Herbs and Spices

Spices and Herbs

Here is a list of the most common spices and herbs with their Afrikaans, English and German names

Spices

Afrikaans	English	German
Borrie	Turmeric	die Kurkuma
Komyn	Cumin	der Kreuzkümmel
Peper	Pepper	der Pfeffer
Neutmuskaat	Nutmeg	die Muskatnuss
Naeltjies	Clove	die Nelke
Wonderpeper	Allspice	der Piment
Kardemom	Cardamom	der Kardamom
Koriander	Coriander (ground/seed)	der Koriander
Garam masala	Garam Masala	das Garam Masala
Verrykie	Fenugreek	der Bockshornklee
Mosterdsaad	Mustard Seeds	die Senfkörner
Gemmer	Ginger (ground)	der Ingwer (gemahlen)
Kaneel	Cinnamon	der Zimt
Anys	Anise	der Anis
Steranys	Star Anise	der Sternanis
Vanielje	Vanilla	die Vanille

Herbs

Afrikaans	English	German
Pietersielie	Parsley	die Petersilie
Dille	Dill	der Dill
Roosmaryn	Rosemary	der Rosmarin
Lourierblare	Bay Leaf	der Lorbeer / das Lorbeerblatt
Salie	Sage	der Salbei
Tiemie	Thyme	der Thymian
Basiliekruid	Basil	das Basilikum
Oregano	Oregano	der Oregano
Marjolein	Marjoram	der Majoran
Grasuie	Chives	der Schnittlauch
Ment	Mint	die Minze

Other

Afrikaans	English	German
Aromat	Aromat	Knorr Aromat is available in major grocery shops. It also comes in packets
Colemans Mostert Poeier	Colemans Mustard Powder	Available in major grocery shops
Bief/Hoender aftreksel	Beef/Chicken Stock	There is a variety of options available You can get it in the following: – Blocks called Brühwürfel – Liquid called Fond or Bouillon – Set liquid called Bouillon pastös – Powdered also called Bouillon see more here

Where to buy Herbs and spices

Spices in Germany can feel a bit… bashful. The supermarket shelves at Edeka, Rewe, and Kaufland will keep you going, but if your South African soul longs for proper skerp flavour, you’ll want to wander a little further. The real treasures hide in Asian supermarkets, Indian spice shops, and the bustling Markthalle stalls where the air already smells like possibility. There you’ll find fiery chillies, proper curry blends, whole spices, and fragrant herbs that actually taste like something. It’s the closest thing to stepping into a South African pantry without needing a plane ticket.

Allspice vs Mixed Spice

Allspice and mixed spice are often confused, but they are not the same.
Allspice is a single spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant. Its flavour naturally resembles a combination of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, which is why it’s used in both savoury dishes and classic holiday baking.
Mixed spice, by contrast, is a blend of several ground spices. Typical mixtures include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, ginger, and sometimes mace or coriander. It has a sweeter, softer profile and is commonly added to Christmas cookies, fruitcakes, and puddings. In baking terms, allspice gives a deep, singular warmth, while mixed spice offers a balanced, ready-made festive blend.

Homemade Mixed Spice

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon ground allspice (piment)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander or cardamom for extra warmth

Instructions:

Combine all the ground spices in a small bowl.
Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Keeps for several months.

Usage:
Use as you would store-bought mixed spice in Christmas cookies, fruitcakes, muffins, or puddings. Start with the same quantity called for in a recipe, then adjust slightly if you like a stronger or milder flavour.

Meat

🇿🇦 Meat the Difference: A South African’s Guide to Buying Meat in Germany 🇩🇪 Looking for proper boerewors? Wondering why German Rindfleisch doesn’t taste quite like home? Or scratching your head at all the unfamiliar beef cuts? Get to know the difference between German and South African beef cuts, learn

Substitutes – Drinks

Substitutes – Drinks Looking for Milo, Horlicks, Frisco, Ricoffy or Lime Cordial? We compiled a list of substitutes for some of the popular hot and cold drinks loved by South Africans Product Where to Buy / Notes Milo Most African and Asian Shops stock Milo. You can also buy it

Substitutes – Other Products

Here is a list of substitutes and translations for general food and kitchen items like cling film, maize meal, custard and biscuits Related content Where to buy South African products

Frozen products

Frozen products Finding your favourite South African frozen products in Germany can be a bit like playing grocery store hide-and-seek This guide helps you decode supermarket shelves, discover the German names for your favourites, and find the closest substitutes when the real thing is nowhere to be found. No more

Baking ingredients

Baking ingredients For all of the passionate bakers out there! We have thoughtfully compiled a comprehensive list of alternative ingredient options that can be used for baking in Germany, along with their corresponding German translations. Types of Flour Product Substitute / Translation Self-Raising Flour Not commonly sold in Germany (occasionally

Types of Sugars

Types of Sugar Moving to Germany comes with its quirks, and even something as simple as sugar can surprise you. The soft brown sugar you grew up baking with? Rare. The rock sugar in your tea? Completely new.This guide is your pantry translator — showing you exactly which German sugars