Garam masala vs curry powder
Curry powder is a British-Indian blend (often coriander-forward with turmeric). Garam masala is a finishing mix of warming spices. They are not the same tin.
Culinary differences only. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
Garam Masala
गरम मसाला
Indian spice blend: Garam Masala. Ingredients must be listed before sale.
Full guide →Madras Curry Powder
मद्रास करी पाउडर
Indian spice blend: Madras Curry Powder. Ingredients must be listed before sale.
Full guide →Flavour and kitchen job
Garam masala is typically cumin, coriander, cardamom, clove, cinnamon/cassia, pepper — added late. Madras-style curry powder is often turmeric-yellow and used earlier in the cook.
When to use which
- Garam masala at the end of dal, keema, and many North Indian gravies.
- Curry powder when a UK recipe specifically asks for it, or for a quick Anglo-Indian sauce.
If you are cooking from an Indian household recipe, reach for named whole spices plus garam masala — not a generic curry powder.
Recipes
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