Sauces are the soul of any dish—they add flavour, texture, and excitement to your meals. Whether it’s a spicy Indian chutney or a creamy international dip, the right sauce can transform simple food into a gourmet experience. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 must-try Indian and international sauces that will take your cooking to the next level. Let’s dive in!
Mint-Coriander Chutney (Hari Chutney) – Fresh, Tangy & Spicy
Mint-Coriander Chutney, also known as Hari Chutney, is a must-have condiment in every Indian kitchen. Made with fresh mint leaves, coriander (dhaniya), green chillies, and a splash of lemon juice, this vibrant green chutney adds a burst of flavour to any dish. It’s the perfect dip for samosas, pakoras, tikkas, kebabs, and even works great as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Known for its cooling, tangy, and slightly spicy taste, this chutney not only enhances the flavour of your snacks but also aids in digestion. Quick to prepare and full of antioxidants, this versatile chutney is a staple during Indian festivals, street food feasts, or everyday meals.
Tamarind-Date Chutney (Imli Khajur Chutney) – Sweet, Tangy & Irresistible
Tamarind-Date Chutney, also known as Imli Khajur Chutney, is a classic Indian condiment that combines the sweet richness of dates (khajur) with the tangy punch of tamarind (imli). This deep brown, silky chutney is a staple in Indian street food and chaats like pani puri, bhel puri, dahi bhalla, samosa chaat, and more. Flavoured with jaggery, cumin, black salt, and dry ginger, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and mildly spicy notes. Not only is it delicious and addictive, but it’s also easy to store and can be made in large batches. Whether you’re prepping for festive snacks or giving your evening chaat a tasty twist, this chutney is a must-have in every Indian kitchen.
Schezwan Sauce – Spicy, Tangy & Flavour-Packed Indo-Chinese Favourite
Schezwan Sauce is a bold and fiery Indo-Chinese condiment made with red chillies, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of vinegar. Known for its spicy, tangy, and garlicky flavour, this sauce is a staple in street-style Chinese dishes like Schezwan fried rice, noodles, momos, spring rolls, and even as a dip for snacks. It adds an instant punch to any recipe and is perfect for those who love spicy Asian-style flavours. Whether you’re tossing it into stir-fries or using it as a sandwich spread or momo chutney, Schezwan sauce is a versatile, make-ahead condiment that brings restaurant-style zing right into your home kitchen. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it a pantry essential for every spice lover.
Tomato Ketchup – The All-Time Favourite Condiment Loved Worldwide
Tomato Ketchup is one of the most popular and versatile condiments around the world. Made from ripe tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and select spices, this sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with everything from French fries, burgers, sandwiches, and pakoras to Indian snacks like cutlets and samosas. Loved by both kids and adults, ketchup is a staple in almost every household thanks to its universal appeal and long shelf life. Whether used as a dip, spread, or base for sauces and marinades, tomato ketchup adds instant flavour and familiarity to any meal. Its smooth texture and balanced taste make it a go-to condiment for fast food, party platters, and everyday snacks alike.
Mayo Garlic Sauce – Creamy, Flavourful & Perfect for Dips and Wraps
Mayo Garlic Sauce is a rich and creamy condiment made with smooth mayonnaise, blended with fresh garlic, a dash of lemon juice, and light seasoning. This velvety, mildly tangy sauce is the perfect addition to your favourite snacks and fast foods like shawarmas, wraps, burgers, fries, sandwiches, and even grilled meats. Popular in both Indian fusion dishes and global fast food menus, garlic mayo offers a perfect balance of creaminess and garlicky zest, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties and dinner tables alike. Easy to make at home with minimal ingredients, this versatile dipping sauce instantly elevates the taste of any savoury bite.
BBQ Sauce – Smoky, Sweet & Perfect for Grilling and Dipping
BBQ Sauce, short for barbecue sauce, is a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that’s a staple in grilled and roasted dishes around the world. Made with a flavourful blend of tomato paste or ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and spices, BBQ sauce is known for its deep, smoky undertones and rich, sticky texture. It’s commonly used as a marinade, basting sauce, or dip for foods like grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, wings, and even paneer tikka in fusion Indian recipes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to add a bold kick to your wraps and fries, this versatile and crowd-pleasing sauce brings that signature grilled flavour right to your plate.
Peanut Chutney – Creamy South Indian Chutney for Idli, Dosa & More
Peanut Chutney, also known as groundnut chutney, is a creamy and flavourful South Indian condiment made with roasted peanuts, dry red chillies, garlic, and a touch of tamarind. Blended to a smooth consistency and often topped with a classic mustard seed tempering (tadka), this chutney pairs beautifully with idli, dosa, uttapam, vada, and even steamed rice. Unlike coconut chutney, peanut chutney has a nutty, rich flavour and is more shelf-stable, making it ideal for travel or lunchboxes. It’s easy to prepare, protein-rich, and can be mildly spicy or bold—depending on your preference. If you’re looking to try an authentic South Indian breakfast chutney with a twist, peanut chutney is a must-try addition to your recipe collection.
Pesto Sauce – Classic Italian Herb Sauce Packed with Flavour
Pesto Sauce is a vibrant, aromatic Italian condiment made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Known for its bright green colour and bold, herby flavour, pesto is a staple in Italian cuisine—perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches and bruschetta, or drizzling over grilled vegetables and meats. Its fresh, earthy taste makes it a versatile favourite in both traditional and fusion dishes. Whether you’re making a quick pesto pasta, a gourmet pizza, or a healthy wrap, this no-cook sauce adds instant richness and depth. With endless variations like walnut pesto, spinach pesto, or even Indian-style coriander pesto, it’s an easy way to bring Italian herb magic into your everyday meals.
Sriracha Sauce – Spicy, Tangy & Bold Thai-American Hot Sauce
Sriracha Sauce is a fiery and flavour-packed hot sauce made from red chilli peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt, offering the perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and a touch of sweetness. Originally from Thailand but now a global favourite, Sriracha is commonly used in American, Asian, and fusion cuisines as a dip, drizzle, or marinade. Its smooth texture and bold flavour make it ideal for everything from noodles, fried rice, momos, burgers, wraps, eggs, to even Indian snacks like pakoras and sandwiches. Whether you’re looking to spice up your everyday meals or add a gourmet kick to fast food, Sriracha Sauce is a must-have condiment in every spice lover’s kitchen.
White Sauce (Béchamel) – Creamy French Classic for Pasta & More
White Sauce, also known as Béchamel Sauce, is one of the five classic “mother sauces” of French cuisine. Made with just three basic ingredients—butter, flour (maida), and milk—this smooth and creamy sauce forms the perfect base for a wide range of dishes. It’s widely used in white sauce pasta, lasagna, baked vegetables, gratins, and even sandwich fillings. Mildly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg, Béchamel sauce is prized for its rich texture and neutral flavour, making it ideal for customisation with cheese, herbs, or garlic. Whether you’re preparing a comforting homemade pasta or a restaurant-style baked dish, white sauce adds a creamy, luxurious touch that elevates any meal.
Conclusion
From spicy to tangy, creamy to herby—sauces are the secret to transforming everyday dishes into unforgettable meals. Whether it’s the bold kick of Schezwan Sauce, the comforting creaminess of White Sauce (Béchamel), the refreshing zest of Mint-Coriander Chutney, or the globally loved Tomato Ketchup, each sauce brings its own unique flavour and flair to the table.
This curated list of the 10 best Indian and international sauces proves that with just a spoonful, you can enhance taste, add variety, and bring restaurant-style quality to your home cooking. These sauces are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile—perfect for dips, marinades, spreads, or side accompaniments.