Looking for exotic ingredients in Spain that you just can’t find in ordinary supermarkets? From hard-to-find spices to specialty sauces, sourcing authentic ingredients for traditional dishes can often feel impossible — especially when you’re far from home.

Whether you’re a nostalgic home cook, a passionate chef, or a curious food lover — Cosmo Cash & Carry is your one-stop culinary treasure chest. With 9 stores in Barcelona and Madrid and a popular online ethnic grocery store serving all of Spain and Portugal, Cosmo brings rare, authentic ingredients from around the world right to your table.

We understand how important it is to keep traditions alive, and that starts with the right ingredients. At Cosmo, every shelf is a celebration of cultural diversity, offering a chance to explore flavors from across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

From fiery Jamaican scotch bonnet peppers to richly fragrant Thai pandan leaves, discover 20 handpicked ingredients that set Cosmo apart from the rest — and inspire unforgettable meals. These are items that celebrate global food traditions and allow communities across Spain and Portugal to stay connected to their roots — while inviting others to explore new culinary experiences.

Why Cosmo is Spain’s Home for Global Ingredients

Thousands of customers — from local home cooks to professional chefs — rely on Cosmo for ingredients that simply can’t be found elsewhere. Our expert buyers carefully source from top international producers, and our store staff often speak your language and understand your cuisine. You’re not just shopping — you’re being welcomed into a world of flavor.

Since 2005, Cosmo has led the way in making ethnic grocery shopping in Spain accessible, joyful, and culturally meaningful. With direct imports from Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Morocco, China, Korea, the Dominican Republic, and more, Cosmo offers the widest ethnic selection in Spain and Portugal — both in-store and online at cosmocashcarry.com.

We cater to:

• Families recreating home-cooked meals from their heritage
• Restauranteurs offering authentic dishes to local communities
• Food enthusiasts expanding their culinary skills and global knowledge
• Immigrants and second-generation families rediscovering cultural identity

When we say exotic, we mean ingredients that:

• Are essential to traditional recipes but hard to find elsewhere
• Represent diverse cultures and cuisines
• Are used in both home kitchens and professional restaurants
• Capture centuries of culinary tradition and innovation
• Help tell stories across tables and generations

Cosmo is more than a store — it’s a bridge between heritage and the future.
Let’s dive into our exclusive list — organized to help you explore by type and purpose.

Top 20 Exotic Ingredients You’ll Only Find at Cosmo

To make your shopping easier, we’ve grouped these standout ingredients into three cultural and culinary categories: Spices & Seasonings, Sauces & Staples, and Snacks & Specialty Items.

Spices & Seasonings

1. AP Red Chilli Pepper Crushed

This crushed red chilli adds fiery heat and texture to pizzas, pastas, stir-fries, and curries. A must-have for lovers of bold flavor.

2. AP Jeera Cumin Seeds Black Whole

Known for their deep, earthy aroma, black cumin seeds are perfect for Indian curries, lentils, and tandoori dishes.

3. AP Garam Masala Powder

A classic North Indian spice blend with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and more. Add depth to meats, stews, or biryanis.

4. Parwaz Sazonador Cajun

This spicy, smoky Cajun seasoning adds a New Orleans twist to grilled meats, fries, and roasted vegetables.

5. Heera Kashmiri Chilli Powder

Mild in heat but rich in color, this powder brings a vibrant red hue to curries without overpowering them.

6. Soghat Kasoori Methi

These dried fenugreek leaves impart a signature aroma to butter chicken, paneer dishes, and daals.

7. Natco Paprika Powder

Sweet and smoky, this paprika is perfect for marinades, Spanish stews, or garnishing hummus.

Sauces, Condiments & Staples

8. Bioasia Organic Tamari Soy Sauce

Gluten-free and naturally brewed, this tamari soy sauce is perfect for health-conscious cooks and Asian recipes alike.

9. Marca Piña Soy Sauce

A Filipino pantry staple — salty, slightly sweet, and great with rice dishes and adobo-style cooking.

10. Knorr Liquid Seasoning

A versatile umami booster for marinades, soups, and fried rice. Just a dash delivers deep flavor.

11. UFC Banana Sauce

The beloved sweet-and-savory Filipino condiment — great with noodles.

12. Datu Puti Soy Sauce

Classic Filipino soy sauce with a bold, salty-sour tang, often paired with vinegar for dipping or marinating.

13. Crying Thaiger Super Hot Sriracha Chilli Sauce

Fiery and flavorful, this Thai-style sriracha sauce turns up the heat on noodles and eggs.

