Glossary
This section provides translations between the Hindi and English of some common terms and ingredients in Indian cuisine.
This list is ordered in Hindi; it is also available ordered in English.
| Hindi | English |
|---|---|
| Aachar | Pickle |
| Aadoo | Peach |
| Aadu | Peach |
| Aaloo | Potato |
| Aam | Mango |
| Aam Papad | Mango pulp, dried in trays to make sheets |
| Aamchoor | Mango (green, dried & powdered) |
| Aamla | Indian Gooseberry |
| Aaru | Peach |
| Achar | Pickle |
| Adoo | Peach |
| Adrak | Ginger |
| Ajinomoto | Monosodium Glutamate |
| Ajmoda | Celery |
| Ajmud | Celery |
| Ajwain | Carom seed |
| Ajwain ke Phool | Thymol flower |
| Akhrot | Walnut |
| Akroot | Walnut |
| Aloo | Potato |
| Aloobukhara | Plum |
| Alsi | Flax seed, Linseed |
| Alu | Potato |
| Alubukhara | Plum |
| Ambat-Chuka | Sorrel |
| Amchur | Mango (green, dried & powdered) |
| Amla | Indian Gooseberry |
| Amrood | Guava |
| Amrud | Guava |
| Amsool (Kokam) |
A fruit indigenous to the west coast used to add tartness to dishes, like dry mango powder |
| Anaaj | Cereal |
| Anaar | Pomegranate |
| Anaj | Cereal |
| Ananas | Pineapple |
| Anar | Pomegranate |
| Anar Dana | Pomegranate seed (dried) |
| Anas phal | Star Anise |
| Anda | Egg |
| Andawari Machli | Mullet (fish) |
| Angoor | Grape |
| Angur | Grape |
| Anjeer | Fig |
| Anjir | Fig |
| Ankur | Sprout |
| Ankurit | Sprouted |
| Annanas | Pineapple |
| Arandi | Castor |
| Araroot | Arrowroot |
| Arbi | Colocasia, Dasheen, Eddo, Elephant-ear, Taro |
| Arhar Dal | Gram (red, split), Pigeon Pea (split) |
| Arhar Sabut | Pigeon Pea |
| Arvi | Colocasia, Dasheen, Eddo, Elephant-ear, Taro |
| Atta | Flour (whole grain) |
| Attar | Essence (generic) |
| Aval | Flattened rice (thicker) |
| Avial | A vegetable curry from South India |
| Badam | Almond |
| Badi | Sultana |
| Bael | Bengal Quince, Stone Apple, Wood Apple |
| Baer | Jujube |
| Baghaar | See Tarka |
| Baghar | See Tarka |
| Bail | Bengal Quince, Stone Apple, Wood Apple |
| Baingan | Aubergine, Eggplant |
| Bajra | Millet, Pearl Millet |
| Bajri | Millet, Pearl Millet |
| Bakra | Goat |
| Bakre ki Raan | Mutton (leg) |
| Bakri | Goat |
| Balti | In Hindi and Urdu, Balti means a bucket; in the UK, it's used for a style of cooking developed in Birmingham in the 1970s. It can also refer to a dish from Baltistan, on the North West frontier of Pakistan |
| Ban Tulsi | Marjoram |
| Band Gobhi | Cabbage |
| Bangda Machli | Mackerel (fish) |
| Bangra Machli | Mackerel (fish) |
| Bans | Bamboo |
| Barfi | See Burfi |
| Barramundi Machli | Giant Sea Perch (fish) |
| Barsanga | Curry Tree leaf |
| Basango | Curry Tree leaf |
| Basi | Stale |
| Bataer | Quail |
| Batair | Quail |
| Bater | Quail |
| Bathua Sag | Fat Hen (leaf), Lambs Quarter (leaf), White Goosefoot (leaf) |
| Battak | Duck |
| Bel | Bengal Quince, Stone Apple, Wood Apple |
| Belan | Rolling Pin |
| Ber | Jujube |
| Besan | Gram Flour (Bengal) |
| Bhagona | Cooking pot with a lid |
| Bhain | Lotus Root |
| Bhajee | See Bhaji |
| Bhaji (Bhajee, Sabji) |
The word actually mean 'vegetable', but also describes a North India vegetable dish, a curry without gravy |
| Bhajia | See Pakora |
| Bhang | Hemp |
| Bhare | Stuffed |
| Bharta | Mash |
| Bharua | Stuffed |
| Bhat | Rice (boiled) |
| Bhatma | Soya bean, Soybean |
| Bhed | Lamb |
| Bhein | Lotus Root |
| Bheja | Brain |
