Masala dabba

{{Short description|Spice storage container}}

File:Spices in an Indian kitchen.JPG, chilli powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic-chilli dry masala, chilli powder again, coriander seeds, cumin seeds powder. At the centre are black mustard seeds.]]

A masala box (dabbe, or dabba) is a popular spice storage container widely used in Indian kitchens.

A typical masaladabbi has a number of small cups, often seven, placed inside a round or square box.{{cite book|author=Anupy Singla|title=The Indian Slow Cooker: 50 Healthy, Easy, Authentic Recipes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=01vGAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA23|date=7 September 2010|publisher=Surrey/Agate|isbn=978-1-57284-111-6|pages=23–}} The modern boxes have transparent lids and display the contents inside.{{citation needed|date=December 2015}} Usually a small spoon (approximately 1/2 teaspoon size) accompanies the box. The most popular and daily usage spices like mustard, chili, garam masala, cumin, fenugreek, variety of masalas, ajwain (bishop's weed) etc. are stored in this box.

Some antique masaladabbis are heirloom art objects, and are passed on in a family from generation to generation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/03/indian-kitchen-spice-box-prized/rcYgv4xt8rYZQnFm1ElNtJ/story.html|title=In an Indian kitchen, the spice box is prized - the Boston Globe|website=The Boston Globe}}