Curry Powder

What Is Curry Powder? Indian vs. Sri Lankan vs. Shop-Bought

The term 'curry powder' means different things to different cultures. In Indian cooking, it is typically a blend of coriander, cumin, turmeric, chilli, and other spices — and most Indian home cooks build their curries from individual spices rather than a pre-made blend. However, there are many excellent pre-made curry powders for quick weeknight cooking.

Sri Lankan curry powder is a distinct product — made from roasted spices and often including curry leaves, giving it a smoky, deeper flavour profile. It is the foundation of Sri Lankan cooking and used in everything from potato curry to chicken and fish preparations. At Velspices, we stock authentic Sri Lankan roasted curry powder as well as Indian-style curry powders across heat levels.

• Sri Lankan Roasted Curry Powder — Made with dry-roasted spices for a rich, smoky flavour. Essential for authentic Sri Lankan cooking.
• Mild Curry Powder — For family-friendly dishes and those sensitive to heat. Great for everyday cooking.
• Hot Curry Powder — For those who love bold, spicy flavours in their curries and meat dishes.
• Madras Curry Powder — A South Indian style blend popular for fish, prawn, and vegetable curries.

How to Use Curry Powder in Everyday Cooking

Curry powder is a wonderfully versatile pantry staple. For a quick weeknight curry, simply fry onions, garlic, and ginger, add a tablespoon or two of curry powder, then add your protein or vegetables and cook through. It's a convenient way to achieve rich, complex flavour without measuring out individual spices.

For a more authentic result, bloom the curry powder briefly in hot oil before adding wet ingredients — this activates the fat-soluble flavour compounds in the spices and gives your curry a deeper, rounder taste. Sri Lankan curry powder particularly benefits from this technique.

Stock up on your favourite curry powder blends at Velspices and have a flavourful meal ready in minutes — no matter where you are in Australia.

Order curry powder online at Velspices — authentic South Asian blends, delivered fresh anywhere in Australia. Free delivery on Melbourne metro orders over $50.