Curry powder is not a single thing - it is a category of regional spice blends that vary enormously by country, tradition, and intended dish. While US grocery stores stock a handful of options, the real depth of curry powder culture lies in international imports: Japanese tins, British-Indian blends, and UK brands with decades of heritage. These five are the best globally sourced options available on Amazon.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| S&B Oriental Curry Powder (84g tin) | Japanese curry rice | Sweet, mild Japanese-style blend |
| Rajah Madras Curry Powder | British-Indian hot dishes | Authentic hot Madras heat level |
| Barts Curry Powder | UK-style home cooking | Classic British kitchen blend |
| Bolst’s Hot Curry Powder | Heat seekers | Full-fire British hot blend |
| Schwartz Medium Curry Powder | Balanced everyday use | UK McCormick quality, medium heat |
S&B Oriental Curry Powder (84g Tin)
S&B is Japan’s most iconic spice brand and their curry powder is the foundation of Japanese curry rice, katsu curry, and countless other dishes. The formula is sweeter, milder, and slightly more floral than Indian-style blends - reflecting the Japanese culinary preference for rounded, harmonious flavors over bold heat. The distinctive yellow tin is a kitchen staple across Japan and instantly recognizable to anyone who loves Japanese cuisine.
Pros:
- Authentic Japanese formula essential for proper Japanese curry rice
- Mild, sweet flavor profile accessible to heat-sensitive eaters
- Iconic tin packaging stores well and keeps powder fresh
Cons:
- Too mild for those expecting Indian-style curry powder heat
- Import pricing makes it more expensive than domestic alternatives
Rajah Madras Curry Powder
Rajah is a British-Indian spice brand that has been supplying UK curry houses and home kitchens for decades. The Madras variety is their boldest - built for the hot, South Indian-inspired dishes that dominate the British curry house menu. The blend leans on chili, coriander, and cumin with a bright turmeric backbone. It is the go-to import for anyone who wants authentic British-Indian restaurant heat at home.
Pros:
- Genuine Madras-level heat for serious curry cooks
- Well-balanced spice profile beyond just raw heat
- Trusted UK brand with consistent quality across batches
Cons:
- Hot heat level is not suited for mild curry recipes
- Import availability on Amazon can vary by region
Barts Curry Powder
Barts is a British spice brand with a long history in UK home cooking, offering a classic medium-style curry powder that reflects the everyday British approach to curry. The blend is aromatic, well-rounded, and versatile enough to work in sauces, dry rubs, soups, and rice dishes. It is less well-known than Rajah outside the UK but equally respected among British curry cooks.
Pros:
- Classic British medium-heat blend suits a wide range of recipes
- Versatile across both sauce-based and dry-spiced dishes
- Good flavor complexity for its price point
Cons:
- Less widely known outside the UK, making trust harder for new buyers
- Packaging is utilitarian - no premium feel
Bolst’s Hot Curry Powder
Bolst’s is a heritage UK brand that caters specifically to those who want serious heat in their curry powder. The hot blend delivers a punchy, fiery warmth without sacrificing the aromatic complexity that makes curry powder worth using. It has a cult following among UK curry enthusiasts and is now available to international buyers via Amazon. If mild or medium simply is not enough, Bolst’s is the answer.
Pros:
- Genuine high heat level for those who want a real kick
- Full aromatic spice profile alongside the heat
- Heritage brand with a loyal following
Cons:
- Too hot for everyday mild-curry cooking
- May be difficult to find in large quantities outside the UK
Schwartz Medium Curry Powder
Schwartz is the UK arm of McCormick - one of the world’s largest spice companies - and their medium curry powder brings that global quality standard with a distinctly British flavor profile. The medium heat is perfectly calibrated: warmer than mild, but nowhere near the fire of Bolst’s. The convenient jar format fits standard spice racks and the resealable lid keeps the powder fresh for longer than many competing imports.
Pros:
- Familiar McCormick quality behind a trusted UK brand name
- Medium heat level is the most versatile for everyday cooking
- Resealable jar format keeps powder fresh longer
Cons:
- More expensive per ounce as an import than US-sourced McCormick
- Flavor profile is very classic - may not excite experienced spice cooks
What to Look For
- Regional style - Japanese curry powder is sweeter and milder; British-Indian blends are aromatic and range from medium to hot; choose based on the cuisine you are cooking.
- Heat level - international labels use terms like “Madras” (hot), “medium,” or “mild” - read carefully because the same word can mean different things across brands.
- Import freshness - check the best-before date when ordering imports on Amazon; spice powders lose potency after 12-18 months and some third-party sellers stock older batches.
- Tin vs. jar - metal tins (like S&B) block light and air better than plastic jars, helping preserve aroma longer.
Final Thoughts
The world’s best curry powders tell very different stories through their spice ratios. S&B speaks to Japanese precision and restraint; Rajah and Bolst’s carry the legacy of British-Indian curry culture; Schwartz offers accessible everyday quality. Any of these five imports will immediately expand your spice vocabulary beyond what a standard US grocery shelf can offer.
Frequently asked questions
What makes international curry powders different from US grocery store brands?+
International curry powders - particularly British-Indian, Japanese, and South Asian blends - are often formulated for specific regional cooking traditions with different spice ratios, roasting levels, and chili varieties. British brands like Rajah use spice blends tuned for the UK curry house tradition, while Japanese S&B is sweeter and milder, designed for Japanese curry rice dishes.
Is Madras curry powder very spicy?+
Madras curry powder is on the hotter end of the curry powder spectrum, named after the South Indian city now called Chennai. Brands like Rajah Madras contain a higher ratio of chili and black pepper compared to mild or medium blends. It is distinctly hotter than standard curry powder but not as fiery as pure chili powder - expect real warmth with full aromatic depth.
Can I use Japanese curry powder for Indian-style cooking?+
You can, though the results will differ. S&B Japanese curry powder is milder and slightly sweeter than Indian-style blends - it works well in mild dishes, soups, or fusion recipes. For dishes that rely on authentic South Asian flavor, stick to Indian or British-Indian brands like Rajah or Bolst's, which are blended specifically for those cooking traditions.