What to use instead of malaysian curry powder
Quick answer
The closest option is Curry powder, rated poor. British curry powder is turmeric-led, milder and flatter; the Malaysian powders are coriander- and chilli-led and are made for meat or for fish. The curry comes out yellower and less hot and has lost the fennel and, for meat, the star anise.
It will not do for: Fish-head curry; Any dish where the meat or fish distinction matters.
All recorded options
Ranked by suitability. Ratios are given only where they are defensible, and always with their basis — by weight or by volume — because spice densities differ.
Curry powder
PoorBritish curry powder is turmeric-led, milder and flatter; the Malaysian powders are coriander- and chilli-led and are made for meat or for fish. The curry comes out yellower and less hot and has lost the fennel and, for meat, the star anise.
| Flavour | Aroma | Colour | Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| partial | partial | close | less |
Works for
- A chicken curry when nothing else is available, with added chilli
Does not work for
- Fish-head curry
- Any dish where the meat or fish distinction matters