There's Much More Than Just Ketchup and Mustard

Why would you even touch ketchup anymore when there are countless mouthwatering condiments out there you can use to zest up your boring meals? From delectable umami pastes to sweet and spicy concoctions, there are so many amazing options that you'll have to put on everything once you try them. Here are the 20 best international condiments to add to your cupboards.

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 1. Soy Sauce

This traditional Chinese sauce made from fermented soybeans, grains, and brine has a distinct umami flavor. Not only does it taste amazing but it also aids in digestion.

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2. Harissa

This North African hot sauce is smoky and spicy without being overpowering. Its main ingredients are roasted peppers, spices, garlic, and citrus and it’s good on everything from couscous to tacos. 

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3. Mostarda

This Italian condiment is made from candied fruit and mustard syrup. It was originally served alongside boiled meats which make up many traditional Northern Italian dishes, but in the modern day, it’s become popular on cheese plates too, adding a nice sweet and sour kick. 

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4. Chimichurri

Chimichurri is like a pesto made from parsley, garlic, and spices. It originates from Argentina and is traditionally served alongside steak dishes. Its hodgepodge of flavors mixing South American and European ingredients reflects the country’s unique heritage. 

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5. Gochujang

This Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, chili, malt, and salt is spicy, salty, earthy, and sweet all at the same time.

It’s traditionally served with dishes like bibimbap but it’s so good on just about anything savory. 

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6. Worcestershire Sauce

The name Worcestershire might be a mouthful to pronounce but it’s also a mouthful of complex flavor. Made from tangy tamarind, vinegar, and sweet molasses, it’s an incredible journey of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that goes great in marinades. 

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7. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin is a Chinese sauce often used in meat glazes. Its sweet, caramel and salty flavor go fabulously on so many things including stir fries, curries, and used as a dipping sauce.

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8. Sweet Chili Sauce

This Thai sauce doesn’t mince words. It’s made from fresh chilies, garlic, and fish sauce and is sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy. Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, dumplings, or spring rolls.

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9. Tapenade

This spread from the Provence region of France is a flavor-packed blend of crushed up olives, capers, and herbs. It’s often served as a simple appetizer with a baguette or used in salads or to stuff poultry. 

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10. H.P. Sauce

Often referred to simply as “brown sauce,” this British sauce was named after London’s parliament. The main ingredients are tomatoes, tamarind, and dates. It’s a sweet sauce served on savory foods like sandwiches, grilled meats, and burgers.

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11. Toum

This Lebanese sauce is any garlic lover’s dream. It’s garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt blended together to make a punchy addition to your shawarma sandwich.

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12. Tajin

Tajin is a Mexican spice blend made up of chilis, lime, and salt popular in the country’s coastal regions. The spice and freshness from the lime balance each other perfectly.

It’s often served alongside tropical fruits like coconut or pineapple and used as a seafood rub. 

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13. Labneh

A Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yogurt, Labneh is like cream cheese but much healthier and lighter with a fresh and tangy flavor. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, as a dip, or spread it on a piece of bread with smoked fish. 

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14. Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp

A hot sauce with a crunch, spicy chili crisp adds both flavor and texture to dishes. It’s a mixture of chili, peppercorns, garlic, and oil that any spice lover would adore.

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15. Ajvar

Ajvar is an Eastern European condiment made from smoky roasted vegetables blended into a thick spread. The veggies used in it vary but typically include eggplant and roasted red peppers. It comes spicy and mild and is awesome on bread or used as pasta sauce.

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16. Tahini

Tahini is a Middle Eastern sauce made from ground sesame. It’s one of the main ingredients in hummus but also stands alone beautifully as a salad dressing or in a wrap. 

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17. Mango Chutney

Chutney is a type of relish typical in India. There are countless varieties, some more savory than others, but our favorite is the mango flavor which is at once sweet, savory, and spicy.

It’s great on samosas or cheese boards. 

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18. Dijon Mustard

Move over, yellow mustard–your classier cousin from France is in town. Dijon mustard is a condiment with a long history spanning back to the Middle Ages. It’s made from white wine, vinegar, mustard seeds, and salt and is the perfect sandwich condiment if you like strong flavors.

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19. Tzatziki

This herby yogurt cucumber dip hails from Greece. It consists of shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. It’s served as an appetizer with bread or veggies and alongside souvlaki and gyros. 

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20. Mole

Mole is a word used for all sorts of smooth Mexican sauces, but the type we’re referring to is made from dried chillis, tomatillo, and chocolate. Don't let that last ingredient fool you: this is a savory sauce served on classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas. 

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