Top 10 Must Have Indian Grocery Items For Your Pantry

Getting the necessary basics will help you cook great, authentic Indian dishes at home. If you are an expert in home cooking or an Indian food beginner, having basic staple items nearby helps you make impressive dishes. 

For a well-stocked kitchen, use this list of the 10 best Indian ingredients: from basmati rice and bold flavours to ghee.

1. Basmati Rice

Indian cooking always includes basmati rice. Because it has a long grain and a great scent, it makes an excellent choice for biryanis, pulao, jeera rice and everyday meals.One great option I always reach for is khans basmati rice, it cooks up light and fluffy every time, making it a reliable pantry staple across North Indian kitchens.

Indian households always have basmati rice in their pantry for its unique shape, fragrant grains and deliciousness. basmati rice is unique because it doesn’t stick or get heavy during cooking, which is why it works for everyday eating as well as special celebrations. The delicious and simple preparation of basmati rice makes it an ideal staple to keep using.

2. Atta (Whole Wheat Flour)

Atta, which is whole wheat flour, is used daily in Indian cooking and is virtually a necessity in most homes. Atta is most often used to prepare rotis, chapatis and parathas because it tastes nutty, is soft and has a lot of fibre. One of my go-to choices these days is deep multigrain atta it combines the goodness of whole wheat with added grains for a richer, more wholesome flour.

Homemade Indian flatbreads from atta are tasty and work well with curries, vegetables and dals. Keeping good atta in your pantry makes it easy to make hearty, homemade breads whenever you want.

3. Lentils (Dal)

Lentils which are called dal in Indian kitchens, are a staple found in every Indian home. Relying on vital nutrients, protein and fiber from plants, they are a main ingredient in most daily dishes. The heartwarming toor dal, nutritious chana dal, fast-cooking moong dal and rich masoor dal are all different from one another and give their own style to Indian meals. 

People use lentils in soups, stews, Indian curries and they can also be made into fritters or savory pancakes. Having different types of lentils at home saves money, gives you lots of nutrients and lets you quickly fix Indian meals whenever you need.

4. Ghee

Ghee is loved in India for its long history, deep smell, golden appearance and rich, nutty taste. Slowly removing water and milk solids from butter by simmering it produces ghee which is extremely stable and has a high smoke point, so it’s perfect for frying, sautéeing or spicing foods in hot oil. Apart from cooking, people value ghee for its health benefits under ayurveda, as it helps with digestion and general health. 

Beyond cooking, ghee is praised in Ayurveda for its digestive and healing properties. Whether I’m drizzling it over steaming rice, mixing it into halwa, or finishing off a dal, gold leaf ghee gives every dish that warm, traditional touch. Honestly, no Indian kitchen feels complete without it.

5. Indian Spices

Indian cuisine owes much of its flavor to spices which take standard dishes and make them more appealing and tasty. Turmeric, cumin, coriander, plus spices such as mustard seeds, red chili powder, garam masala, cardamom and cloves are needed when stocking an Indian pantry. 

All these spices add depth, aroma, color, and even health benefits. Together, they lay the foundation for countless recipes, from rich curries to simple snacks. Spices can be used whole, ground, or blended into masalas, opening the door to endless variations. If you’re looking for shortcut options that still deliver big flavour, don’t miss our roundup of the best Indian curry pastes in australia to make weeknight cooking even easier. A well-stocked spice shelf makes your food taste strong, decadent, and distinctly Indian.

6. Pickles and chutneys

Pickles and chutneys provide a powerful taste boost to any typical Indian dish. Having pickle, chutney or achar with the meal not only adds lots of new flavours but also makes any simple food much more enjoyable. 

Pickles, which are usually preserved with oil and spices, have a tangy-spicy taste that is delicious with rotis, rice and snacks. Unlike pickles, chutneys may be spicy or sweet, and they often involve fresh herbs, fruits or vegetables. Having a selection of Indian pickles and chutneys in your pantry makes every meal colorful, delicious and clearly Indian.

7. Tea and Chai Masala

A well-stocked pantry with these teas means you can brew a delicious cup of tea at any time. Using a tiny amount of chai masala with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper enhances the aroma and makes the drink feel cosy. 

If your taste runs to a bold, spicy cup of chai or even a gentler milky drink, having quality tea and chai masala sets you up to enjoy it any time you want.

8. Ready-to-Cook Mixes

These mixes let you prepare Indian favourites such as idli, dosa, upma, poha, pav bhaji or chole quickly and easily. Traditional flavours and ingredients are used in preparing them, so food lovers can enjoy homemade meals easily. 

For anyone rushing to cook or even those who are new in the kitchen, having some of these mixes at home lets you prepare an Indian meal very quickly.

9. Paneer & Dairy Essentials

Cheeses like paneer are central in Indian cooking, which enhances meals with richness, protein and creaminess. Palak paneer, paneer tikka and shahi paneer use splendid paneer a flexible, fresh Indian cheese. The pasta stays intact during cooking and takes on the spices very nicely. 

Together with paneer, popular dairy foods used for various purposes in India include curd (dahi), fresh cream and milk.  They not only add taste and texture to food but also give nutrients to our meals. Having these dairy items on hand lets you prepare anything from everyday meals to special holiday dishes.

10. Online Indian Snacks

Having Indian snacks at home is always a treat, perfect with evening chai or whenever cravings hit. From crunchy bhujia, sev, and chakli to indulgent samosas, kachoris, and pakoras, there’s a mix of spicy, tangy, savoury, and sweet options to suit every mood. I often browse indian snacks online to stock up on ready-to-eat or frozen varieties It’s quick, convenient, and the choices are endless.

Other traditional snacks are joJo in Punjab, mathri from Rajasthan and murukku and farsan from South India and Gujarat, respectively. Indian snacks will always make your pantry taste good and provide you with munchies for every occasion.

Get Everything in One Place

If you’ve been searching for a trusted indian grocery store in melbourne, Sarawan Spices makes it easy to shop from the comfort of your home while still getting that familiar quality and authenticity. By focusing on real ingredients and easy solutions, we make it convenient to try Indian food at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, Sarawan Spices ensures your cupboard is ready with everything you need.

By focusing on quality, real ingredients and easy solutions, we make it convenient to try Indian food at home. No matter if you are a beginning cook or a professional in the kitchen, Sarawan Spices ensures your cupboard is ready with such spices.