Bafat

Bafat is a traditional Mangalorean blend of ground spices such as red chilis, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and turmeric. Each spice is dry-roasted separately until fragrant and slightly browned, then all of them are combined and ground to a powdery consistency.

The spices used for preparing this blend vary from one household to another, with each using their own unique selection of spices. This highly-aromatic and spicy blend is widely used in Mangalorean cuisine and is especially typical of the Mangalorean Catholic community.

Bafat is available at most grocery stores in Mangalore, and it commonly enhances the flavor of various meat specialties, curries, and vegetarian dishes.