| Bhel Puri | A snack mix of puffed rice, besan sev, puri, chopped onions & coriander leaves, tamarind chutney and onion-chili chutney |
| Bhen | Lotus Root |
| Bher | Lamb |
| Bhindi | Lady's Fingers, Okra |
| Bhing Machli | Herring (fish) |
| Bhoono | Stir-frying |
| Bhuna | Stir-fried |
| Bhunao | Stir-frying |
| Bhurji | A dish without gravy where ingredients are almost mashed |
| Bhurta | Mash |
| Bhutta Sabut | Sweetcorn (on the cob) |
| Bhutta dana | Maize |
| Biriani | See Biryani |
| Biryani (Biriani) |
Rice cooked with meat, vegetables, chicken, fish or prawns |
| Boalee | Shark |
| Boi Machli | Mullet (fish) |
| Bombil | Bombay Duck (fish), Shark |
| Bondas (Vadas) |
A savory snack made in to balls, usually with potatoes or lentils, but can also contain meat |
| Boondi (Bundi, Moong vadi) |
Small, blueberry sized, fried, drop-like pakori, made from chickpea flour |
| Brahmi | Indian Pennywort |
| Brinjal | Aubergine, Eggplant |
| Bumallo | Bombay Duck (fish), Shark |
| Bundi | See Boondi |
| Burfi (Barfi) |
Indian Fudge like sweet made with condensed milk, sugar and other ingredients |
| Buttak | Duck |
| Chaa | Tea |
| Chaach | Buttermilk (cultured) |
| Chaamp | Chop (joint) |
| Chaas | Buttermilk (cultured) |
| Chaat | See Chat |
| Chach | Buttermilk (cultured) |
| Chachinda | Snake Gourd |
| Chai | Tea |
| Chakki | Stone grinding mill (for wheat, dal, spices etc.) |
| Chakku | Knife |
| Chakla | Rolling Board |
| Chakotra | Pomello (fruit) |
| Chakraphool | Star Anise |
| Chakri-Phool | Star Anise |
| Chaku | Knife |
| Chali | Betel (nut) |
| Chalia | Betel (nut) |
| Chalni | Sieve |
| Chamcha | Ladle |
| Chamchi | Small Spoon |
| Chana (Kabuli) | Chickpea (White), Gram (White) |
| Chana (Kala) | Chickpea (black), Chickpea (brown), Gram (Bengal) |
| Chana Dal | Chickpea (black, split), Chickpea (brown, split), Gram (Bengal, split), Gram (Yellow) |
| Chandwa | Pomfret (fish) |
| Chane ka Saag | Bengal Gram (leaf) |
| Chapati | See Chapatti |
| Chapatti (Chapati, Roti) |
Thin, unleavened Indian bread cooked on griddle |
| Chareeaddee | Sardine (fish) |
| Charmagaz | A mix of four types of seeds - melon, water melon, pumpkin and cucumber |
| Charoli | Cudpah Nut |
| Chas | Buttermilk (cultured) |
| Chashni | Sugar Syrup |
| Chasni | Sugar Syrup |
| Chat (Chaat) |
Spicy snacks, usually vegetarian - a popular street food of India |
| Chatni | Can mean either a (cooked) chutney or an uncooked, spicy sauce |
| Chaulai | Amaranth |
| Chauli | Amaranth |
| Chaunk | See Tarka |
| Chaval | Rice (generic) |
| Chavlerr | Amaranth |
| Chawal | Rice (generic) |
| Cheekoo | Sapodilla, Sapota |
| Cheeni | Sugar |
| Chemen | Prawn |
| Chena | See Paneer |
| Chhalni | Sieve |
| Chichinda | Snake Gourd |
| Chickoo | Sapodilla |
| Chikoo | Sapota |
| Chilgoza | Pine Nut |
| Chilka | Peel (generic), Rind (generic), Skin (generic) |
| Chimta | Tongs |
| Chingri | Prawn |
| Chini | Sugar |
| Chira | Flattened rice (thicker) |
| Chiraunji | Cudpah Nut |
| Chirchira | Snake Gourd |
| Chironji | Cudpah Nut |
| Chiwda | Flattened rice (thicker) |
| Chiwra | Flattened rice (thicker) |
| Chonk | See Tarka |
| Choolha | See Chulha |
| Choora Machli | Tuna (fish) |
| Choti | Currant |
| Choti Elaichi | Cardamom (green) |
| Choti Ellaichi | Cardamom (green) |
| Choti Ilaichi | Cardamom (green) |
| Chowlai | Amaranth |
| Chowli | Amaranth, Black-eyed Bean, Black-eyed Pea |
