Condiments in English: 60+ Sauces, Spreads & Survival Phrases

Tip: In casual speech, people often just say sauce for lots of things. If you want to be clear, use the exact name: pesto, relish, vinaigrette, and so on.

Quick phrase: dip it in = put food briefly into sauce, then eat it.
Example: Dip it in the sauce and take a bite.

Basic Seasonings

• salt – Basic seasoning that makes flavors stronger. Example: Add salt little by little and taste as you go.
• sea salt – Salt from seawater, often used as a finishing salt. Example: Sprinkle sea salt on top right before serving.
• pepper – Spice that adds heat and aroma. Example: I add pepper to my soup at the table.
• black pepper – The most common type of pepper. Example: Freshly ground black pepper tastes stronger.
• salt and pepper – The classic combo. Example: Please pass the salt and pepper.

Spices, Herbs & Powders

• chili flakes – Dried crushed chili pieces that add heat. Example: Put chili flakes on pizza if you want more spice.
• paprika – Ground red pepper powder; mild to smoky. Example: Paprika gives the dish color and a gentle kick.
• garlic powder – Dry garlic seasoning. Example: Garlic powder is great when you are in a hurry.
• onion powder – Dry onion seasoning used in rubs and sauces. Example: Onion powder makes the dip taste richer.
• dried oregano – Herb commonly used in Italian and Greek cooking. Example: Dried oregano is perfect for tomato sauce.
• dried basil – Herb with a sweet, peppery flavor. Example: Add dried basil to the soup near the end.
• Italian seasoning – Herb mix (often oregano, basil, thyme, etc.). Example: Italian seasoning makes roasted vegetables easy.
• curry powder – Spice blend used in many dishes (varies by region). Example: Curry powder turns plain chicken into something exciting.
• garam masala – Warm Indian spice blend added near the end of cooking. Example: Add garam masala right before serving for aroma.
• Chinese five-spice – Blend often including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, pepper. Example: Chinese five-spice tastes amazing on roasted pork.

Oils, Vinegars & Citrus

• olive oil – Oil used for cooking and finishing dishes. Example: Drizzle olive oil on the bread before baking.
• sesame oil – Aromatic oil used in many Asian dishes. Example: Add a few drops of sesame oil at the end for aroma.
• vinegar – Sour liquid used for flavoring or pickling. Example: A splash of vinegar makes the salad taste brighter.
• balsamic vinegar – Dark, slightly sweet vinegar from Italy. Example: I love balsamic vinegar on tomatoes and mozzarella.
• apple cider vinegar – Vinegar made from apples. Example: Try apple cider vinegar in a simple coleslaw.
• lemon juice – Sour citrus juice used to brighten flavors. Example: Squeeze lemon juice on the fish before eating.
• lime juice – Sharp citrus juice, common in many cuisines. Example: Lime juice makes the tacos taste fresh.
• a drizzle of … – A small amount poured in a thin stream. Example: Add a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Pickles & Fermented Vegetables

• pickle – Vegetable (often cucumber) preserved in vinegar or brine. Example: I like a pickle on the side of my sandwich.
• gherkin – Small pickled cucumber (common word in UK and Europe). Example: The burger came with crunchy gherkins.
• relish – Chopped pickled vegetables used as a topping. Example: I put relish on my hot dog.
• sauerkraut – Fermented cabbage, tangy and salty. Example: Sauerkraut is tasty on sausages.
• kimchi – Korean fermented vegetables, often spicy. Example: I added kimchi to rice for extra flavor.

Strong Sauces & Pastes

• wasabi – Strong, spicy paste served with sushi. Example: I only use a tiny bit of wasabi.
• horseradish – Sharp root condiment, often served with roast beef. Example: Horseradish sauce is powerful, so go slow.
• fish sauce – Strong salty liquid seasoning used in Southeast Asian cooking. Example: A small amount of fish sauce boosts flavor fast.
• oyster sauce – Savory, slightly sweet sauce used in stir-fries. Example: Oyster sauce adds depth to vegetables.
• hoisin sauce – Sweet-salty sauce often used with Chinese dishes. Example: I dip the spring rolls in hoisin sauce.
• ponzu sauce – Citrus-based Japanese sauce, light and tangy. Example: Ponzu sauce is great with dumplings.
• sriracha – Garlic chili sauce, spicy and slightly sweet. Example: I add sriracha to noodles for heat.
• Tabasco sauce – Famous brand of hot sauce; often used as a general word. Example: Just two drops of Tabasco sauce is enough for me.
• chili crisp – Crunchy chili oil condiment, savory and spicy. Example: Chili crisp makes plain rice taste incredible.
• miso paste – Fermented soybean paste used for soups and sauces. Example: Miso paste adds a deep savory taste to broth.
• gochujang – Korean fermented chili paste, sweet and spicy. Example: Mix gochujang into the sauce for bold flavor.
• soybean paste – Broad term for savory fermented pastes used as seasoning. Example: Soybean paste gives the stew a strong savory taste.

