Tamarind
Shop premium tamarind at Grocerywala. Tangy imli blocks, paste, and concentrate for curries, chutneys, and authentic South Indian cooking, delivered across the UK.
Collection Overview & Buyer Intent
Discover authentic tamarind at Grocerywala, your trusted source for premium imli delivered across the UK. Our collection features tamarind blocks, paste, and concentrate from trusted brands, essential for adding tangy sourness to curries, chutneys, sambhar, rasam, and South Indian dishes. This versatile ingredient provides distinctive sweet-sour flavour and acts as a natural souring agent in traditional cooking. Part of our wider Whole Spices collection.
Best For – Quick Selection Guide
Tamarind Blocks: Compressed tamarind pulp for traditional preparation and authentic flavour.
Tamarind Paste: Ready-to-use paste for convenient cooking without soaking.
Tamarind Concentrate: Concentrated form for intense sourness in small quantities.
Comparison Section
| Type |
Preparation |
Intensity |
Best For |
| Tamarind Blocks |
Soak and extract pulp |
Authentic, balanced |
Traditional cooking, chutneys |
| Tamarind Paste |
Ready to use |
Moderate, convenient |
Quick curries, everyday cooking |
| Tamarind Concentrate |
Dilute as needed |
Very intense |
Small quantities, strong sourness |
Popular Dishes
Use tamarind to create authentic Indian cuisine: prepare sambhar with tamarind for tangy South Indian lentil stew, make rasam with tamarind water for sour, peppery soup, create tamarind chutney for chaat and snacks, add to curries for sweet-sour balance, use in fish curries for traditional coastal flavour, or make imli ki chutney for samosas and pakoras.
Related Essentials
Complete your ingredient collection with complementary products from our store. Browse coriander & cumin seeds for curry bases, explore whole chillies for heat, discover lentils for sambhar and dal, pair with pickles & chutneys for ready-made options, and explore spices, masala & herbs for complete seasoning.
Seasonal Cooking Inspiration
During winter months, use tamarind in warming sambhar and rasam for comforting sourness. In summer, tamarind-based chutneys and cooling curries provide refreshing tang. Festive seasons call for tamarind in special chutneys and traditional dishes, whilst year-round tamarind is essential for South Indian cooking and authentic regional flavours.
How to Choose
For traditional cooking: Use tamarind blocks soaked in warm water, then extract pulp for authentic flavour.
For convenience: Tamarind paste is ready to use without soaking or straining.
For intense sourness: Tamarind concentrate provides strong tang in small quantities.
For chutneys: Tamarind blocks or paste work well for sweet-sour balance.
For quality: Choose dark, pliable tamarind blocks or thick, aromatic paste for best flavour.
Why Buy from Grocerywala
At Grocerywala, we source only authentic tamarind from trusted brands to ensure exceptional quality, tang, and flavour. Our selection is carefully curated to meet the needs of UK households seeking genuine Indian cooking ingredients. Enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK, competitive pricing on bulk purchases, and the convenience of shopping authentic tamarind varieties from home. We're committed to freshness, quality, and customer satisfaction with every order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare tamarind blocks for cooking?
Soak a walnut-sized piece of tamarind block in warm water for 15-20 minutes, mash with fingers, strain through a sieve to extract pulp, and discard seeds and fibres. Use the tangy pulp in cooking.
What's the difference between tamarind paste and concentrate?
Tamarind paste is ready-to-use pulp with moderate sourness. Tamarind concentrate is much more intense and needs diluting. Paste is more convenient for everyday cooking, whilst concentrate is economical for small quantities.
Can I substitute lemon juice for tamarind?
Lemon provides sourness but lacks tamarind's distinctive sweet-sour, fruity flavour. For authentic South Indian dishes like sambhar and rasam, tamarind is essential and cannot be fully replicated by lemon.
How should I store tamarind?
Store tamarind blocks in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months. Tamarind paste and concentrate should be refrigerated after opening and used within 3-6 months.
Is tamarind used in sweet or savoury dishes?
Tamarind is used in both. It adds tangy sourness to savoury curries, sambhar, and rasam, and provides sweet-sour balance in chutneys, candies, and traditional sweets. Its versatility makes it essential in Indian cooking.