| Chuara | Date (dried) |
| Chukandar | Beetroot |
| Chukka Sag | Sorrel (red) |
| Chukka-Kura | Sorrel |
| Chulha (Choolha) |
An old fashioned Indian stove |
| Chura Machli | Tuna (fish) |
| Coco | Cocoa |
| Copra | Coconut |
| Curry Patta | Curry Tree leaf |
| Cut-hal | Jackfruit |
| Cutch | Catechu |
| Dabba | See Tiffin |
| Dagad Phool | A tree lichen, often used in meat dishes |
| Dahi | Curd, Yoghurt |
| Dahi Wala | With yoghurt |
| Dahl | Lentil (generic), Pulse (generic) |
| Dal | Lentil (generic), Pulse (generic) |
| Dalchini | Cinnamon |
| Dalia | Bulgar Wheat, Cracked Wheat |
| Darchini | Cinnamon |
| Dhal | Lentil (generic), Pulse (generic) |
| Dhansak | Meat or chicken cooked with lentils |
| Dhool ka Phool | Mushroom |
| Dhungar | See Tarka |
| Do-piaza | See Do-pyaza |
| Do-pyaza (Do-piaza) |
Double quantity of onions or a lot of onions |
| Doodh | Milk |
| Dosa (Dosai) |
Crispy rice and lentil pancake or crepe - a South Indian specialty |
| Dosai | See Dosa |
| Dudhi | Bottle Gourd |
| Dum | Cooked in a pot, where lid is sealed with a ring of dough. It allows some pressure to build up inside. |
| Dum-Pukht | Slow cooking in a sealed pot |
| Elaichi Badi | Cardamom (black) |
| Elaichi Bari | Cardamom (black) |
| Feni (Pheni) |
A goan, alcohlic drink |
| Gai | Cow |
| Gai ka Gosht | Beef |
| Gai ka Mans | Beef |
| Gajar | Carrot |
| Gandasa | Cleaver (large knife) |
| Ganna | Sugar Cane |
| Ganth Gobhi | Kohl Rabi |
| Garam Masala | A spice blend of cumin, pepper, cloves and cardamom |
| Gehun | Wheat |
| Gehun ka Ankur | Wheat Germ |
| Gehun ka Atta | Wheat Flour (chapatti) |
| Ghara (Matka) |
An round earthenware water container in India |
| Ghee | Butter (clarified) |
| Ghia | Bottle Gourd |
| Gobaro | Rock Cod (fish) |
| Gobhi | Cauliflower |
| Gobro | Cod (fish) |
| Gooda | Pulp |
| Goondha Atta | Dough |
| Gore-Nimb | Curry Tree leaf |
| Gosht | Meat (generic) |
| Gowar ki Phali | Cluster Bean |
| Guchchi | Mushroom |
| Gud | Sugar (raw) |
| Gulab | Rose |
| Gulab Jaman (Gulan Jamun) |
Small balls in syrup, made of flour and milk powder or mawa |
| Gulab jal | Rose water |
| Gulan Jamun | See Gulab Jaman |
| Gur | Sugar (raw) |
| Gurda | Kidney |
| Gwar Patha | Aloe Vera |
| Haandi | See Handi |
| Haddi | Bone |
| Haldi | Turmeric |
| Halva Saranga | Pomfret (fish) |
| Halva (Halwa) |
Semi-solid sweet made of semolina or other flours, or vegetables like carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, or others |
| Halwa | See Halva |
| Halyan | Asparagus |
| Hamam Bista | See Hamam Dasta |
| Hamam Dasta (Hamam Bista) |
Pestle and mortar, often made of cast iron |
| Handi (Handia, Haandi) |
An earthenware cooking pot |
| Handia | See Handi |
| Hara Dhania | Cilantro (leaf), Coriander (leaf) |
| Hara Kela | Banana (green) |
| Hara piaz | Salad onion, Scallion, Spring onion |
| Harad | Myrobalan |
| Hari Phoolgobhi | Broccoli |
| Haritaki | Myrobalan |
| Hasha | Thyme |
| Hathi Chak | Artichoke |
| Heeng | Asafoetida |
| Hilsa | Shad (fish) |
| Hing | Asafoetida |
| Hiran | Venison |
| Huldi | Turmeric |
| Idli | Steamed rice, lentil or semolina cakes from south of India |
| Ilisha | Shad (fish) |
| Illaichi Badi | Cardamom (black) |
| Illaichi Bari | Cardamom (black) |
| Imarti | Sweet, syrup-filled rings made from urad dal batter |
| Imli | Tamarind |
| Ittar | Essence (generic) |
| Jagary | Sugar (raw) |
| Jaggery | Sugar (raw) |
