Are you thinking of expanding your palate? Maybe you want to explore other cuisines. If so, the key is to add international ingredients to your pantry.

You might know some of the basics already, such as spices and touches of umami. But there are lots of other options that help make every meal more authentic.

Here are a few ingredients from around the world you might want to give a shot!

Sometimes, dealing with the scent seems like a pain because it just won’t go away. But for this case, the answer is simpler than you think.

Here are a few easy tricks to prevent fish smell when cooking with natural materials.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass offers a lot of uses, from food to natural remedies. With its fragrance, you can get herbal flavors with touches of lemon, making it a great ingredient for enhancing dishes.

It also offers several benefits, such as digestion and pain relief. At the same time, it works as an insect repellent, primarily because of its natural oil content.

Goji Berries

If you’re looking for another superfood to add to your meals, goji berries are a great choice, fresh or dried. They also come in juice form, making them easy to incorporate into smoothies or protein shakes.


Like most berries, they offer a broad range of nutrients and antioxidants to improve your immune system, metabolism, and vision, among other benefits. Moreover, they contain low amounts of sugar compared to other alternatives.

A good rule of thumb is to go for fish that are pre-packaged in air-tight cases. Otherwise, you want to carefully evaluate your options.

Canned Tomatoes

Most homes use canned tomatoes as an alternative to fresh ones, especially when they’re not in season. But aside from building the perfect BLT, it’s great for whipping up your own sauce.

For a richer flavor, you can consider buying Italian canned tomatoes at a nearby international grocery or market. These often provide low acidity and firmer textures and are usually whole and peeled, adding more authenticity to your meal!

Curry Powder

Spices are a great way to boost your meal’s flavors, but did you know curry powder can work the same way? It’s a worldwide staple for its strong tastes, even for dishes that aren’t curry-based.

The powder can turn into a sweet or savory seasoning, depending on how you use it. Moreover, it includes a range of herbs and spices in a single mix.

Note that the curry powder sold in international stores is usually fresher than those found in typical supermarkets. So, you want to check them out if you want the full experience.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a Chinese cuisine staple and is common among lots of Asian countries for its salty and sweet combination, making it the perfect option for umami. Moreover, it works well with vegetables, such as broccoli and mushrooms. For some recipes, you can also use it as an alternative to soy sauce to give it a stronger flavor!

Rice Vinegar

When making sushi, rice vinegar is a must-have ingredient, but it’s also common in other Asian cuisines. Compared to regular vinegar, it’s milder, has less acidity, and comes with a sweeter taste.

Rice vinegar comes in different types, depending on the color. White rice vinegar is mild, while red rice vinegar has a tangy touch to it. You want to go for white rice vinegar for use in salad dressing or marinating meat.

Cassava Flour

Cassava flour is a great alternative to wheat flour if you want something gluten-free. It offers a similar texture but has a nuttier taste to it. Because of this, it’s often used for tortillas, pasta, and other baked goods.

Elevate Your Meals with International Ingredients

Using international ingredients is a quick and simple way to enhance the flavors of your meals. At the same time, it allows you to experience cuisines with more authenticity. These ingredients are also diverse, so you can take your time to experiment with them when adding them to your recipes!