What is the difference between Madras Curry Powder vs. Curry Powder

Madras Curry Powder vs. Curry Powder – are they different of the same?

No one spice blend is as complicated as curry powder. There is no such thing as a single “curry powder” in Indian cuisine. Each dish has its own combination of spices that makes it unique. Curry powder is a mixture of turmeric and other spices that can be blended in mild, medium or hot strengths. The main difference between these blends is that Madras Curry Powder is spicier in taste compared to standard Curry Powder.

Madras Curry Powder vs. Curry Powder

Both types of curry powder have many of the same ingredients. They both contain Turmeric, which provides this spice blend with an intense yellow color. They both also contain the spices fenugreek and cumin which provide the well-known curry flavor. The major difference between the two types of curry powder is heat. The spicy flavor in our Madras Curry powder comes Cayenne pepper.

Can you substitute regular Curry Powder for Madras Curry and vice versa?

Yes. As a general rule of thumb if you are using Madras Curry powder as a substitute for Curry Powder just know that you are adding more “spiciness” to your dish. If you use regular Curry Powder for a recipe that calls for Madras Curry you might consider adding a pinch of Cayenne Pepper and Mustard Powder to your recipe to achieve the heat and flavor of Madras.

All curry powders are different and no two recipes are exactly the same, including ours. In India they will differ in households and areas just like you might find BBQ to be different in various regions of the country.

MySpicer carries both Madras Style and standard Curry Powder, each made with tried and tested ingredients to create the perfect combination of spices.  We don’t use any artificial colors or flavors in these blends.