| Jai | Oat |
| Jaiphal | Nutmeg |
| Jaitun | Olive |
| Jal-Halim | Watercress |
| Jal-Kumbhi | Watercress |
| Jalebi | Sweet, syrup-filled rings made from white flour and yoghurt batter |
| Jalfrezi | A chicken or meat curry, cooked green peppers, onions, green chillies and tomatoes |
| Jardaloo | Apricot |
| Jashtimodhu | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Jau | Oat |
| Jaun | Barley, Oat |
| Javitri | Mace |
| Jaw | Barley |
| Jawas | Flax seed, Linseed |
| Jeera | Cumin |
| Jethimadh | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Jhinga | Prawn |
| Jigar | Liver |
| Jimikand | Yam (Elephant Foot) |
| Jow | Oat |
| Jowar | Sorghum |
| Jwar | Sorghum |
| Kabab | See Kebab |
| Kabab Chini | See Kebachini |
| Kabutar | Pigeon |
| Kachcha | Raw, Uncooked |
| Kachcha Kela | Banana (green) |
| Kachua | Turtle |
| Kachumber | A mixed salad, made with finely chopped cucumber, tomatoes and onions, with salt, pepper, chilli and lemon juice |
| Kaddu | Pumpkin |
| Kaddu Kas | Grater |
| Kadhai | Wok |
| Kadhi-limbdo | Curry Tree leaf |
| Kaju | Cashew nuts |
| Kakadi | Armenian Cucumber |
| Kakari | Cucumber |
| Kala | Black (colour) |
| Kala Chana | Chickpea (black), Chickpea (brown), Gram (Bengal) |
| Kala Jeera | Black Cumin seed |
| Kala Namak | Black Salt |
| Kalaunji | Black Onion seed, Nigella seed |
| Kaleja | Liver |
| Kaleji | Liver |
| Kali | Currant |
| Kali Mirch | Black Pepper |
| Kalia | A curry with milk or yoghurt, and a thick gravy |
| Kalonji | Black Onion seed, Nigella seed |
| Kamal Gatta | Lotus Root |
| Kamal Kakri | Lotus Root |
| Kamrak | Starfruit |
| Kamrakh | Carambola, Starfruit |
| Kandere Machli | Sawfish |
| Kane Machli | Lady Fish |
| Kantakari | Indian Nightshade |
| Kapoor | Camphor |
| Kapur | Camphor |
| Karchi | A metal spoon for cooking |
| Karela | Bitter Gourd |
| Karimeen Machli | Pearlspot (fish) |
| Karli | Silver barfish |
| Karonda | Natal Plum |
| Kasani | Chicory, Endive, Succory |
| Kashmiri Jeera | Black Cumin seed |
| Kasoori Methi | Fenugreek Leaf (dried) |
| Kat-hal | Jackfruit |
| Katai Machli | Whitebait (fish) |
| Kateri | Indian Nightshade |
| Kath-nim | Curry Tree leaf |
| Katha | Catechu |
| Kaththa | Catechu |
| Katla Machli | Carp (fish) |
| Katori | A small serving bowl |
| Kavchi | Clam |
| Kebab Cheeni | All Spice |
| Kebab (Kabab) |
Meat or vegetable pieces, marinated in herbs and spices |
| Kebachini (Kabab Chini) |
Cubeb or tailed pepper is a berry similar to black pepper |
| Keema (Kheema, Queema) |
A minced meat dish |
| Kekda | Crab |
| Kekra | Crab |
| Kela | Banana |
| Kenkra | Crab |
| Keora | Screwpine flower essence |
| Kesar | Saffron (spice) |
| Kesari | Saffron (colour) |
| Kewra | Screwpine flower essence |
| Khair | Catechu |
| Khajur | Date |
| Khameer | Yeast |
| Kharbooja | Melon (generic) |
| Khas Khas | Poppy seed |
| Khatai | Mango (green, dried & powdered) |
| Khatta | Sharp, Sour |
| Khatta-Palak | Sorrel |
| Khatta-Saag | Sorrel |
| Kheema | See Keema |
| Kheer | Any Indian milk pudding, usually flavoured with cardamoms, saffron or rose water, and containing chopped nuts |
| Kheera | Cucumber |
| Khichadi | See Khitcheri |
| Khitcheri (Khichadi) |
A rice and lentil preparation, cooked like a pulao |
| Khoa | Milk (condensed & solidified) |
| Khopra | Coconut |
| Khorma | See Korma |
| Khoya | Milk (condensed & solidified) |
| Khubani | Apricot |