Nutty & Sesame-Based

• tahini – Sesame seed paste used in sauces and hummus. Example: Tahini makes the dressing creamy without dairy.

Strong condiments are like superhero capes: a little looks cool, too much and things get dramatic fast.

Nut Butters & Chocolate Spreads

• peanut butter – Creamy or chunky spread made from peanuts. Example: Peanut butter and banana is my quick snack.
• almond butter – Nut spread made from almonds. Example: I spread almond butter on toast.
• hazelnut spread – Sweet chocolate-nut spread. Example: The kids wanted hazelnut spread on pancakes.

Sweet Spreads & Syrups

• jam – Fruit spread for toast. Example: I had toast with butter and strawberry jam.
• marmalade – Citrus fruit spread, often with peel. Example: Orange marmalade is great on toast.
• honey – Sweet spread or drizzle from bees. Example: I add honey to yogurt for sweetness.
• maple syrup – Sweet syrup, often used on pancakes and waffles. Example: Maple syrup is classic with waffles.

Fruit & Chutney

• chutney – Sweet or savory condiment made with fruit/vegetables and spices. Example: Mango chutney tastes great with curry.

Useful patterns:
spread it on = put a soft condiment on bread/food.
Spread it on the toast while it's warm.

Polite Requests

• Can I get some ketchup, please? – Standard way to ask for ketchup. Example: Can I get some ketchup, please?
• Can I get it mild? – Ask for less spicy food or sauce. Example: Can I get it mild?
• too spicy for me – Polite way to say the heat level is too much. Example: This is too spicy for me. Do you have something mild?
• mix it up – Combine ingredients together. Example: Mix it up and taste before adding more salt.

Quick restaurant tip: If you want a condiment separately, “on the side” is your best friend. If you want less of something, say “light on…”. If you want none, say “hold the…”.

When in doubt, point to the bottle and ask: “What do you usually call this sauce?” People are weirdly happy to talk about their favorite condiments.

• Server: What would you like on your burger?
• You: Ketchup and mustard, please. And hold the mayo.
• Server: Do you want any extra sauce on the side?
• You: Yes, can I get some ketchup on the side for the fries?

Pronunciation help: ketchup ≈ “KETCH-up” · mustard ≈ “MUS-terd” · mayonnaise ≈ “MAY-uh-nayz”.

• Server: What kind of dressing would you like?
• You: Vinaigrette, on the side, please.
• Server: Any extra toppings?
• You: A little cheese and light on the sauce, please. It gets too heavy for me.

Pronunciation help: vinaigrette ≈ “VIN-uh-GRET” · relish ≈ “REL-ish” · aioli ≈ “eye-OH-lee”.

Shadowing Exercise

Choose one dialogue. Imagine you're at the counter, press the audio buttons on this page for key words (ketchup, mustard, etc.), and then repeat the full sentences out loud. Copy the rhythm, not just the words.

• Mistake: “I want sauce” (very general).
  Better: “Can I get ketchup?” / “Do you have hot sauce?”
• Mistake: “Put ketchup inside my fries.”
  Better: “Can you put ketchup on the side?” or “Can you put ketchup on top?”
• Mistake: “Too much salty.”
  Better: “It's too salty for me.”
• Mistake: “I can't eat spicy.”
  Better: “I can't eat spicy food.” or “It's too spicy for me.”
• Mistake: “Give me jam, not marmalade,” without knowing the difference.
  Better: Ask: “Is that orange marmalade or regular jam?” People love explaining breakfast.
• Mistake: “Mix up it” when talking about combining sauces.
  Better: “Mix it up and taste it,” or “Mix the sauces together.”

• 1. What does “condiment” mean in simple English?
  A condiment is something you add to food to change or improve the flavor—like sauces, spreads, pickles, and seasonings.
• 2. Is salt a condiment or a seasoning?
  People use both words. In everyday English, salt is usually called a seasoning, but many dictionaries also include it as a condiment. You don't need to worry; both are fine.
• 3. How do I ask for less sauce politely?
  Use “light on…”. For example, “Light on the mayo, please,” or “Light on the dressing, please.”
• 4. How can I say I don't want a condiment at all?
  Say “hold the…” plus the condiment. For example, “Hold the mustard,” or “Hold the mayo.”
• 5. What's the most useful phrase from this page?
  Probably “Can I get the sauce on the side?” It gives you control over how much sauce you use and saves you from surprise oceans of dressing.
• 6. How many of these words should I learn first?
  Start with 10–15 words you actually use: ketchup, mustard, mayo, soy sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, vinegar, your favorite dip, and 2–3 phrases like on the side and extra sauce.