14. Soghat Lime Pickle Mild

A zesty, mildly spiced South Asian pickle — the perfect companion to rice, naan, and yogurt-based dishes.

15. Flying Goose Sriracha Mayo

Creamy, spicy, and irresistible — this sriracha mayo elevates burgers, sushi rolls, and even fries.

Snacks & Specialty Items

16. Verka Pudina Chana Roasted

Crunchy roasted chickpeas with cooling mint — a popular Indian snack for tea time or travel.

17. Cassava (Yuca) Chips

Crispy, gluten-free chips made from cassava root. Great for dipping or munching straight from the bag.

18. Green Plantains

Slice, fry, mash — these versatile starchy fruits are essential in Caribbean and African cuisine.

19. Dried Shrimp

Tiny, umami-rich seafood packed with intense flavor. Ideal for Southeast Asian soups, sambals, and sauces.

20. Kolson Dhanak Colour Vermicelli

Colorful and festive vermicelli, often used in sweet dishes like seviyan or falooda during Eid and celebrations.

Explore More Unique Categories at Cosmo

Cosmo is more than just ingredients — it’s a culinary journey. Discover even more in our curated ethnic categories:

• Spices: From garam masala to Chinese five-spice
• Rice: Basmati, Jasmine, Calasparra & more
• Sauces & Pastes: Thai, Korean, Filipino, Indian
• Noodles & Vermicelli: Ramen, pancit, seviyan
• Snacks: From plantain chips to murukku
• Tea & Coffee: Chai blends, Ethiopian coffee
• Flour & Grains: Yam, rice, cassava and semolina varieties
• Recipe Mixes: Biryani, Nihari, Adobo, Kare-Kare, and more

Order Online from Anywhere in Spain or Portugal

Cosmo ensures quality at every step. Our packaging process is designed to keep products secure, and well-labeled — whether it’s fragile sauces, fragrant spices, or perishable snacks.

No need to travel far to explore the world. At Cosmo Cash & Carry, you can browse, buy, and receive these exotic ingredients from the comfort of your home.

• Multilingual support for Spanish, English, and Portuguese
• Safe checkout with card, Bizum, PayPal
• Fast nationwide delivery
• Online-only deals and bundles
• Products filtered by culture, cuisine, or dietary preference
• Subscription options for home cooks and restaurant suppliers

Whether you live in Seville, Porto, Bilbao, Lisbon, or anywhere in between — Cosmo brings the world to your door.

Answering Your Culinary Curiosities (FAQs)

Where can I buy rare spices and exotic ingredients in Spain?

Cosmo Cash & Carry is the top destination for ethnic and rare grocery items, both in our stores across Barcelona and Madrid and online across Spain and Portugal.

What’s a good substitute for regular ketchup in Filipino recipes?

Banana Ketchup! You’ll find this sweet, tangy classic at Cosmo Cash Carry — a must-have for Filipino comfort food.

What do I use Sella Basmati Rice for?

It’s perfect for biryani, pilaf, or long-simmered dishes. Its grains remain separate and absorb flavor beautifully.

Can I use egusi seeds in European recipes?

Yes! Ground egusi adds richness to stews and can be used like ground nuts in creative fusions.

Does Cosmo offer bulk ordering or B2B supply?

Absolutely. We serve both home buyers and businesses. You can create a trade account and order in bulk at competitive pricing.

Pro Tips: How to Use These Ingredients

• Harissa Paste: Mix with olive oil for a quick marinade.
• Shaoxing Wine: Add 1–2 tbsp to stir-fries for instant depth.
• Date Syrup: Drizzle over pancakes, yogurt, or roasted vegetables.
• Gochujang: Combine with mayo and lemon for a spicy dip.
• Egusi: Toast and grind for better aroma in soups.
• Banana Ketchup: Try it on burgers or with fried chicken.
• Pandan Leaves: Tie into a knot and simmer in coconut milk desserts for aroma.
• Black Cardamom: Crush and simmer in rice for smoky elegance.
• Fermented Tofu: Use as a bold spread on steamed buns.

Final Call: Discover the Unforgettable at Cosmo

At Cosmo Cash & Carry, we believe that every ingredient carries a culture, every flavor tells a story, and every kitchen deserves access to global culinary treasures. Visit one of our 9 stores in Barcelona or Madrid, or explore our full range online at Cosmo Cash & Carry We proudly serve homes and restaurants across Spain and Portugal. Shop Now at Cosmo.