| Khumani | Apricot |
| Khumbi | Mushroom |
| Khurfa Saag | Little Hogweed, Purslane, Pursley |
| Khurmani | Apricot |
| Khus Khus | Poppy seed |
| Khusboo | Essence (generic) |
| Kishmish | Currant, Raisin, Sultana |
| Kismis | Currant, Raisin, Sultana |
| Kofta | Balls made from vegetables, meat, chicken or fish |
| Koi Machli | Climbing Perch (fish) |
| Kokam | See Amsool |
| Kopra | Coconut |
| Korma (Khorma) |
A creamy curry made with thick cream or yoghurt and sometimes nuts |
| Kothamalli | Cilantro (leaf), Coriander (leaf) |
| Kottu | Buckwheat |
| Kotu | Buckwheat |
| Kukur-Mutta | Mushroom |
| Kulcha | A naan-like leavened Indian bread, baked in a tandoor |
| Kulfa | Little Hogweed, Purslane, Pursley |
| Kulfi | A flavoursome Indian ice-cream, made with slow boiled or condensed milk, sugar, almonds, pistachios and saffron |
| Kulhar | A disposable earthenware cup or mug |
| Kumrak | Starfruit |
| Kundru | Ivy Gourd |
| Kuppa Machli | Turbot (fish) |
| Kurlya | Crab |
| Kurry Patta | Curry Tree leaf |
| Kus Kus | Poppy seed |
| Kusam | Safflower |
| Kusumbo | Safflower |
| Laddoo (Laddu) |
An Indian sweet ball, can made of various ingrediemts like besan, flour, lentil, rice, semolina or mawa |
| Laddu | See Laddoo |
| Lahsan | Garlic |
| Lahsun | Garlic |
| Lal Mirch | Cayenne Pepper, Chilli (red) |
| Lapsi | Bulgar Wheat, Cracked Wheat |
| Lassan | Garlic |
| Lassi | A cool yoghurt drink, either sweet or salty |
| Lauki | Bottle Gourd |
| Laung | Clove |
| Lavang | Clove |
| Leechee | Lychee |
| Lichi | Lychee |
| Lobhia | Black-eyed Bean, Black-eyed Pea |
| Lobia | Black-eyed Bean, Black-eyed Pea |
| Lokat | Loquat |
| Loki | Bottle Gourd |
| Maakhani | See Makhani |
| Machchhi | Fish (generic) |
| Machli | Fish (generic) |
| Machli ke Ande | Fish Roe |
| Madhu | Honey |
| Madras | It means a *hot* curry in UK. I doubt if anyone has heard of in Madras though! |
| Mahanimb | Curry Tree leaf |
| Maida | Flour (all purpose), Flour (plain) |
| Makai | Corn |
| Makhan | Butter |
| Makhana | The puffed kernel of gorgon nut or fox nut |
| Makhani (Maakhani) |
Cooked with lots of butter, or cream |
| Makhanphal | Avocado, Butter Fruit |
| Makka | Corn |
| Makkhan | Butter |
| Makki | Corn |
| Makki ka Atta | Cornmeal |
| Malaai | See Malai |
| Malai (Malaai) |
Skin that forms on the boiled, cooled milk. |
| Mamra | Puffed rice |
| Masala | A general term for a blend or mix of spices |
| Masaladan | Spice Box |
| Masaladani | Spice Box |
| Masoor Dal Dhuli | Red Lentil (split, skinless) |
| Masoor Sabut | Red Lentil (whole) |
| Matar | Green Peas |
| Matar Dal | Split Peas |
| Mathni | A wooden whisk, traditionally used for making butter milk |
| Matka | See Ghara |
| Matki | Dew Bean, Moth Bean, Turkish Gram |
| Mattha | Buttermilk (cultured) |
| Mausammi | Sweet Lime |
| Mawa | Milk (condensed & solidified) |
| Meetha Neem | Curry Tree leaf |
| Meetha Soda | Bicarbonate of Soda |
| Methi dana | Fenugreek seed |
| Mewa | Dried Fruit |
| Mirch | Chilli |
| Mishri | Rock Candy, Sugar (crystalised lumps) |
| Misri | Rock Candy, Sugar (crystalised lumps) |
| Moghlai | See Moglai |
| Moglai (Moghlai) |
Rich food cooked for Moghul emperors in India |
| Mogo | Cassava, Yucca |
| Mollee | A Goan fish dish cooked with coconut and chilli |
| Mooli | Radish, White Radish (large) |
| Moong Dal Chilka | Gram (green, split) |
| Moong Dal Dhuli | Gram (green, split, skinless) |
