The Spice Map
Which spice for what.
A working map, not a chart on a wall.
Built from how I actually reach into the spice drawer. Pick ingredients to see what wants to sit next to them — or scan the matrix the other way around.
Step 1 · What are you cooking?
Pick one or more. Stacking ingredients narrows down to spices that love every one of them.
protein
vegetable
grain
dairy
fruit
Step 2 · Suggested spices for
chicken
Top match
Smoked paprika
Smoky · Spain (Pimentón)
A pinch over fried eggs is law.
Canonical pairings
The classics. Don't overthink it.
18
Smoked paprika
Smoky
Sweet paprika
Warm
Sichuan pepper
Citric
Ginger (dry)
Pungent
Thyme
Herbal
Tarragon
Herbal
Cumin
Earthy
Coriander seed
Citric
Turmeric
Earthy
Sumac
Citric
Za'atar
Herbal
Star anise
Warm
Saffron
Floral
Chili flake
Pungent
Oregano (dry)
Herbal
Rosemary
Herbal
Bay leaf
Herbal
Sage
Herbal
Reliable
Solid in the supporting role.
9
Cinnamon
Warm
Green cardamom
Floral
Fennel seed
Herbal
Mustard seed
Pungent
Nutmeg
Warm
Aleppo pepper
Smoky
Basil (dry)
Herbal
Mint
Herbal
Fenugreek
Earthy