One of the biggest problems I faced when learning to cook, and later while blogging, is Language.
I was always more familiar with the English Language. When I learnt to cook, it was with the Telugu names. So it used to be quite confusing for me while shopping and blogging, to tally up the name I’d learnt. Every blog invariably meant a quick search on the internet for alternative names, just to get my recipe across.
Found this list on some website. Made some changes to update it. Please comment to help me update this list. Also I may be familiar with some terms, but definitly not with all.
So please help me make this list more comprehensive. 🙂
Spices | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Aamchur | Dried mango powder | Maangai thool | ||
Ajmud | Celery seed | |||
Ajwain | Oregano | Vamu | ||
Kacha Karpoor | Borneo-Camphor | Pacha Karpooram | Cheen Karpooram | |
Dalchini | Cinnamon | Pattai | dalchini chakka/ patta | |
Dhania | Coriander | Kothamalli | Dhaniyalu | Korthambari |
Elaichi | Cardamom | Ellakaai | Ellakai | Elathari |
Haldi | Turmeric | Manjal | Pasupu | Anashina |
Hing | Asafoetida | Perungayam | Inguva | Hingu |
Jaiphal | Nutmeg | Jaathikaai | Jajikayi | Jaijkai |
Jeera | Cumin | Seeragam | Jilakara | Jeerake |
Kali mirch | Pepper | Milagu | Miriyalu | |
Kalonji | Onion seed | |||
Kesar | Saffron | Kunkuma Poo | ||
Khus khus | Poppy seeds | Kasa Kasa | gasagasalu | |
Lal mirch | Red chilis | Milakai Thool | Erra Mirpakaya | |
Lavang | Cloves | Kirambu | Lavangalu | Krambu |
Methi | Fenugreek | Vaendhayam | Menthulu | |
Mirchi | Chilis | Milagai | Mirapakaya | Molaku |
Sarson | Mustard Seeds | Kadugu | Avalu | |
Saunf | Fennel | Soombhu | sompu | |
Vegetables & Fruits | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Aam | Mango | Maangai | Maamidi | |
Adrak | Ginger | Inji | Allum | Shunti |
Aloo | Potato | Uralai Kilangu | Alugadda | |
Amrud | Guava | Koiya Palam | Jampandu | |
Ananas | Pineapple | Annachi Palam | Panasapandu | |
Anar | Pomegranate | Madhulai | danima | |
Angoor | Grapes | Dhiratchai | Dhraksha | |
Baingan | Eggplant/Brinjal | KathiriKaai | Vankaya | |
Bhindi | Lady’s finger/Okra | Vendakaai | Bendakaya | |
Gajar | Carrot | Carrot | Gajar | |
Gobi | Cauliflower | Cauliflower | Gobi | |
Kakari | Cucumber | Velarikaai | Dosakaya | |
Kaddu | Pumpkin | PoosiniKaai | Boppaspandu | |
Kela | Banana | Vaazhai Palam | Aritipandu | |
Lahsun | Garlic | Poondu | Vellulli | |
Matar | Peas | Pataani | Batani | |
Mooli | Radish | Mulanki | Mullangi | |
Nariyal | Coconut | Thaengai | Kobbari | |
Nimbu | Lemon | Yaelumichai | Nimmakaya | |
Palak | Spinach | Keerai | Palakura | |
Papita | Papaya | Papaali | bopasapandu | |
Piaz | Onions | Vaengayam | Ulligadda | |
Sev | Apple | Apple | ||
Tamatar | Tomato | Thakaali | Tamata | |
Herbs | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Tulsi | Basil | Tulsi | ||
Hara dhania | Coriander leaves | Kothumalli Thalai | Kothmeer | |
Pudina | Mint | Pudhina | ||
Tej Patta | Bay leaf | Biryani aaku | ||
Nuts | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Akhrot | Walnuts | |||
Badam | Almonds | Badam | Badam | Badam |
Kismis | Raisins | Kismis | ||
Kaju | Cashewnuts | Mundhiri Parupu | Jeedi Pappu | Geru Beena |
Moongphali | Ground nuts | Vaer Kadalai | Palli | |
Flours | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Atta | Wheat flour | Godhumai Maavu | Godhuma Pindi | Godhi hittu |
Besan | Chick pea flour | Kadalai Maavu | Senaga Pindi | Kadale hittu |
Maida | All Purpose Flour | Maida Maavi | Maida Pindi | Godhi hittu |
Pulses and Grains | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Bajra | Millet | |||
Channa | Chick peas | Kodai Kadalai | Cenagalu | |
Channa dal | Split chick peas | Kadalai Paruppu | Cenagapappu | |
Chawal | Rice | Arrisi | Bhiyam | Akki |
Dal | Pulses | Paruppu | Pappu | bele |
Gehun | Wheat | Godhumai | Godhumapindi | |
Jowar | Barley | Jonna | ||
Kabuli Chana | White Chick Peas | Kondai Kadalai | Kabuli cenagalu | |
Masoor dal | Red lentils | |||
Moong dal | Green Gram | Paasi Paruppu | Pesara Pappu | Hesar Bele |
Rajma | Red Kidney beans | |||
Toor dal | Pigeon peas | Thoovaram Paruppu | Kandipappu | |
Urad dal | Black gram | Ulundhu Paruppu | Minappa Pappu | Udina bele |
Dairy Products | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Chaas | ButterMilk | More | Majjiga | |
Dahi | Yoghurt | Thayir | Perugu | |
Doodh | Milk | Paal | Paalu | |
Ghee | Clarified butter | Nyei | Neyyi | |
Malai | Cream | Paal Aadai | Meegada | |
Makhan | Butter | Vaenai | Venna | |
Mawa | Thickened Milk | Paal kova | ||
Paneer | Cottage cheese | |||
Miscellaneous | ||||
Hindi | English | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada |
Achar | Pickles | Oorugaai | Oragaya/ pachadi | |
Chini | Sugar | Sarkarai | Panchadhara | |
Gur | Jaggery/Brown Sugar | Karumbu Sarkarai | Bellam | |
Imli | Tamarind | Puli | Chintapandu | |
Madhu | Honey | Thaen | Thena | |
Masala | Spices | |||
Namak | Salt | Uppu | Uppu | |
Sooji | Semolina | Ravai | Rawa | Rawa |
Tel | Oil | Ennai | Nooni |