| Moong Sabut | Gram (green), Mung Beans |
| Moong vadi | See Boondi |
| Moongphali | Groundnut, Monkey Nut, Peanut |
| Moongre | Radish Seed Pods |
| Morrul Machli | Sole (fish) |
| Mot Dal | Dew Bean, Moth Bean, Turkish Gram |
| Moth Dal | Dew Bean, Moth Bean, Turkish Gram |
| Moti | Fennel |
| Mourola | Anchovy (fish) |
| Mulahati | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Mulethi | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Mulhathi | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Mulhatti | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Mulligatawny | 'Pepper Water', a Tamil (South Indian) soup, now known as a British dish |
| Munakka | Sultana (large) |
| Mung Dal Chilka | Gram (green, split) |
| Mung Dal Dhuli | Gram (green, split, skinless) |
| Mung Sabut | Gram (green), Mung Beans |
| Murabba | Fruit conserved in sugar syrup |
| Murdoshi Machli | Lady Fish |
| Murg | Chicken |
| Murga | Chicken |
| Murgi | Chicken |
| Murmura | Puffed rice |
| Murrai Machli | Snake Head (fish) |
| Muth Dal | Dew Bean, Moth Bean, Turkish Gram |
| Mutter | Green Peas |
| Mutter Dal | Split Peas |
| Naan (Nan) |
A teardrop shaped, leavened bread, traditionally baked in a tandoor |
| Namak | Salt |
| Namkeen | Salty, Savoury |
| Nan | See Naan |
| Narangi | Orange (fruit) |
| Narasingha | Curry Tree leaf |
| Nargis Kebab | Scotch Egg |
| Narial ka Tael | Coconut oil |
| Nariyal | Coconut |
| Nashpati | Pear |
| Neem | Margosa |
| Neembu | Lemon |
| Nimak | Salt |
| Nimbu | Lemon |
| Nimbu Sat | Citric Acid |
| Nimbu ka Chilka | Lemon (rind) |
| Nogli Machli | Lady Fish |
| Paan | Betel (leaf) |
| Paan (Pan) |
Betel leaf with quick lime, betel nuts, kathechu paste, rose petal preserve and fennel. Served commonly after a meal. May contain tobacco |
| Paaya | Trotter |
| Pabda Machli | Butter Fish |
| Pakkad | Kitchen Tongs |
| Pakora (Bhajia) |
Spicy, battered and deep fried vegetables or meats |
| Palak | Spinach |
| Palta | Long Handled Flat Spatula |
| Palu Machli | Perch (fish) |
| Pan | See Paan |
| Panchforan | See Panchpooran |
| Panchphoran | See Panchpooran |
| Panchpooran (Panchphoran, Panchforan) |
A mix of cumin, fenugreek, fennel, mustard and nigella seeds |
| Paneer (Chena) |
A fresh Indian cottage cheese |
| Pangas Machli | Catfish |
| Pangush Machli | Catfish |
| Pani | Water |
| Paniphal | Arrowroot |
| Papeeta | Papaya |
| Papita | Papaya |
| Paplet | Pomfret (fish) |
| Papri | Broad Bean, Fava Bean |
| Paraat | A special container for making dough - a large metal plate with raised edges |
| Paratha | A pan-fried Indian flat bread |
| Pariasi Machli | Catfish |
| Parshey Machli | Mullet (fish) |
| Parval (Parwal, Patola) |
Pointed Gourd |
| Parwal | See Parval |
| Pasanda | Meat or chicken beaten and cooked in a rich curry sauce |
| Patila | A type of Indian cooking pot |
| Patola | See Parval |
| Patta | Curry Tree leaf |
| Patta Gobhi | Cabbage |
| Pauni | A spatula with holes, for skimming |
| Pauwa | Flattened rice, Rice flakes |
| Pedvey Machli | Sardine (fish) |
| Peeli | Sultana |
| Peshwari Naan | Naan stuffed with almonds and raisins |
| Phal | Fruit |
| Phate Doodh ka Pani | Whey |
| Pheni | See Feni |
| Phitkari | Alum |
| Phool Gobhi | Cauliflower |
| Phoot | Snap Melon |
| Phul Gobhi | Cauliflower |
| Piaz | Onion |
| Pilaf | See Pulao |
| Pilaff | See Pulao |
| Pishta | Pistachio |
