and why it should be a staple in your kitchen. Read our article and get tips for great recipes!

Goulash seasoning is often treated as a one‑dish blend—something you grab only when you’re making a pot of stew. But its paprika-and-herb profile is versatile: used carefully, it can add warmth and depth to quick pan dinners, rice bowls, and even noodle stir-fries. Here’s how to get the best flavour without bitterness or heavy saltiness.

Mulled wine is remembered more by aroma than by alcohol: warm cinnamon, clove, citrus peel and a hint of anise can turn an ordinary evening into a small winter ritual. The spice mix is what decides whether your drink tastes rounded and cosy—or harsh, bitter, and overcooked. Here’s how to choose the right spices, infuse them gently, and put that festive fragrance to work in other drinks and desserts, too.

Singaporean street food is not just "fast food from the street." It is an urban system of dining and cooking that grew out of the multicultural environment of a port city – and it is best understood through hawker centers, specialized stalls, and several iconic dishes. In the article, we will clarify what is typical for Singapore, why Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences meet here, and how to take a practical guide from it: what to taste first and how to tackle Singaporean flavors at home without unnecessary mistakes.

Indonesian cuisine is not a single uniform style, but a large world of regional traditions spread across a vast archipelago. Yet it has clearly recognizable common features: rice as the center of the meal, pronounced chili (often in the form of sambal), aromatic bases and frequent use of coconut. The article provides an overview of the most typical Indonesian dishes (nasi goreng, rendang, satay and gado-gado), an explanation of what makes them typical, and practical tips on how to start cooking them at home.

Filipino cuisine is not just adobo – it is a practical, "homey" island cuisine built on rice, strong sourness, and salty umami seasoning. In this guide, you will clarify how typical Filipino flavor works, how it differs from neighboring island styles (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore), and most importantly: what to start with at home so that your first attempts make sense and have quick success.

Filipino cuisine is often simplified to "adobo," but its typical flavor is much broader and above all very practical: rice as the center of the meal, pronounced acidity (often from vinegar), saltiness and umami from soy and fish seasonings, garlic-onion aroma, and a sense for texture as well as complementary sauces. In the article, we will show you how to recognize these flavors in typical dishes and how to safely start with them at home without unnecessary mistakes.

Tom Yum is Thailand’s famous hot-and-sour soup: aromatic lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, a bright hit of lime, salty fish sauce, and as much chilli heat as you like. This recipe keeps the process simple while delivering the bold, restaurant-style flavour Tom Yum is known for.

This coconut laksa is a Southeast Asian-style noodle soup that hits the sweet spot between creamy, fragrant and gently spicy. It comes together fast on a weeknight, and you can make it with chicken, prawns, or tofu—whatever you have.

Miso paste is one of the basic building blocks of Japanese cuisine.

Are you interested in how shiitake mushrooms can enrich your dishes? Read about their origin, unique flavor, and how to prepare them in various dishes. Discover everything you need to know about these mushrooms!

Discover the intense flavor of black vinegar and brown rice vinegar, two specialties that will bring rich flavors to your dishes. Find out how they differ and get inspired by recipes that use their smoky and nutty tones for exceptional marinades, sauces, and stir-fry dishes!

Indonesian cuisine is not a single "national taste," but a broad family of regional styles spread across a vast archipelago. Yet, it repeatedly returns to several fixed points: rice as the center of the meal, chili and sambal, sweet-salty depth thanks to kecap manis, aromatic pastes, and coconut, which can both soften and intensely concentrate the flavor. In this article, we will put these pillars together so that when cooking at home for the first time, you know what you are actually looking for and why it tastes "Indonesian."

Sambal in Indonesia does not mean one "chili paste," but a whole family of seasonings – from milder to very spicy, from fresh to cooked or fermented. In practice, sambal can function as a table condiment, but just as well as a base of a dish that transforms plain rice into a distinctive meal. In this article, we clarify the differences between types of sambal and ready-made pastes, how to choose them and how to start using them at home without the most common mistakes.

Where did the vinegar come from? What are the typical vinegars in Asia and how are they used?

A good "Asian pantry" is not about having dozens of sauces and pastes at home. It's about a few functional basics that repeat across many dishes: something for saltiness and umami, something for acidity and sweetness, something aromatic, something starchy and a few quick guarantees for texture. Here is a practical ten that will let you cook a surprisingly wide range of Asian dishes even from common fresh ingredients.

Asian cuisines were shaped by more than just climate and local agriculture – trade also played a crucial role. Spices, sugar, tea, citrus fruits, as well as techniques for working with grains and fermentation spread both by sea and land. In this article, we will show exactly what "trade influences" mean on the plate and how this perspective can help you better understand the differences between regions and cook smarter at home.

Whole mixed peppercorns (often called “four-pepper” or “rainbow pepper”) are a simple way to add both fragrance and gentle heat to everyday cooking. Used at the right moment—and freshly crushed—they can make stir-fries, soups, sauces, and even rice taste more vivid without overpowering the main ingredients.

White sesame seeds are one of those small ingredients that instantly make food feel more finished: a gentle nutty aroma, a subtle crunch, and a familiar “Asian kitchen” note on rice, noodles, salads, and stir-fries. Once you know when to toast them—and when not to—you’ll reach for them almost daily.

Discover the magic of soy mushroom sauce – an indispensable addition to your kitchen. This sauce adds depth and umami flavor to any dish, ideal for stir-fries, soups, or marinades. Learn how to use it properly and what dishes you can enhance with it. Click on our article to find out more about the benefits and uses of this unique sauce!

Lovage is a powerful herb with a deep, savory aroma that many people associate with comforting broth. Used with a light hand, it can add “stock-like” richness to everyday meals—and it also fits surprisingly well in Asian-inspired dishes like noodle bowls, rice, and quick stir-fries.

Sweet-spicy chili sauce is already a kitchen shortcut for instant flavor—but add yuzu and it becomes something brighter and more versatile. The gentle sweetness helps it cling to food, the chili brings warmth, and yuzu adds a crisp citrus aroma that can make fried, grilled, or rich dishes taste lighter and more defined.

Ground allspice (often called “allspice powder”) is one of those quiet pantry staples that can transform a dish with just a pinch. It’s sweet-warm, intensely aromatic, and surprisingly versatile—useful not only in Western soups and pickling, but also as a subtle depth booster in Asian marinades, stir-fry sauces, and rice.