| Pista | Pistachio |
| Poha | Flattened rice, Rice flakes |
| Poori (Puri) |
A deep-fried Indian flat bread |
| Poplait | Pomfret (fish) |
| Poplet | Pomfret (fish) |
| Post Dana | Poppy seed |
| Prasad | Sweet offering after prayers |
| Pudina | Mint |
| Pulao (Pilaf, Pilaff) |
A rice dish cooked with spices and other ingredients |
| Pungas Machli | Catfish |
| Pupta Machli | Butter Fish |
| Puri | See Poori |
| Pyaz | Onion |
| Queema | See Keema |
| Raai | Mustard seed |
| Raan | Leg (joint) |
| Raavas Machli | Salmon (fish) |
| Rabri | Condensed, sweetened milk (made by boiling milk in an open pan) |
| Rai | Mustard seed |
| Raita | Yoghurt mixed with salads, vegetables, nuts or other ingredients and spices |
| Rajma | Kidney Beans, Red Kidney Bean |
| Ramdana | Amaranth |
| Ran | Leg (joint) |
| Randhuni | Celery |
| Rane Machli | Red Snapper (fish) |
| Ras | Juice |
| Rasa | Gravy |
| Rasam | Spicy lentil soup from South India |
| Rasbhari | Cape Gooseberry |
| Rassgulla | A popular Indian sweet from bengal, made of paneer cheese |
| Ratalu | Yam |
| Ratin Jot | Dried alkanet root. Used to colour clothes and foods to a deep red, especially tandoori dishes and curries |
| Rava | Semolina |
| Ravas Machli | Salmon (fish) |
| Rawa | Semolina |
| Rawas Machli | Salmon (fish) |
| Repti Machli | Sole (fish) |
| Rogan Josh (Roghan Ghosh) |
Originally a Kashmiri lamb stew; in UK Indian restaurants it is a medium strength, creamy curry |
| Roghan Ghosh | See Rogan Josh |
| Rohu Machli | Carp (fish) |
| Roomali roti | A large, paper thin roti - roomal means 'handkerchief' |
| Roti | See Chapatti |
| Ruh | Essence (generic) |
| Rui Machli | Carp (fish) |
| Saag | See Sag |
| Saalan | Gravy |
| Sabja | Basil (seed) |
| Sabji | See Bhaji |
| Sabudana | Sago, Tapioca |
| Sabut | Whole |
| Sabzi | Vegetable (generic) |
| Saeb | Apple |
| Saem | Runner Bean |
| Saev | Apple |
| Safaid Matar | Dry White Peas |
| Safaid Mutter | Dry White Peas |
| Safed | White (colour) |
| Safed Mirch | White Pepper |
| Safed Rajma | Alubia Beans, White Kidney Beans |
| Sag (Saag) |
Green leaves, such as spinach or mustard leaves |
| Saijam | Drumstick (vegetable) |
| Saijan | Drumstick (vegetable) |
| Salan | Gravy |
| Salbia-Sefakuss | Sage |
| Sambar (Sambhar) |
A very hot, spicy lentil dish from South India |
| Sambhar | See Sambar |
| Samosa | A pastry pyramid filled with potato, vegetable, meat and other ingredients |
| Samudra-Feni | Squid |
| Samudra-Pheni | Squid |
| Sancha | Mold |
| Sanchal | Black Salt |
| Sangat | Catfish |
| Sangatam | Catfish |
| Santara | Orange (fruit) |
| Santra | Orange (fruit) |
| Sarson | Mustard, Mustard seed |
| Sarson ka Tael | Mustard oil |
| Saunf | Fennel |
| Saunth | Ginger (powder) |
| Seb | Apple |
| Seekh | Skewer |
| Seekh Kebab | See Sheek Kebab |
| Seeng | Drumstick (vegetable) |
| Seengre | Radish Seed Pods |
| Seesti | Sage |
| Sefakuss | Sage |
| Sejanki ki Phali | Drumstick (vegetable) |
| Sem | Broad Bean, Fava Bean, Runner Bean |
| Sendha Namak | Rock Salt |
| Senjan | Drumstick (vegetable) |
| Sev | Vermicilli-like, spicy, besan snack |
| Seviyan | Vermicelli |
| Shahad | Honey |
| Shahi | For kings or royalty |
| Shahi Jeera | Black Cumin seed |
| Shahtoot | Mulberry |
| Shaka-hari | Vegetarian |
| Shakarkand | Sweet Potato |
| Shakkar | Sugar |
| Shalgam | Turnip |
| Shantra | Orange (fruit) |
| Sharbat | A general term for drinks made with syrups and water |
| Sharifa | Custard Apple |
| Shashlik Kebab | Cubes of meat, cooked on a skewer |
| Shatwar | Asparagus |
| Sheek Kebab (Seekh Kebab) |
Spiced minced meat, cooked on a skewer |
| Sheera | Sugar Syrup |
| Shehtoot | Mulberry |
| Shimla Mirch | Bell Pepper, Capsicum, Green Pepper |
| Shinga | Drumstick (vegetable) |
| Shole Machli | Murrel (fish) |
| Shorba | Gravy, Soup, Stew |
| Sil-batta | Flat grinding stone & pestle |
| Simla Aloo | Cassava, Yucca |
| Simla Alu | Cassava, Yucca |
| Singhara | Water Chestnuts |
| Sirka | Vinegar |
| Sitaphal | Custard Apple |
| Siya Jeera | Caraway |
| Soa | Dill |
| Sonf | Fennel |
| Sonth | Ginger (powder) |
| Sooar | Pork |
| Sooji | Semolina |
| Sookhi Matar | Dry White Peas |
| Sookhi Mutter | Dry White Peas |
| Sooraj-Mukhi | Sunflower |
| Sooran | Yam (Elephant Foot) |
| Sootmooli | Asparagus |
| Sowa | Dill |
| Soya | Dill |
| Suar | Pork |
| Subja | Basil (seed) |
| Suji | Semolina |
| Sunahri | Sultana |
| Sungat | Prawn |
| Supari | Betel (nut) |
| Surabhi-nimba | Curry Tree leaf |
| Suran | Yam (Elephant Foot) |
| Surgutta Machli | Silver Belly (fish) |
| Surmai Machli | King Fish |
| Suwa | Dill |
| Taatri | Citric Acid |
| Tadka | See Tarka |
| Tamatar | Tomato |
| Tandoor | A traditional Indian clay oven |
| Tandoori | Cooked in a traditional tandoor oven |
| Taraju | Weighing scales |
| Tarazoo | Old fashioned weighing scales |
| Tarbooja | Watermelon |
| Tari | Gravy |
| Tarka (Tadka, Dhungar, Baghaar, Baghar, Chaunk, Chonk) |
Tempering of foods with hot ghee or oil, with cumin, mustard or other seeds |
| Tarkari | A spicy vegetable dish |
| Tartrii | Citric Acid |
| Tatri | Citric Acid |
| Tawa | Griddle |
| Teesrya | Clam |
| Teetar | Partridge |
| Tej Patta | Bay Leaf |
| Tel | Oil |
| Tez Patta | Bay Leaf |
| Thali | An Indian platter with raised rim, used to serve a complete meal |
| Thandai | A cold milk drink with nuts and rose petals |
| Tiffin (Dabba) |
Lunch box containing 2-4 round boxes, held together with a metal strap. It has a handle on top to carry it |
| Tikka | Skewered, boneless meat cubes, cooked in a tandoor |
| Tikora | Arrowroot |
| Til | Sesame |
| Tinda | Indian Round Gourd |
| Tindla | Ivy Gourd |
| Tindora | Ivy Gourd |
| Tishi | Flax seed, Linseed |
| Titar | Partridge |
| Tofu | Bean Curd |
| Tondli | Ivy Gourd |
| Tool Dal | Pigeon Pea (split) |
| Toona Machli | Tuna (fish) |
| Toor Sabut | Pigeon Pea |
| Topshey | Mango Fish |
| Topsi | Mango Fish |
| Tori | Ridge Gourd |
| Tulsi | Basil |
| Tur Dal | Pigeon Pea (split) |
| Tur Sabut | Pigeon Pea |
| Turai | Ridge Gourd |
| Tuvar Dal | Gram (red, split), Pigeon Pea (split) |
| Urad Dal Dhuli | Gram (black, split, skinless) |
| Urad Sabut | Gram (black, whole) |
| Vaal Dal | Broad Bean, Fava Bean |
| Vadas | See Bondas |
| Van Tulsi | Marjoram |
| Varak Chandi | Silver leaf |
| Varak Sona | Gold leaf |
| Velli Machli | Anchovy (fish) |
| Vilayati Saunf | Aniseed |
| Vindaloo | A fiery hot dish from Goa, marinated in vinegar |
| Visonu Machli | King Fish |
| Yakhni | Meat Stock |
| Yashti-Madhu | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Yashti-Madhuka | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Zafran | Saffron (spice) |
| Zafrani | Saffron (colour) |
| Zaiphal | Nutmeg |
| Zaitun | Olive |
| Zeera | Cumin |
| Zetoon | Olive |
| Zori | Shark |